Bishop Grecco to lead Charlottetown diocese  

Catholic Register 

Monday, 13 July 2009

 Written by Catholic Register Staff, 

TORONTO - Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Toronto Auxiliary Bishop Richard Grecco bishop of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

At the same time the Pope accepted the resignation of Bishop Vernon Fougere, Charlottetown’s bishop since 1992, for reasons of health.

“I am humbled by the announcement of the Holy Father and look forward with great joy to serving the people of the diocese of Charlottetown," said Grecco of  the July 11 announcement. "I send my thoughts and prayers to all those on Prince Edward Island and look forward to joining their community shortly.”

The 63-year-old Grecco was born in St. Catharines, Ont., and was ordained a priest in 1973 for his home diocese. He completed his theological studies at St. Augustine's Seminary in Toronto, attended the Gregorian University in Rome and in 1982 received his Doctor of Theology from Toronto's University of St. Michael's College.

Grecco was named auxiliary bishop of London in 1997. In 2002, Pope John Paul II appointed him auxiliary bishop of the archdiocese of Toronto.

An announcement regarding the date of installation for Grecco is expected to be made shortly. In the interim, the Pope has appointed Fougere apostolic administrator until Grecco's installation as the 13th bishop of Charlottetown.

The diocese of Charlottetown has a Catholic population of 63,240 with 58 parishes and missions that extend across the province. 

Thorold native named Bishop of Charlottetown

St. Catharine’s Standard

14 July 2009

Posted By Monique Beech, Standard Staff

While most people start thinking of retiring in their early sixties, Richard Grecco just accepted a promotion — or a higher holy devotion.

The 63-year-old man of the cloth was recently named Bishop of Charlottetown by Pope Benedict XVI.

In his new role, the Thorold native will be overseeing 63,240 Catholics, 58 parishes and missions, 52 priests and 111 religious sisters across Prince Edward Island.

Grecco replaces J. Vernon Fougere, who is leaving the job for health reasons.

Grecco is currently the auxiliary bishop of Toronto, an assistant role.

Despite his age, Grecco said he welcomes the challenge of serving a new diocese. According to church law, bishops are required to step down at the age of 75.

“When I was ordained as a bishop 10 years ago, those who interviewed me said, ‘Gee you’re being made a bishop at the age of 52. Isn’t that a little late?’ ” Grecco said with a chuckle.

“I said all my classmates who have gone into teaching are retiring this year. You know what? I love it. When you’re happy, you really are very open to a new challenge. It’s just wonderful.”

It was in Niagara that Grecco decided to make the church his life.

Growing up in Thorold, much of his social life revolved around Holy Rosary Church.

Grecco decided to devote himself to the priesthood and entered the seminary at the age of 18 after graduating from Denis Morris High School.

Grecco was ordained as a priest in 1973 and served as associate pastor at St. Denis Parish for four years in St. Catharines.

Over the next 36 years, he’d serve across Canada, mainly in Ontario.

He spent more time in Niagara, serving in various roles, including the director of religious education for the Diocese of St. Catharines, pastor of St. Thomas More Church, Niagara Falls and pastor of St. Alfred’s Parish in St. Catharines.

On Sept. 21, he will move to Prince Edward Island, a place he’s never visited.

Grecco said he’s heard the province is a beautiful place with friendly people.

He said he’s looking forward to making a difference in his new diocese.

“I think a listening ear is what’s needed the most,” Grecco said.

“When you’re moving to a new place, and you’ve never been, I think what you need to bring is the art of listening so you can learn from the people who it is you’re serving.”