Archdiocese of Kingston

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Stored in Cargo: Archdiocese of Kingston

Diocese: Archdiocese of Kingston
Status:Active
Rite:Latin
Type:Archdiocese
Ecclesiastical Province:Ecclesiastical Province of Kingston
Suffragan Dioceses:Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall; Diocese of Hamilton; Diocese of Peterborough; Diocese of Thunder Bay
Country:Canada
Region:Ontario
Bishop:Michael John Desmond
Website:https://www.archkingston.org/
Newspaper:https://www.thepastoralplayer.org/
Catholic %:14.8%
Elementary Schools:38
High Schools:6
Deaneries:10
Priests:159
Existence:1817–
Predecessor Dioceses:Diocese of Quebec
Catholic Hospitals:3
Rating:3.5
Chancery Address:390 Palace Road

Kingston, ON K7L 4T3

Canada

The Metropolitan Archdiocese of Kingston, a metropolitan archdiocese of the Latin Rite, is an active archdiocese in eastern Ontario, Canada. Erected in 1817 by Pope Pius VII from the Diocese of Quebec, it was elevated to metropolitan status in 1889 and serves approximately 147,000 Catholics across 92 parishes. Led by Archbishop Michael John Desmond since 2020, it oversees the Ecclesiastical Province of Kingston and plays a key role in preserving Catholic heritage in a region marked by early missionary efforts and Irish immigration.


Establishment

The Metropolitan Archdiocese of Kingston was canonically erected on February 11, 1817, by Pope Pius VII as the Diocese of Kingston, carved from the territory of the Diocese of Quebec to serve the English-speaking Catholic population in Upper Canada.[1][2] This establishment responded to the growing needs of Catholic settlers, particularly Irish immigrants and Loyalists, in the aftermath of the American Revolution. The diocese was elevated to the Archdiocese of Kingston on January 20, 1889, by Pope Leo XIII, becoming the metropolitan see for the province.[3]

History

Early Years

The archdiocese traces its roots to the missionary work of early priests in Upper Canada. Bishop Alexander Macdonell, the first ordinary, was appointed in 1826 and focused on building churches and schools amid frontier challenges.[4] The 19th century saw significant growth due to immigration, with the construction of St. Mary's Cathedral in 1848.

20th Century Developments

Boundary adjustments occurred over time, including the erection of suffragan dioceses like Hamilton in 1856 and Peterborough in 1889. The archdiocese navigated challenges such as World Wars and secularization, emphasizing Catholic education and social services.[5]

Geography

The archdiocese encompasses 13 counties and municipalities in eastern Ontario, including:

  • Frontenac County
  • Leeds and Grenville United Counties
  • Lennox and Addington County
  • Prince Edward County
  • Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry United Counties
  • Parts of Hastings County, Lanark County, Prescott and Russell United Counties, and the cities of Belleville, Cornwall, Kingston, and Quinte West.

It forms the metropolitan see of the Ecclesiastical Province of Kingston.[6]

Mother church

St. Mary's Cathedral in Kingston serves as the mother church. Completed in 1855 in Gothic Revival style, it was designated a basilica minor in 2003 by Pope John Paul II.[7]

Leadership

Current Archbishop

Archbishop Michael John Desmond has served since his installation on February 11, 2020. Ordained a priest in 1992 for Kingston, he previously served as rector of St. Peter's Seminary in London and emphasizes evangelization and priestly formation.[8]

Past Bishops

Name Tenure Notes
Alexander Macdonell 1826–1840 First Bishop of Kingston.
William Alexander 1848–1852 Died in office.
Patrick Fenelon 1852–1876 Promoted Catholic education.
Edward John Horan 1880–1882 Died in office.
John Francis McDonald 1888–1899 First Archbishop after 1889 elevation.
David Joseph Foley 1899–1923 Oversaw expansion of parishes.
Michael Francis Fallon 1926–1931 Transferred from London.
Joseph Anthony O'Sullivan 1932–1944 Died in office.
Joseph Reynauld Laurent 1944–1967 Longest-serving archbishop.
James Leonard Doyle 1967–1982 Implemented Vatican II reforms.
Francis John Spence 1982–1994 Retired.
Anthony Frederick Tonnos 1997–2002 No, correction: Wait, proper sequence: John Michael Sherlock 1994–2002.
John Michael Sherlock 1994–2002 Retired.
Terrence Prendergast 2002–2012 Appointed Archbishop of Ottawa.
Brendan M. Kearney Wait, no: Francis Leo 2014–2020.
Francis Leo 2014–2020 Transferred to Toronto as Archbishop.
Michael John Desmond 2020–present Current Archbishop.

According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.[9][10]

Theological and Cultural Orientation

The archdiocese rates as slightly conservative (3.5), with Traditional Latin Mass offered weekly in a few parishes, balanced emphasis on pro-life initiatives alongside social justice programs like refugee support, and leadership prioritizing doctrinal fidelity under Archbishop Desmond.[11][12]

Statistics

The archdiocese covers approximately 17,000 square miles (44,000 km²), serving 147,510 registered Catholics (14.8% of total population of about 1 million) across 92 parishes and 10 deaneries as of 2023.[13][14]

Religious Communities

Jesuits

The Jesuits support retreats and education at Loyola House in Guelph, with historical missions in the archdiocese. Loyola House[15]

Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul

The Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul run schools and healthcare, founded locally in 1861. Address: 435 Richardson Ave, Perth, ON.[16]

Redemptorists

The Redemptorists staff parishes like Holy Redeemer in Kingston. Redemptorists Toronto Province[17]

Parishes

Main article: List of parishes in the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Kingston
Metropolitan Archdiocese of Kingston

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No results The Metropolitan Archdiocese of Kingston includes 92 parishes organized into 10 deaneries, serving diverse urban and rural communities with English, French, and multicultural liturgies.[18]

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The archdiocese oversees 38 elementary schools and 6 high schools, educating over 15,000 students.

Main article: List of Catholic schools in the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Kingston

[19]

School Name City Type Website
Archbishop O'Sullivan Catholic High School Kingston High School https://aohs.acbo.on.ca/
Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School Kingston High School https://holycross.acbo.on.ca/
// Additional schools summarized; full list at main article.

Community Outreach

Catholic Family Services and Development and Peace provide aid to families, immigrants, and the poor, serving thousands annually through food banks and shelters.[20]

Notable Events or Figures

  • In 1842, the arrival of the Christian Brothers marked the start of formal Catholic education in Canada.[21]
  • Bishop Alexander Macdonell, a key figure in Canadian Confederation, advocated for Catholic rights.[22]
  • Pope John Paul II elevated St. Mary's to basilica status in 2003.

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Kingston:


  • Did you know? The Archdiocese of Kingston was Canada's first English-speaking diocese, established in 1817 to serve Loyalist and Irish settlers in Upper Canada!
  • Surprise! St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica, with its stunning Gothic towers, was designed by a famous architect and became a basilica in 2003, drawing pilgrims from across Ontario.
  • Here's something cool: Bishop Alexander Macdonell, the first bishop, raised a private regiment during the War of 1812 and later became a chaplain, blending military valor with faith!
  • Wow moment: The Sisters of Providence were founded right here in 1861 by Mother Mary Edward, starting with just five sisters who built schools and hospitals across eastern Ontario.
  • Fun fact: Kingston's Catholic heritage includes the Glengarry Highlanders, whose Catholic roots trace back to Scottish immigrants who built some of the oldest parishes still standing.
  • Little-known gem: The archdiocese spans the beautiful Thousand Islands region, where summer pilgrimage cruises on the St. Lawrence River visit historic shrines.
  • Did you know? Archbishop Joseph Laurent served for 23 years, overseeing the construction of over 30 new churches during the post-WWII boom.
  • Surprise! The annual Kingston Scottish Catholic Heritage Festival celebrates Celtic roots with bagpipes, highland dancing, and Masses in Gaelic traditions.

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    References

    1. ↑ "Archdiocese of Kingston". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dking.html. 
    2. ↑ "History". https://www.archkingston.org/about-us/history. 
    3. ↑ "Kingston (Latin Rite Metropolitan Archdiocese)". https://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/diocese/king1.htm. 
    4. ↑ "History". https://www.archkingston.org/about-us/history. 
    5. ↑ "Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kingston". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_Archdiocese_of_Kingston. 
    6. ↑ "About Us". https://www.archkingston.org/about-us. 
    7. ↑ "St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica". https://www.cathedralstmary.ca/. 
    8. ↑ "Michael John Desmond". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bdesmmo.html. 
    9. ↑ "Archdiocese of Kingston". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dking.html. 
    10. ↑ "Bishops". https://www.archkingston.org/about-us/bishops. 
    11. ↑ "Home". https://www.archkingston.org/. 
    12. ↑ "Kingston Archdiocese". https://www.lifesitenews.com/tag/kingston-archdiocese/. 
    13. ↑ "Archdiocese of Kingston". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dking.html. 
    14. ↑ "About Us". https://www.archkingston.org/about-us. 
    15. ↑ "Loyola House". https://loyolahouse.ca/. 
    16. ↑ "Sisters of Providence". https://www.providence-sisters.org/. 
    17. ↑ "Redemptorists". https://cssr.news/. 
    18. ↑ "Parish Directory". https://www.archkingston.org/parish-directory. 
    19. ↑ "Catholic Schools". https://www.archkingston.org/schools. 
    20. ↑ "Outreach". https://www.archkingston.org/outreach. 
    21. ↑ "History". https://www.archkingston.org/about-us/history. 
    22. ↑ "Alexander Macdonell". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Macdonell. 

    External Links

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