On Thursday, August 15, 2024, on the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Michael Brehl C.Ss.R., Former Superior General, and Provincial Superior of the Province of Canada was consecrated as Bishop of the Diocese of Pembroke in Canada at St. Columbkille Cathedral (188 Renfrew Street, Pembroke, Ontario). Surrounded by the support and prayers of the people of God, Bishop Michael was affirmed in his appointment by Bishops and Cardinals from the Redemptorist family, Redemptorists from Canada and around the world, his brothers, sisters and extended family, and parishioners and friends from Toronto and throughout Canada. Archbishop Marcel Damphousse, Archbishop of Ottawa-Cornwall, served as the Principal Consecrator, with Co-Concelebrants Archbishop Guy Desrochers C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Moncton, and Bishop Jon Hansen C.Ss.R., Bishop of Mackenzie-Fort Smith. Bishop Bryan Bayda C.Ss.R., of the Ukrainian Eparchy of Toronto and Eastern Canada, Bishop Michael Smolinski C.Ss.R., of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon, and Joseph Cardinal Tobin C.Ss.R. also joined the many Bishops and Cardinals in attendance.
The following text is from Bishop Michael in his “Word of Thanks” found in the liturgical program:
“First of all, I am deeply grateful to God for my family. My parents, Jack, and Rita Brehl, continue to guide me from heaven with their wisdom, love, and the example of their lives. Through my brothers and sisters, together with their spouses and children, God has blessed my life in ways too numerous to name. With so many Aunts and Uncles, cousins, and friends, I am rich beyond measure. Words cannot express my gratitude for this family.
In a spirit of gratitude and love, I thank God for calling me to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. I am grateful to my brother Redemptorists for the 50 years we have lived and served the mission of the Redeemer together. Among you, I have learned what it means to be a priest and a pastor, a brother, and a friend. Thank you.
At the beginning of this new call to ministry and service, I have been blessed by the warm welcome and hospitality I have already experienced in this Diocese of Pembroke. Thank you to the priests, Sisters and people of the Diocese who will teach me what it means to be a bishop! And to all of you who have prepared these celebrations: you are too many to name individually, but I offer you heartfelt thanks and appreciation!
I am also grateful to the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Ivan Jurkovič, to Archbishop Maurice Damphousse, Archbishop Guy Desrochers, Bishop Jon Hansen, and to all the Cardinals, Archbishops and Bishops, who have made great efforts to be present today.
To the people of St. Patrick’s Parish, Toronto (Redemptorist Parish and Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help), and to the many friends from across Canada and around the globe who have accompanied me in prayer and solidarity over the last few months, thank you and may God bless you always.
All of you are signs to me of the ‘plentiful redemption’ God offers us in Jesus Christ! Above all, I am grateful to God “for his great love is without end” and to Mary, Our Mother of Perpetual Help.”
+ Michael Brehl C.Ss.R., Bishop of Pembroke, Canada
Bishop Brehl’s Coat of Arms 
Having served the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer for many years and in many ways, Bishop Michael continues to draw on the inspiration and charism of St. Alphonsus, and the generosity and commitment to follow the Redeemer in his vocation as a Redemptorist and now as a Bishop, following the great Saint’s example in service, community and generosity of spirit. Bishop Michael’s motto, “Do whatever He tells you”, from the second chapter of the Gospel of John reflects his devotion and love of Mary, our Mother of Perpetual Help, who interceded at the wedding feast of Cana, calling all Christians throughout the ages towards the heart of her Son, and to the mission to where we are sent.
Michael, you are a dedicated Redemptorist, committed, and compassionate shepherd, and have been for us throughout the Congregation, an inspired leader. We, your confreres, Lay Missionaries and Associates, both in Canada and throughout the Congregation continue to hold you and all of our brother Bishops and Cardinals in prayer in your continued service in the Church, following in the footsteps of the Redeemer, being a missionary of hope in new and dynamic ways. We thank you for your generosity to listen to the invitation to the Lord, and having the confidence to do what has been asked of you.
Fr. Santo Arrigo, C.Ss.R.
Provincial Superior, Province of Canada
Please view the whole celebration from the Youtube Channel.
