The Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton will formally welcome Most Rev. Stephen Hero as its eighth archbishop during a Solemn Mass of Installation on Friday, Jan. 23, at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica. The celebration marks a new chapter for the local Church and the official beginning of Archbishop Hero’s ministry in Edmonton.
“I have to say I was a little surprised, and I’m very humbled and honored to say yes to this new mission in the Church,” Archbishop Hero said in a video message shortly after his appointment. “I really rely on the grace of God to do what the Lord asks me to do, and also on your prayers.”
During the installation Mass, Archbishop Hero will formally assume leadership of the archdiocese when he is seated in the cathedra—the archbishop’s chair—by the Apostolic Nuncio to Canada, Archbishop Ivan Jurkovič.
The liturgy will also include the reading of the papal mandate, oaths of office, and other symbolic gestures of episcopal authority, concluding the period of sede vacante when the archdiocese was without an archbishop.
Although seating for the Mass is limited and by invitation only, the faithful are encouraged to participate through livestreaming on the Archdiocese of Edmonton’s YouTube channel and Facebook page. The Mass will also be broadcast on Salt + Light TV (including the SLPlus app and online streaming), EWTN, and TELUS Optik Channel 877.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnRhFKB6Gac
Archbishop Hero comes to Edmonton after serving more than four years as Bishop of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan—a ministry he describes as deeply formative.
“That was a life-changing experience for me, to serve God’s people there in that beautiful place,” he said. “I’m forever grateful for all the good things and all the good people who helped me and served the community together.”
Returning to Edmonton carries special meaning for the new archbishop. Having spent 40 years of his life in the city, he credits the local Church with shaping his faith and vocation.
“My family is here. I really owe a lot to the priests and people of the Archdiocese for witnessing to faith while I was a young man and helping me to discover my vocation to the priesthood,” he said. “This community has been very important in my life, and it’s very special to be called home to serve in this new way as your shepherd.”
Both the Diocese of Prince Albert and the Archdiocese of Edmonton are located on Treaty 6 territory and the homeland of the Métis Nation. Indigenous leaders will offer a welcome at the start of the installation Mass, reflecting the archdiocese’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation.
“We very much look forward to meeting you and listening and walking together in healing and reconciliation,” Archbishop Hero said.
A wide range of guests is expected to attend the installation, including cardinals, bishops and archbishops from across Western Canada and beyond, representatives from every parish in the archdiocese, seminarians, Catholic agencies and partners, and members of Archbishop Hero’s family.
In advance of the installation, the archdiocese will host a public prayer service with Solemn Vespers on Thursday, Jan. 22, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Santa Maria Goretti Parish, followed by a reception.
Presided over by Archbishop Hero, the service will include psalms, Scripture, incense, sacred music, and a homily, offering the faithful an opportunity to pray together as he begins his new ministry.
As he prepares to take up his role, Archbishop Hero emphasized his reliance on the prayers and support of the faithful.
“Please know that I really depend on your prayers and also your help in being a good leader,” he said. “I’m very much looking forward to serving you, dear brothers and sisters. This is an adjustment for all of us, but I’m really looking forward to being your archbishop and being with you.”
