Bells rang, drums sounded, and hearts swelled with joy as Archbishop Stephen Hero formally returned home to Edmonton — the Archdiocese where his priestly vocation began — to be installed as its eighth Archbishop.
A son of the Archdiocese of Edmonton, Archbishop Hero was ordained a priest here and later served as rector of St. Joseph Seminary, where he helped form future priests for the local Church. His homecoming carried deep emotional meaning for clergy and faithful alike, who gathered in large numbers at St. Joseph’s Basilica to welcome one of their own back as chief shepherd.
Before his appointment to Edmonton, Archbishop Hero served as Bishop of Prince Albert. His installation marked both a new chapter for the archdiocese and a continuation of a life of service deeply rooted in the local Church that first nurtured his vocation.
The solemn rites began outside the inner doors of the Basilica with the ancient tradition of the archbishop-elect knocking on the cathedral door — a gesture symbolizing humility, formal arrival, and a request to serve the people entrusted to him. Archbishop Hero was welcomed at the door by Rev. Joseph Vadassery, rector of the Basilica.
In a moment rich with symbolism, Archbishop Hero kissed the crucifix offered by Father Vadassery and then sprinkled the gathered faithful with holy water, a sign of blessing and shared baptismal life.
The installation ceremony also featured a strong recognition of Indigenous peoples within the Archdiocese of Edmonton. Following the knocking rite, Archbishop Hero was honoured with an Indigenous drumming song and a smudging ceremony led by Elder Fernie Marty of Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples, the national Indigenous parish.
Chiefs from First Nations across the Archdiocese continued the welcome, including Chief Tony Alexis of the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation and Andrea Sandmaier, president of the Métis Nation of Alberta.
Inside the Basilica, Archbishop Ivan Jurković, the papal nuncio representing Pope Leo XIV in Canada, requested that the Apostolic Letter of Appointment be read, formally confirming Archbishop Hero’s mandate. The new Archbishop was then led to the cathedra — the bishop’s chair—symbolizing his teaching authority and pastoral leadership in the local Church.
Representatives of the Archdiocese offered words of welcome, including Fr. Jake Mullin, the most recently ordained priest, and Fr. John Hesse, the oldest priest of the Archdiocese, along with representatives of consecrated women and the lay faithful — a powerful image of the Church united across generations and vocations.
In his homily, Archbishop Hero spoke with gratitude and humility as he reflected on his return home.
“I am deeply honoured and filled with joy to be entrusted with shepherding God’s vibrant people in Edmonton,” he said. He recalled the profound influence the local Church had on his own journey of faith, noting that “the faith of the clergy and people of this Archdiocese had a huge impact on my own maturing in Christ and helped me to discover my vocation to serve God as a priest.”
“I am here largely because of your faith, your gift to me,” he continued. “I have to say: it is still a little unreal to be sent to you as your Archbishop.” He concluded by expressing his hope for the future, saying, “I return with an immense sense of gratitude and a burning desire to foster the life of Christ in our people and institutions.”
The celebration drew a wide episcopal delegation from across Canada, including Cardinal Thomas Collins and Archbishop Richard Smith of Vancouver, both predecessors of Archbishop Hero as chief shepherd of the Archdiocese of Edmonton. The entrance and final procession were accompanied by an honour guard from the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Women’s League.
Following the installation rites, the Mass proceeded as usual, now under the leadership of a new Archbishop whose journey had come full circle. More than 900 people witnessed the installation Mass in person, with hundreds more joining the celebration online.
After the liturgy, the joyful welcome continued at a reception in the parish hall, where a steady stream of faithful lined up to greet Archbishop Hero, exchange words of congratulations, and take photos with their new shepherd.
For the Catholic faithful of Edmonton, the day marked not only the installation of a new Archbishop, but a joyful homecoming—a moment of pride, gratitude, and hope for the future of the local Church.
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