About Us
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Peterborough is a Latin Church ecclesiastical territory located in central and eastern Ontario, Canada. It serves as a suffragan diocese under the metropolitan Archdiocese of Kingston.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | July 11, 1882, by Pope Leo XIII |
| Current Bishop | Sede Vacante |
| Episcopal See | Cathedral of St. Peter-in-Chains (Peterborough) |
| Size & Scope | Over 25,000 square kilometres serving 40 parishes |
| Motto | Vitae Aeternae Verba Habes (“You have the words of eternal life”) |
History and Foundation
Rooted in an 1825 Irish settlement sponsored by the British government, the diocese was officially established on July 11, 1882, when Pope Leo XIII united the Vicariate of Northern Canada with part of the Diocese of Kingston. Bishop Jean-François Jamot served as its first bishop.
Geographic Region
Stretching from Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay, the diocese covers several counties and districts including Peterborough, Northumberland, Victoria, Muskoka, Parry Sound, Clarington, and parts of Haliburton County.
Modern Community and Ministry
The diocese serves over 100,000 Catholics through 40 parishes, supported by over 80 priests and various religious orders, offering active outreach and pastoral programs. Its hub is the historic Cathedral of St. Peter-in-Chains in Peterborough.