Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

It has just been announced that our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI has appointed me Bishop of Saint John, New Brunswick. It is with great joy that I accept the appointment knowing that in the call, it is the Lord Jesus himself who sends me to shepherd a new portion of His People.

To all of you whom I have served over the past four years and four months here in the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie, thank you for welcoming me into your midst. In thanksgiving for so many graces received I have offered a Eucharist for your intentions.

Complementing the various administrative responsibilities which were mine, I have enjoyed proclaiming the Lord Jesus in your midst, visiting parishes, confirming our youth, reaching out to the young people and children in our highschool and elementary schools, preaching Parish missions, giving Lenten talks, accompanying our seminarians and promoting vocations.

As I leave this diocese, I am very grateful to Bishop Jean-Louis for his ongoing and continuous kindness to me. It has been a privilege sharing in his pastoral ministry.

To the priests and deacons, consecrated persons and laity, thank you for your witness to the faith. Each in our own way, we radiate the presence of Christ. As I thank you, I encourage you to remain in communion with the God who has loved you into existence and has called you to serve Him and to make Him present in a world so much in need of hope, so much in need of God.

Remember me as I will remember you. Pray for me as I will pray for you.

Sincerely in Christ,

+ Robert Harris

Bishop-elect of Saint John

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