Ottawa, Canada, May 22, 2007 / 01:00 pm (CNA).- Pope Benedict XVI has just named Most Rev. Terrence Prendergast, S.J. as Archbishop of Ottawa. At the time of his appointment, he was Archbishop of Halifax and Apostolic Administrator of Yarmouth.

Before making the appointment, the Holy Father accepted the resignation of Most Reverend Marcel Gervais as Archbishop of Ottawa in accordance with the Code of Canon Law which sets the age of retirement for bishops at 75. Archbishop Gervais has served the Archdiocese of Ottawa for 18 years and has generously served a year past his 75 birthday. The Holy Father has named Archbishop Gervais as Apostolic Administrator of the archdiocese until such time as the new bishop is installed and takes over responsibility for the diocese.

A native of Montreal, Archbishop Terrence Prendergast entered the Jesuit novitiate in 1961 and was ordained a priest in 1972. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Fordham University, Master of Divinity and Doctor of Theology degrees from Toronto School of Theology and a Licentiate in Theology from Regis College.

Upon hearing of his new appointment, Archbishop Prendergast sent the following remarks: ‘Pope Benedict's nomination of me as Archbishop of Ottawa is exciting and frightening at the same time. I am buoyed by the Holy Father's confidence in entrusting me with the task; and I place my trust in the Lord's grace and our Lady's intercession to calm my fears and to help me say goodbye to the priests, religious and faithful of Halifax and Yarmouth who have been so good to me for nine years. Except for two summers ('68 and '70) studying classics at Ottawa U., I haven't spent extended times in Ottawa and the places I can find easily are few. One of them is the Jesuit community where my brothers have always made me feel welcome. I have great admiration for the episcopal leadership of Archbishop Gervais and pray I may be able to fill his big shoes. And I look forward to meeting the many wonderful people of the Church of Ottawa I have heard about, whether they speak French, English or another language. My request is that you please pray for me; I have already begun to pray for you.’

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