New auxiliaries for Quebec

Pope Benedict XVI named two new auxiliary bishops to Quebec Dec. 12 to assist Archbishop Gerald Cyprien Lacroix in Canada’s first and oldest diocese.

The new bishops-elect are Fr. Gaétan Proulx, O.S.M., a Servite religious order member, and Fr. Denis Grondin Jr.

At a news conference in Quebec City carried on the diocese’s ECDQ TV network, Lacroix said he welcomed the Holy Father’s announcement with great joy. The archbishop described the men as pastors who are extremely well-equipped and experienced. He said they are “profoundly spiritual and rooted in the faith” as well as very rooted in the realities of everyday life.

Proulx said he was happy to serve the Church in Quebec after considering the nomination. He also noted the great sense of fraternity he felt with the archbishop and within the diocese.

Grondin said he trusted in God’s mercy as he took up the appointment. “I am not alone,” he said, noting he had the Church, the Holy Spirit, the love of God “and you,” the collaborators and witnesses of the faith, to help him.

Born on May 27, 1946 in Saint-Denis-de-Brompton, Que., Prouxl joined the Servite order and was ordained to the priesthood on June 8, 1975. He has served in France and Belgium as well as his home province.

Grondin was born on Oct. 23, 1954 in Rimouski. After his ordination to the priesthood on May 21, 1989, he began serving as an associate pastor in various parts of the Quebec diocese and later as pastor of several Charlevoix region parishes.

A date has not yet been set for their episcopal ordination.