November 10, 2025

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I write to you with a heart filled with both gratitude and deep emotion. Earlier today, our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV announced my appointment as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Hamilton. I receive this new calling with deep humility and trust in the Lord who guides the steps of His servants. Yet I must share with you honestly that I do so with a heavy heart, because it means taking leave of this beloved Diocese of Charlottetown and of each one you with whom I have had the privilege of journeying, praying, celebrating and serving during these two and a half brief, intense, but grace-filled years.

From the very first moments of my arrival in Charlottetown, I felt welcomed and embraced. In every parish, community, and encounter, I discovered a people of profound faith, hospitality, and kindness. At my installation in our beautiful Cathedral Basilica of St. Dunstan’s on that warm day in June 2023, I spoke to you about the image of the massive Confederation Bridge. That bridge has been a powerful symbol for me and for us. Our Diocesan Church is about the work of building bridges, as well as being a bridge.

During my ministry among you, I have sincerely tried to be a bridge builder and to form others who would build bridges with one another, with the people of Prince Edward Island and our fellow Canadians. Together, we have journeyed through this Jubilee Year of Hope, and together we have built bridges and planted the seeds of pastoral renewal that will, I am confident, continue to grow in the years to come. I will always cherish wonderful gatherings, events and celebrations – moments of grace when we could all proclaim together, “Hope does not disappoint” –  Spes non confundit. For all of this, I give thanks to God.

As my new appointment to Hamilton comes in this Jubilee Year, I am reminded how God has a plan much bigger than our own small plans. How can we not affectionately remember how Pope Francis, so fragile in health, guided us across the threshold of this Holy Year? How can we forget this past Easter Sunday, when the frail Holy Father surprised the world with his presence at St. Peter’s Square, blessing the people one last time. On Easter Monday morning, he was called home to be with the Risen Lord. The entire world mourned his passing. And then, on May 8, 2025, the Church received a new shepherd, Pope Leo XIV, an Augustinian religious priest, bishop and cardinal who continues the Jubilee journey, and the mission of the Church Christ entrusted to us. One shepherd completes his journey; another takes up the same Gospel call to lead us to the Kingdom.

I am now being called to serve in a new mission, but the work of the Gospel here on Prince Edward Island continues – because it has never depended on one person alone. Others before us planted the seeds of faith on this Island nearly 200 years ago. Others watered them. And now it is entrusted to you. You have strong leaders – priests, religious, and lay collaborators – who love the Church and will continue the mission with creativity and faith. Carrying on the mission – that is our call.

Since the announcement of my new appointment, I have been advocating on your behalf so that the Holy Father may soon appoint a new bishop to shepherd this beloved diocese.

It moves me deeply that my appointment to the Diocese of Hamilton is announced on the Feast of All Saints –  a reminder that the Church’s mission is never our own; it is the work of the saints – that brilliant cloud of witnesses who go before us, as well as the saints next door to us – those who live in our midst today! I think especially of Saint John Paul II, who came from my homeland. His episcopal motto – Totus Tuus – All Yours – has guided my life and vocation. Like him, I place my life each day in the hands of Christ through Mary. I also carry in my heart the words, drawn from Divine Mercy: “Jesus, I trust in You.” I carry that same trust now as I begin this new chapter of service in the Church. My prayer is that I may continue to serve the Church with faith, humility, and love- aware of my own limitations, yet confident that God’s grace is always enough.

I want to express from the depth of my heart my gratitude to all of you –  clergy, religious, and all the Catholic faithful – for your collaboration, your prayers, and your witness. To my brother priests, thank you for your friendship, pastoral dedication, for fostering priestly fraternity and working closely with me in the Lord’s vineyard. You are true shepherds who love your people and give of yourselves generously.

To the consecrated men and women, thank you for your steadfast faith and joy, your hidden prayers, and your witness in everyday life. To the lay faithful – parishioners, families, volunteers, catechists, musicians, educators, those who serve quietly behind the scenes –  thank you for being the living Church on this Island. To the Diocesan pastoral and administrative staff, your selfless and faith-filled ministry has truly inspired me. I sincerely appreciate the generous support you have offered throughout my ministry.

As I prepare to move to the Diocese of Hamilton, please know that I will carry you all in my heart and prayers. I thank God for the privilege of having served as your bishop. You have taught me much about faith, perseverance, and joy. You have truly become my family. I leave with confidence and peace, knowing that the Diocese of Charlottetown is in good hands. You have dedicated and well-equipped leaders – priests, religious, pastoral and administrative Diocesan staff and lay collaborators – who love the Church and will continue the mission with creativity and faith.

Today in particular, may the example of St. Dunstan and all the saints strengthen you to continue walking as pilgrims of hope, rooted in prayer, faithful in service, and joyful in witness. And may the words that have been the compass of my life continue to be yours as well: “Jesus, I trust in You.”

With deep gratitude and affection in Christ,

Most Rev. Joseph Dabrowski, C.S.M.A.
Bishop-designate of Hamilton