| Written by Tony Gosgnach, Catholic Register Special,
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 Bishop Anthony Tonnos Born in 1935 in Port Colborne, Ont., Tonnos said his path toward the priesthood was laid by his family, which loved priests, and the regular visits of parish priests to his home.
“My parents were both faith-filled people and a wonderful example,” he said. “My paternal grandfather lived with us and both he and my dad went to Mass not only on Sundays, but every day … That was the kind of influence I had as a youth.”
It was the curate at his home parish of St. Patrick’s in Port Colborne, however, who made the largest impression on him. Fr. (now retired auxiliary bishop of Toronto) Pearse Lacey “was a wonderful, kind, happy man (who) couldn’t help influencing the people in that parish and he influenced this young boy.”
After studying at Toronto’s St. Augustine’s Seminary and the University of St. Michael’s College, Tonnos was ordained a priest in the diocese of St. Catharines in 1961. Two years later, he was sent for studies in Rome, where he earned a licentiate in canon law at the Angelicum, the Dominican Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas.
Subsequent years saw him serve as pastor of various parishes in the diocese of St. Catharines and also as chancellor, vicar-general and judge on the Toronto Marriage Tribunal. Then, in 1983, while recovering from a bout with pneumonia at his father’s house, Tonnos received a “very surprising” phone call from then-St. Catharines Bishop Thomas B. Fulton.
“They wanted me to be an auxiliary bishop in Hamilton,” he recalled. “Although I had considered the possibility at some times in the past that that might happen some time, I kind of thought it wasn’t going to happen. It was perfectly fine with me — I was perfectly happy as a priest and pastor.”
Asking Fulton what he thought he should do, the bishop replied, “If the pope asks you to be a bishop, you should be a bishop.” It is advice to which Tonnos continues to subscribe to this day.
“I perhaps felt a little less than capable or a little bit under the call. But trusting in God’s goodness, grace and willingness to help us always, I accepted and have always tried to do my best.”
He chose as his episcopal motto the words of St. Paul: “God gives the growth.”
Tonnos was just settling in as an auxiliary when Bishop Paul Reding died on Dec. 8, 1983. Six months later, he was installed as bishop in what he described as a “very, very happy time in my life.”
Over the years, Tonnos has come to enjoy time spent with the people of his diocese best.
“I’ve had great experiences. I enjoy times I’m with the people, when I have the opportunity to serve the people, to try to help them in some way or other and hopefully try to continue the wonderful reputation Hamilton diocese has.”
He cited Pope John Paul II’s 1984 visit to Canada as one of the most memorable events of his time as a bishop. He has also enjoyed conferring the sacrament of Confirmation and recalled the 2000 Jubilee Year and the 150th anniversary of the diocese in 2006 as other highlights of his episcopate.
“Every time I ordain a new priest, it’s a wonderful thing,” he added. “I enjoy that — it’s a special time for me … I thank God I’ve had the opportunity to ordain several priests over these 25 years.”
In terms of challenges, although Hamilton diocese has been relatively unscathed by it, Tonnos was quick to mention the scandal of clerical sexual abuse as the issue that has most hurt the church in recent times.
“You have to face that with honesty and concern for everyone,” he said. “You always pray to God. I have great faith and great trust in God. I know, with certainty, God continues with the church, continues to guide and direct the church and will let us get past the tragedy of these sinful and wrong events.”
A number of other issues, including the protection of human life, the preservation of Catholic education, support for family life and the shortfall in vocations, have also been prominent concerns for Tonnos.
“The role of the bishop, for the most part, remains constant. The bishop is a teacher — he must lead by word and example … To help people be holy, to make it possible for them to receive the aids to holiness we all need.
“I’m very much a pastoral bishop,” he added. “The prime concern I have is always the care of the people in the parishes … We’re really only here to serve the people in the parishes. That needs to be the direction the diocese continues in.”
As for his future, Tonnos, who turned 73 this year, said he is due to send a letter to the Pope in two years’ time, advising the pontiff of his having reached a bishop’s normal retirement age of 75.
“If God gives me good health, I’m happy and willing to serve at the wish of the Holy Father. Like most priests, you retire from the official responsibility, but always continue to help in many ways … (Retired Hamilton Auxiliary Bishop Matthew) Ustrzycki is still helping us very, very actively and I hope to be able to do the same.”
Tonnos’ anniversary as a bishop was celebrated with a Mass and reception in early June. More events are planned in September.
(Gosgnach is a freelance writer in Hamilton, Ont.)
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