In a joyful announcement, Pope Francis has named Reverend Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R., as the 10th Bishop of Pembroke. Father Brehl, born in Toronto in 1955, joined the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists) in 1975. He took his vows as a Redemptorist on August 15, 1976, and was ordained as a priest on March 15, 1980.
Father Brehl has extensive experience in parish ministry, preaching missions, and the formation of novices. He currently serves as Provincial Superior of the Canadian Province of the Redemptorists, a position he previously held for the Edmonton-Toronto Province from 2002 to 2009. From 2009 to 2022, he served two terms as the Redemptorist Superior General in Rome.
The episcopal ordination and canonical possession for Father Brehl will be held at the Cathedral of St. Columbkille in Pembroke on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at 10 a.m., coinciding with the solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Father Brehl follows Archbishop Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R., as the second member of the Redemptorist Congregation to lead the Diocese of Pembroke. The community is invited to offer prayers of thanksgiving for the appointment of Bishop-elect Brehl and to seek the guidance and protection of Our Lady of Perpetual Help as he prepares for his new role.
(Written by: Emma Butler)