Archbishop Stephen Hero Installed as New Archbishop of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada - Warming Hearts Amid a Frigid Cold
A New Shepherd for Edmonton: The Installation of Archbishop Stephen Hero
On the frigid evening of January 23, 2026, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton marked a historic milestone. Despite temperatures plunging to -31°C, St. Joseph Basilica was filled to capacity as the Most Reverend Stephen Hero was installed as the 8th Archbishop of Edmonton.
The Rite of Installation
Following centuries of tradition, the ceremony began with Archbishop-elect Hero knocking three times on the closed doors of the Basilica. Upon entering, he was immediately welcomed by local First Nations representatives with a drumming ceremony and speeches, greeting him on Treaty territory.
The Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Ivan Jurkovic, presided over the initial rites. After the papal decree from Pope Leo XIV was read, Stephen Hero—formerly the Bishop of Prince Albert—was led to the Archbishop’s Throne and presented with his crosier.
Highlights of the Liturgy
The Mass was a massive concelebration featuring approximately 20 cardinals and bishops, including:
Archbishop Ivan Jurkovic (Apostolic Nuncio)
Archbishop Richard Smith (Predecessor, now Archbishop of Vancouver)
Eastern Catholic Hierarchs, including Ukrainian Catholic Bishops David Motiuk, Michael Kwiatkowski, and Michael Smolinski.
In his homily, Archbishop Hero referenced a plaque gifted to him by his former diocese inscribed with Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord." He spoke movingly about the intimate friendship between God and humanity, urging the faithful to maintain hope even amidst the hardships of following Christ.
About Archbishop Stephen Hero
The new Archbishop's return to Edmonton is a homecoming:
Early Life: Born in Quebec; moved to Edmonton at age 10.
Ordination: Ordained a priest for the Edmonton Archdiocese in the Jubilee Year 2000.
Service: Served as Vocations Director, parish priest, and Rector of St. Joseph Seminary.
Episcopacy: Appointed Bishop of Prince Albert in 2021 before being named Archbishop of Edmonton in November 2025.
A Renewed Spirit
The evening concluded with a message from the Apostolic Nuncio, who relayed Pope Leo’s gratitude and support. The Nuncio also thanked Archbishop Richard Smith for his 18 years of dedicated service to the city.
Between the "exquisitely executed" music and the presence of clergy from across Canada, the event drew parallels to the early Church in the Acts of the Apostles. Despite the biting Alberta winter outside, the atmosphere inside on Jasper Avenue was one of profound joy, confidence, and a renewed commitment to the Great Commission.
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