Most Rev. Joseph Dabrowski, CSMA, has received word of the passing of Most Rev. James Hector MacDonald, C.S.C., former Bishop of Charlottetown.
“I was blessed to meet Archbishop James MacDonald on several occasions, and have always been struck by his gentle spirit, his gracious manner, and deep love for the Church,” said Bishop Joseph Dabrowski. “I know Archbishop MacDonald’s memory remains vivid in the lives of those he touched, and his legacy endures in the communities he shepherded, including throughout Prince Edward Island.”
As Bishop of the Diocese of Charlottetown for nine years, the episcopal leadership of Archbishop James left a lasting legacy: from guiding the implementation of the new Code of Canon Law, to celebrating the centenary of the Acadian flag in Miscouche, to the historic papal visit of 1984 in Canada, and the relocation of Diocesan offices to Dun Glaston on North River Road.
Bishop Joseph Dabrowski, along with the priests attending the Clergy Study Days this week, will celebrate a Mass for Archbishop MacDonald’s repose, and they will pray for the repose of his soul.
We pray for the repose of the soul of Archbishop James MacDonald, who dedicated his life to God’s service and the shepherding of the faithful in our diocese and beyond.
May he enjoy the rewards of his faithful service and find comfort in the communion of saints.
The Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, 7 June 2025 at 11:00 a.m., followed by the Rite of Committal at the Holy Cross Cemetery. https://windsorstar.remembering.ca/obituary/archbishop-james-csc-macdonald-1092911846
In Memoriam: Archbishop James MacDonald, C.S.C. (1925–2025) – A Message from Bishop Joseph Dabrowski, C.S.M.A.
Read Bishop Joseph’s letter to Archbishop MacDonald’s for his 47th anniversary of his episcopal ordination and in anticipation of his 100th birthday on April 28 can be read here: