The appointment by Pope Francis was announced Jan. 15. The Holy Father appointed Bishop David Motiuk of the Eparchy of Edmonton as apostolic administrator of the New Westminster eparchy.

In a letter to the faithful, Nowakowski offered his thanks for their support over his 12 years as bishop.

“In this time, I have come to know most of the faithful of the eparchy and have had the wonderful opportunity of journeying in faith together with you — our clergy, religious and the lay faithful. The years have truly gone by very quickly for me,” said Nowakowski, who was born in North Battleford, Sask., and served as chancellor of the Eparchy of Saskatoon.

“Although I am a prairie boy, I have come to love the ocean, the mountains and the cities and towns where our parishes are located,” he said. “The direction that we have taken over the last decade has been to ensure that we are an ever-vibrant eparchy, with vibrant parishes, dedicated clergy and active lay faithful.”

He also expressed thanks for “the support and kindness that our eparchy and I personally received from my neighbours and brothers in faith, the Roman Catholic bishops of British Columbia and Yukon.”

Nowakowski, 61, was ordained to the priesthood in the Eparchy of Saskatoon on Aug. 19, 1989. He obtained degrees from St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto and a degree in sacred theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome.

Nowakowski is a former rector of Holy Spirit Ukrainian Catholic Seminary. At a national level, he is also chairman of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Standing Committee for Development and Peace/Caritas Canada.

In his letter Nowakowski asked for prayers as he makes the move to London. “On my part, I assure you of my continued prayers for you. And if in your travels you find yourself in London, please let me know so that I can welcome you!”

(B.C. Catholic/Grandin Media)