The Archdiocese of Toronto will celebrate Fr. Ivan Camilleri being ordained a bishop on Monday, January 25 at 2 p.m. It feels fitting to ordain a Maltese-Canadian bishop on the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, the patron saint of Malta. 

Unlike previous episcopal ordinations, unfortunately only ten people can be physically present to celebrate this special occasion, because of the ongoing emergency order from the Government of Ontario. 

However, we invite everyone to join us virtually for this ordination by watching the St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica’s livestream. 

Starting on Monday, January 25, Fr. Ivan will become the new auxiliary bishop for the Western Pastoral Region of the archdiocese. 

Bishop John Boissonneau, who is the current auxiliary bishop for the Western Pastoral Region, will begin ministering to the Northern Pastoral Region of the archdiocese (which has not had a permanent auxiliary bishop since Bishop Wayne Kirkpatrick was appointed to the Diocese of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, in December 2019).

Bishop-delegate Camilleri has commissioned a coat of arms and he has written an explanation of its symbolism below.  

Explanation

The shield is split into two halves with a white and red background. These colours represent Bishop Camilleri's Maltese origin, Canada and the Archdiocese of Toronto. 

The main cross separating the shield into four quadrants is the St. Edward the Confessor cross with the colours symbolizing joy (green) and faith (gold).

The meaning of the symbols on the shield represent that we can only truly serve joyfully when we recognize God’s goodness (the star) with willing obedience and serenity of mind (the feathers). Our service has to be zealous (the torches) and strengthened by vigilance to the spiritual and sacramental life (the chalice).

Motto

Servite Domino in lætitia - Serve the Lord with gladness from the Psalm 100:2 and expresses the central theme to the bishop's ministry as a priest and now serving as a bishop in the Archdiocese of Toronto.

However, we invite everyone to join us virtually for this ordination by watching the St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica’s livestream. 

Starting on Monday, January 25, Fr. Ivan will become the new auxiliary bishop for the Western Pastoral Region of the archdiocese. 

Bishop John Boissonneau, who is the current auxiliary bishop for the Western Pastoral Region, will begin ministering to the Northern Pastoral Region of the archdiocese (which has not had a permanent auxiliary bishop since Bishop Wayne Kirkpatrick was appointed to the Diocese of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, in December 2019).

Bishop-delegate Camilleri has commissioned a coat of arms and he has written an explanation of its symbolism below.