Bishop Crosby to leave the Rock for Hamilton
By Vanessa Santilli-Raimondo, The Catholic Register
Pope Benedict XVI named Bishop Douglas Crosby as the new bishop of the diocese of Hamilton Sept. 24. Crosby will replace the retiring Bishop Anthony Tonnos who has led the diocese since 1984.“I’m very pleased and honoured by the appointment,” said Crosby, who remains administrator of the diocese of Corner Brook and Labrador until he is installed as bishop of Hamilton at the Cathedral of Christ the King on Nov. 8.
Born in Marathon, Ont., in the diocese of Thunder Bay, all of Crosby's ministry as a bishop has been done in Newfoundland and Labrador. Installed as bishop of Labrador City-Schefferville in 1998, he was also installed as bishop of St George’s, Nfld., in 2003 and retained responsibility for the former diocese. Then, following a realignment of the boundaries of the two dioceses, he became bishop of the diocese of Corner Brook and Labrador in 2007.
“I look forward to getting to know the priests and parishes and to really get to know the situation of the diocese,” said Crosby. “I think Bishop Tonnos has been an excellent bishop and I think I’ll be introduced to a very good Church.”
Still, the change was felt at his office on the day of the announcement.
“It’s very sad around here,” he said. “We have a small diocesan office so people are feeling very badly about it. They’re very happy for me but they’re very sad that everything is going to change around here.”
Aside from the reconfiguration of the diocese that was accomplished during his time as bishop, Crosby also had to deal with a sex abuse crisis.
“We had a number of lawsuits because of sexual abuse and we have resolved all of them (through a court-approved settlement process).”
Tonnos is leaving his post after 26 years of service.
“I’ve tried to serve the diocese as best I could and I’m quite happy with the diocese,” said Tonnos. “I feel that it’s a good time for me to retire. I’m looking forward to retirement.”
Tonnos said he hopes to be as much help as he can to the new bishop and will remain living in the Hamilton area.
“I’m very happy to welcome Bishop Crosby. He knows our diocese well because he has come frequently to assist us with confirmations.”
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