The Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon is pleased to announce that following upon the proposal of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Synod of Bishops, Pope Francis has appointed Very Reverend Michael Smolinski, CSsR, until now Provincial Superior of the Redemptorists in Canada, as Bishop of the Eparchy of Saskatoon. This decision was announced from the Vatican on Thursday, November 30, 2023. Bishop-Elect Smolinski becomes the sixth Eparchial Bishop to minister to the Ukrainian Catholic Faithful in the Province of Saskatchewan. Born and raised in Saskatoon, Bishop-Elect Smolinski served in pastoral ministry in Saskatchewan, as well as in Manitoba. For many years he directed The Welcome Home project for inner city residents in Winnipeg. Since January 2023, he was Provincial Superior for the combined English-Speaking, French-Speaking, and Ukrainian Catholic Province for the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer – the Redemptorists. Following the transfer of Bishop Bryan Bayda from Saskatoon to the Eparchy of Toronto and Eastern Canada in 2022, the Eparchy of Saskatoon was administered by Metropolitan Archbishop Lawrence Huculak of Winnipeg. Plans for the episcopal ordination and installation have not yet been finalized.
