Letter to the Clergy, Consecrated Men and Women and Lay Faithful of the Diocese of Peterborough
June 7, 2026 – Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ
Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Diocese of Peterborough,
Several years ago, one of my bishop confreres said to me, “I think you have the most beautiful diocese in Ontario.” He was speaking about geography and scenery, and I could not disagree with him! From Kawartha Lakes to Muskoka, the Parry Sound Region, Haliburton Highlands and the rolling hills of Northumberland there is such tremendous natural beauty in this Diocese of Peterborough.
I could have highlighted for him the many other ways in which this is a beautiful diocese: the strong faith planted by the first Irish settlers, which we marked in the recent Nine Ships celebration; the contribution of other national and ethnic groups that have come to this region; the beauty of our churches, big and small; our vibrant parishes and active lay organizations; the consecrated women and men who do so much good work; and of course, the very dedicated priests and deacons and lay employees who serve this diocese. Love for the Lord and for the Church he founded is strong among you.
I celebrated my ninth anniversary as the Bishop of Peterborough on April 19th knowing that I would not enjoy a tenth. Two days later it was publicly announced that the Holy Father had appointed me to be the next Bishop of the Diocese of London. With the rapidly approaching installation date of June 29th (the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul), I am nearing the end of my leadership and ministry in Peterborough. It is always exciting to embrace new challenges, and I suppose that it is one way that God prevents us from getting covered in rust and dust! Still, it is never easy to close off a chapter and that is even truer because of the many blessings I have received here as your bishop since 2017. I am grateful for your kindness and faithfulness, manifested in your warm welcome of me and the support that you give – spiritual and material – to your local parishes. I have left a little piece of my heart behind in any parish or diocese where I have served, and that will be especially true for this Diocese of Peterborough – both beautiful and beloved by me.
While I know we accomplished much together here, whenever you move on, you leave things undone. We were poised to launch the Giving to Grow Capital Campaign this spring but made the decision to put that on hold because of these recent events. The good work of the planning phase will not be lost, and more groundwork will be done so that the next bishop will be well placed to decide about the execution and timing of such a campaign. The many needs – both material and ministerial – will still be here, and I know that you will find ways to give generously for the continued growth and flourishing of the Church in this diocese.
There is a Latin phrase with which I was not very familiar before coming here: “Oremus pro invicem.” Literally – let us pray for each other. It seems to be popular among the priests here and, consequently, it is now popular with me! Let us indeed pray for each other, dear brothers and sisters, and know of my ongoing gratitude and deep affection, sentiments which will be undiminished by time or distance.
Yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Daniel Miehm
Bishop of Peterborough
Bishop-Designate of London
