Cree-Speaking Priest Appointed Bishop

Cree-Speaking Priest Appointed Bishop

Wednesday, July 13, 2005 at 15:27

A northern Saskatchewan priest says he was humbled to learn that he has been chosen to become the next bishop for the region.

Bishop-elect Sylvain Lavoie has been serving as a Roman Catholic priest in northern communties for roughly three decades.

Earlier this month, he was selected to succeed Bishop Peter Sutton in the archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas.

Sutton had previously announced his intention to retire.

Lavoie, who has learned to speak Cree during his time in the North, says he had actually been praying that he wouldn’t be chosen.

He thinks there were better candidates for the job, but will accept the position believing that it’s God’s will.

Lavoie began his ministry in the North in the 1970s at the old student residence in Beauval.