Bishop Remi J. De Roo - Biographical Notes

Born February 24, 1924 at Swan Lake, Manitoba, Canada

Academic record:

Elementary School at St Gerard’s, Swan Lake;

B.A. Latin Philosophy, 1946, Collège de Saint-Boniface, (University of Manitoba)

Doctorate in Sacred Theology (S.T.D.), 1952 at Angelicum University in Rome

Began Enneagram study with Gotch/Walsh of Inscapes, Winnipeg, 1984, Certified Enneagram teacher
with Hurley/Donson of Enneagram Resources Inc., Denver, 1996, with Riso/Hudson, Enneagram
Personality Types Inc., New York, 1996.

Honourary Doctor of Laws,

LL.D., University of Antigonish, Nova Scotia (1983);

LL.D., University of Brandon, Manitoba (1987);

LL.D., University of Victoria, British Columbia (1991);

Honorary Fellow, Ryerson Polytechnical Institute, Toronto, Ontario (1987);

Doctor of Divinity from U. of Winnipeg , Manitoba, (1990);

Honorary President, World Conference for Religion and Peace (W.C.R.P. Canada) (1994)

Roman Catholic Ministries:

Curate, Holy Cross Parish, St. Boniface, MB, (1952-53);

Various Archdiocesan Posts (1953-62); Pastor, Holy Cross, (1960-62);

Ordained Bishop of Victoria (St. Boniface Cathedral, Dec. 14,1962) and
installed at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Victoria, B.C., Dec. 20, 1962.

Activities as Bishop (partial list):

Member of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) (1962- )

Canadian Episcopal Representative on the International Secretariat of the Apostleship of the Sea (1963-78)

Founding Member of the World Conference for Religion and Peace, (Kyoto 1970) and
Vice-President, WCRP Canada (1988- )

Member CCCB Social Affairs Commission, (1973-87; 1991-95), Chairman (1980-85)

First Chairperson, Human Rights Commission, Province of British Columbia (1974-77)

Member, Western Conference of Catholic Bishops, President (1984-88)

Member, CCCB Theology Commission, (1987-91)

Former CCCB Representative on Vatican Commission for Culture

Founder and Honorary Life Member, Centre for Studies in Religion and Society (CSRS), University of Victoria, B.C.

Experience as a Second Vatican Council Father:

Appointed on October 31st, 1962, I was immediately summoned to the Vatican Council, already in session since October 11th. I was active at all four sessions, and privileged to address the Council on four occasions. I also submitted and\or co-signed a number of written documents (also known as “interventions”) on a variety of topics.

The main focus of my interventions was on:

• the unity of the divine creative and redemptive plan;

• the one vocation of all believers concerning simultaneously both spiritual and so-called temporal matters;

• the sacramental character of family life and conjugal intimacy;

• the one calling of the ordained ministerial priesthood concerning all spheres of life;

• religious freedom and ecumenism.

I submitted my mandatory resignation on reaching age of 75 (1999) but continue lecturing as one of the few surviving Council Fathers, bishops who took part in the Second Vatican Council in Rome (1962-65).

On September 3, 2000, I rejoiced to be able to attend the beatification ceremonies in Rome of John XXIII, the Pope who appointed me (a rare experience in history!). I wore with fond memories the ring which “Papa Giovanni” bestowed on me when I was appointed to Victoria.