History of the Diocese
The Diocese of Peterborough was first established on July 11, 1882, by Pope Leo XIII and was formed through the union of the Vicariate of Northern Canada and the western part of the Diocese of’ Kingston. As an Episcopal see, it extended from the shores of Lake Ontario north to Georgian Bay and from the shores of Lake Superior to the border of the Archdiocese of St. Boniface, Manitoba. The diocese had a Catholic population of about 30,000, and Bishop Jean Francois Jamot, the first Bishop, took residence here. For more information about the Bishops who led the Diocese over the years, click PAST BISHOPS. Due to the creation of the Diocese of Sault Saint Marie in 1904, the present geographical area of the Diocese of Peterborough includes the Districts of Muskoka and Parry Sound; the Counties of Peterborough and Northumberland; the City of Kawartha Lakes; the Municipality of Clarington; and five southwestern townships of the County of Haliburton. The Muskoka Lakes Region, the Kawartha Lakes Region, and that portion of the Trent-Severn Waterway- each located within our diocese — have seen the livelihoods of trapping, hunting, and lumbering be succeeded by recreation and tourism. Today, various industries, small businesses, and government offices form the mainstay of most major towns.
The motto for the Diocese of Peterborough is Vitae Aeternae Verba Habes. (You have the words of eternal life.)
Icon for the Diocese of Peterborough
The Icon for the Diocese of Peterborough is taken from the Gospel of John (Jn. 6: 68). “Vitae Aeternae Verba Habes.” – “You have the words of eternal life.”
About the Iconographer
Marysia Kolwachuk is the icongrapher. Marysia is a longtime resident of Madonna House in Combermere. Here are some pictures of Marysia with the icon and her Poustinia at Madonna House.
