The Passing of Bishop Fred Henry

December 5, 2024

The passing of Bishop Fred Henry is an opportunity to express gratitude for his ministry here in the Diocese of London and in the Church in Canada. Bishop Henry was born and raised in London and was ordained a priest of this Diocese. After two years in parish work, he was sent to Notre Dame, Indiana, and then to Rome for studies. With degrees in philosophy and theology, he taught at St. Peter’s Seminary for thirteen years. During that time, he served as a professor, spiritual director, formation advisor, Dean of Theology and ultimately as Rector. In all those years, he helped to form men for the priesthood for dioceses spanning the country and was instrumental in promoting education for the laity.

Called to be a bishop in 1986, Bishop Henry served as Auxiliary Bishop to the late Bishop John Sherlock. Bishop Henry was largely responsible for the Windsor-Essex area of the Diocese as well as matters regarding Catholic health care and education for the whole Diocese. He brought his expertise in theology and philosophy to this work, making him an effective preacher of the Gospel and a staunch witness to Catholicism in the public forum, all the while acting as a shepherd caring for his flock. This was particularly evident in his work for social justice and concern for those on the margins. After nine years as Auxiliary, he was called to be the Bishop of Thunder Bay and later the Bishop of Calgary. In both dioceses he continued to demonstrate his commitment to his faith and his vocation. From the time of his ordination as a bishop until his retirement, Bishop Henry served on many committees for the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario, the Assembly of Western Catholic Bishops and the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.

We are grateful and thank God for Bishop Henry's priestly and episcopal ministry in this Diocese and for his service to the Church in Canada. On behalf of the people of the Diocese, I offer our sincere condolences to Bishop Henry’s family and to the Faithful in Thunder Bay and Calgary. We pray for his eternal rest. May God welcome him with the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt 25:23).

Most Rev. Ronald P. Fabbro, CSB
Bishop of London