Bishop Joseph Dabrowski is set to depart from his current post at the Diocese of Charlottetown in early February to transition to a new role in Ontario. He has been appointed by Pope Leo XIV as the 10th Bishop of the Diocese of Hamilton.
Expressing his gratitude and humility, Dabrowski remarked on his surprise at the opportunity, having served the Diocese of Charlottetown with joy for just two years. Born in 1964 in Poland, Dabrowski, the second of five siblings, was ordained as a priest in Italy in 1991. Prior to his current position, he served as the auxiliary bishop of London before assuming the role of Bishop of Charlottetown in April 2023.
Looking ahead to his new responsibilities, Dabrowski conveyed his anticipation of shepherding and supporting the people of the Diocese of Hamilton. He requested prayers as he embarks on this new chapter and assured that both the Diocese of Hamilton and Charlottetown will remain close to his heart.
With Dabrowski taking over from the retiring Bishop Douglas Crosby, the Diocese of Charlottetown is left temporarily without a bishop. Sister Sue Kidd, campus minister at UPEI, mentioned that a group of clergy will convene in the upcoming weeks to appoint an administrator.
Reflecting on Dabrowski’s departure, Sister Sue Kidd shared her sentiments of sadness at his leaving after a relatively short tenure, highlighting the difficulty of effecting significant changes in such a brief period. She noted that during his time in Prince Edward Island, Dabrowski launched a vision for pastoral renewal, expressing regret that he will not be there to see it fully realized.
As the community prepares for the transition to a new bishop, Sister Sue Kidd expressed hope that the incoming bishop will build upon the existing vision rather than starting anew, ensuring continuity and progress for the Diocese of Charlottetown.