Hamilton, Ont.'s Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King was packed to capacity this morning as faithful family, friends, clergy and dignitaries from near and far gathered to welcome their newest shepherd, Bishop Joseph Dabrowski, officially installed today as the 10th Bishop of Hamilton. 

Following a reading of the Apostolic Letter of Appointment by Msgr. Murray Kroetsch, the former Bishop of Charlottetown was led to the Bishop’s chair and presented with the crozier of Hamilton’s first bishop, Fr. John Farrell, by installing prelate Cardinal Frank Leo and Bishop Emeritus Douglas Crosby. 

The joyful rite of transition was followed by various greetings from the faithful, with representatives of priests, deacons, religious women, families, youth and senior members  throughout the diocese individually welcoming Dabrowski to Hamilton. 

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In a homily rich with gratitude to figures like Leo, Cardinal Thomas Collins, Apostolic Nuncio Ivan Jurkovič, his predecessor Crosby and many more, Dabrowski addressed the cathedral audience with his characteristic humility as his new chapter of service officially began. 

“ As I begin my ministry in Hamilton, I am deeply aware of the rich legacy of faith and service that has shaped this diocese, and the tremendous contribution of so many consecrated men and women of many religious congregations and communities, both contemplative and apostolic,” he said. 

“ I also wish to thank God for Bishop Douglas Crosby for the 15 years of devoted and generous service that has been a blessing to the Diocese of Hamilton and to the entire Church in Canada. You have truly lived out your episcopal motto every day and have modeled for us a collaborative ministry that has borne much fruit, and so I thank you with all my heart for what you have done here.” 

The multitude of thanks continued in multiple languages, namely to the Poland native Dabrowski’s attending family from across Europe, his Michaelite community, interfaith and civil leaders, religious community members from Latin America and past connections from his decades serving parishes and dioceses across Ontario and in Charlottetown. 

Fittingly taking place on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Dabrowski provided insight on the Gospel reading of Luke 2:22-40 to those in the audience and watching from home. Hamilton’s shepherd spoke, not just as Gospel reflection, but as a blueprint to his mission, emphasizing humble presence, attentive listening, fearless witness to Christ and a renewed accompaniment in his newest home. 

“ When Jesus is presented in the temple, life goes on as usual. Priests and deacons are busy with their duties, people come and go, yet no one notices anything special as Jesus appears like any other child. Only Simeon and Anna truly see what is happening — God's promise coming to life before their eyes,” he recounted. 

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“If our diocesan community, our parishes, religious congregations, educational institutes and our very apostolic works do not bear Jesus to the world, we are not fulfilling the mission entrusted to us by God and the Church.”  

He shared a warning against the busyness that often leads to such forgetfulness, describing that in the thick of everyday life, we may spiritually be devoid of what truly matters in Christ. 

While his nod to traffic back in Ontario as perhaps causing such rushed lifestyles drew a laugh from the congregation, his first message to the Hamilton community remained glaringly clear. 

“ How do we recognize God's presence in our daily life? Are we attentive to the people and situations God places before us? In short, are we living the Gospel by bringing joy, love and life to the world? 

“ In this diocese, I see a living reflection of the body of Christ, and I wish to bring the ministering and shepherding of all that I am and all that I have: The spirituality and experiences that have shaped my vocation, the faith that has sustained me and the love for the Church that gives meaning to my life.”  

What followed was a simultaneous hopeful vision of the Diocese of Hamilton’s future, as well as an invitation to the faithful to walk alongside him, their new brother, in evangelization and fellowship. 

“ I look forward to meeting you, listening to you and serving with you. To those who may feel distant or uncertain, please know that you have a place in this diocesan family.”

Now officially belonging to Hamilton, and with the weight of the day settling over the Cathedral, Dabrowski closed his installation address not as one who commands, but as one who journeys alongside, asking all to join in mutual prayer and fearless witness.

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“Let us pray for one another, never be afraid to joyfully bear Christ to the world around us and to speak about Him with conviction and joy. Let us become light and salvation for others as we fulfill the mission entrusted to us by God and the Church so that each one of us, at the end of our life and faith journey, can repeat after Simeon — 'Lord, now let your servant go in peace, for my eyes have seen your salvation, Amen.' ” 

In the coming weeks, Dabrowski will celebrate Mass with the diocesan community on the First Sunday of Lent.