Bishop Denis Croteau - son of -
- b. 1932-10-23 Thetford Mines, QC
- priesthood - 1958-08-31 Lebret, SK
- bishop - 1986-06-08 Rae-Edzo, TNO
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On January 6th 1987, my husband, Gilbert and I were heading for Fort Smith, TNO to bring the church registers of the diocese of Mackenzie to the historical society in Donnelly in order to put all the data of these registers on computors.
That same evening at supper time, we met Bishop Paul Piché who had recently resigned his post as bishop of MacKenzie, He is now known as bishop emeritus (an honorary title). Bishop Piché chose to remain in the diocese even in retirement and help with small assigned tasks when possible.
The next evening, we met Bishop Denis Croteau, He came shortly before six. (because of his thoughtfullness he waited for the second night to come and see us). Very quietly he introduced himself, sat next to Gilbert and there the two Québecois started to chat. One thing I overheard Bishop Croteau was that he asked Gilbert if he was fond of maple syrup? Gilbert answered like every Québecois, "Indeed I do", (maple syrup is not only good, it's the pride of the french people) The bishop answered, "I'll give you a bottle"
After a good meal, Bishop Croteau invited us to join the group of brothers to see his latest film on the career of brothers in the North. Bishop would never talk of his talent to produce such films, The beautiful nature in all is aspects, the music, the documentation all harmonized the gift of the artist. (I saw this week on the internet, that he has some 50 half hour films to his credit.) After the second film, we chatted briefly as Father Gilles Mousseau was waiting to take us back to the Oblats' House. Him and I quietly ran down stairs for a last look at the archives. To-morrow, we are leaving early, I believe it is a 700 kms from Fort Smith to Donnelly, it is winter time and no "free ways"
The telphone rings, it's Bishop Croteau who informs us he is coming over in a few minutes... It's almost 11 o'clock at night when Bishop Croteau arrived, dressed in a comfortable "eskimo coat" dark brown, and fits a modest man. He opened the door, climbs the stairs and pulls a bottle of maple syrup and adds "here Gilbert this is for you"and he walks back "home" a distance of about 1km. It's 11:00 p.m., it's january. dark, and he walks back....
When we went to Yellowknife in 1995, the archives have been moved, Father Mousseau is no longer in charged of the archives, I am no longer in Donnelly, so he took us sight seeing around. One thing that impressed me was he no longer live in the Bishop.s House. He stayed in a very modest cabin, where he is quiet, can reminisce, a quiet area with a beautiful view of the Great Slave Lake. This was 20 years ago, I believe he still resides there.
It could be interesting for the other bishops or cardinal to come and visit him. He retired in 2008, decided he was to remain up North, looks after four parishes and be active
In 2009, when the Grey Nuns celebrated 150 years in Alberta, Bishop Croteau came and attended all ceremonies....he wanted to let the Grey Nuns how much he appreciated them in the North...also like his predecessor, Bishop Piché, he wants to stay up North. It is probably the best place, he can live his life to the fullest.
Note: Last week on Google, I saw the film of Father Croteau (The Igloo Church) , probably done in the 60's. However I could not find it this week. Gilbert and I have seen that church with the optical illusion,(very soon, I will try and describe it best I can for you.)
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