Last Updated: Thursday - 09/30/2010

Crosby named bishop of Hamilton

Bishop Douglas Crosby

HAMILTON, ONT. - Pope Benedict named Bishop Douglas Crosby as the new bishop of Hamilton Sept. 24. Crosby will replace the retiring Bishop Anthony Tonnos who has led the diocese since 1984.

"I'm very pleased and honoured by the appointment," said Crosby, who remains administrator of the diocese of Corner Brook and Labrador until he is installed as bishop of Hamilton on Nov. 8.

Installed as bishop of Labrador City-Schefferville in 1998, he was also installed as bishop of St. George's, Nfld., in 2003 and retained responsibility for the former diocese.

Then, following a realignment of the boundaries of the two dioceses, he became bishop of the new diocese of Corner Brook and Labrador in 2007.

"I look forward to getting to know the priests and parishes and to really get to know the situation of the diocese," said Crosby. "I think Bishop Tonnos has been an excellent bishop and I think I'll be introduced to a very good Church."

Tonnos, 75, is leaving his post after 26 years.

"I've tried to serve the diocese as best I could and I'm quite happy with the diocese," said Tonnos. "I'm looking forward to retirement."

Tonnos said he hopes to be as much help as he can to the new bishop and will remain in the Hamilton area.

The Hamilton Diocese has 559,000 Catholics, 210 priests, 24 deacons and 269 sisters.

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