Archdiocese of Winnipeg
The Archdiocese of Winnipeg, a metropolitan archdiocese of the Latin Rite, is an active archdiocese serving the Catholic faithful in the province of Manitoba in Canada. Established in 1915 by Pope Benedict XV, it functions as the metropolitan see for the Ecclesiastical Province of Winnipeg. The archdiocese is currently led by Archbishop Richard Gagnon, who was appointed in 2014. It plays a central role in fostering Catholic life across western Canada through its parishes, schools, and charitable works. Stored in Cargo: Archdiocese of Winnipeg
| Diocese: Archdiocese of Winnipeg | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Archdiocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Winnipeg |
| Suffragan Dioceses: | Diocese of Keewatin-Le Pas; Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saints Peter and Paul of Winnipeg |
| Country: | Canada |
| Region: | Manitoba |
| Bishop: | Richard Gagnon |
| Website: | https://www.archwinnipeg.ca/ |
| Catholic %: | 25.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 25 |
| High Schools: | 5 |
| Deaneries: | 5 |
| Priests: | 120 |
| Existence: | 1915– |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 2 |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | 1495 Pembina Highway
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2C6 Canada |
Establishment
The Archdiocese of Winnipeg was erected on 4 December 1915 by Pope Benedict XV, carved from territory previously under the Archdiocese of Saint Boniface to better serve the growing Catholic population in central and northern Manitoba.
History
Early Years
The territory that became the Archdiocese of Winnipeg had been evangelized since the early 19th century by missionaries from the Oblates of Mary Immaculate and other religious orders working among Indigenous peoples and European settlers.
Elevation and Growth
In 1915 the see was raised to archdiocesan rank and designated metropolitan for the newly created Ecclesiastical Province of Winnipeg. Subsequent boundary adjustments transferred portions of its territory to the Diocese of Keewatin-Le Pas in 1967.
Geography
The archdiocese covers the central and southern portions of Manitoba, including the city of Winnipeg and surrounding rural areas. It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Winnipeg.
Mother Church
St. Mary's Cathedral in Winnipeg serves as the mother church of the archdiocese. The present Gothic Revival structure was dedicated in 1880 and has undergone several renovations.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Archbishop Richard Gagnon has served as Archbishop of Winnipeg since 2014. He previously served as Bishop of Victoria.
Auxiliary Bishops
No auxiliary bishops are currently assigned.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Arthur Alfred Sinnott | 1915–1954 | First Archbishop of Winnipeg; oversaw initial organization of the new metropolitan see. |
| Philip Francis Pocock | 1954–1961 | Transferred to Toronto. |
| George Bernard Flahiff, C.S.B. | 1961–1982 | Elevated to cardinal in 1969. |
| Adam Exner, O.M.I. | 1982–1991 | Transferred to Vancouver. |
| Leonard James Wall | 1992–2000 | Retired. |
| V. James Weisgerber | 2000–2013 | Retired. |
| Richard Gagnon | 2014–present | Current Archbishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The archdiocese maintains a balanced orientation (rating: 3.5), with regular celebration of the Extraordinary Form in select parishes alongside standard Novus Ordo practice, equal attention to traditional moral teachings and social outreach programs, and leadership that emphasizes both doctrinal fidelity and pastoral engagement.
Statistics
The archdiocese serves approximately 170,000 registered Catholics across 70 parishes.
Religious Communities
Oblates of Mary Immaculate
The Oblates of Mary Immaculate have a long history of missionary work in the archdiocese, operating parishes and retreat centers.
Parishes
The Archdiocese of Winnipeg comprises parishes organized into five deaneries serving urban and rural communities throughout central Manitoba.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The archdiocese operates a network of Catholic elementary and secondary schools in partnership with local school divisions.
Community Outreach
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Winnipeg provides social services including family support, immigration assistance, and emergency aid.
Notable Events or Figures
- Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys and early Oblate missionaries laid foundations for Catholic presence in the region during the 19th century.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Archdiocese of Winnipeg:
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