The Diocese of London has officially welcomed its 11th shepherd with the installation June 29, the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, of Bishop Daniel Miehm at St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica in London, Ont.

Following the reading of his Apostolic Letter of Appointment, the former Peterborough bishop was led to the cathedral by the Apostolic Nuncio to Canada, Archbishop Ivan Jurkovič, where he sat amid resounding applause from the packed basilica. 

Shortly thereafter, waves of faithful greetings from priests, deacons, representatives from other Christian churches, religious communities, provincial government dignitaries, health-care institutions and educators from across the diocese presented themselves and welcomed Miehm to his newest home. 

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The Installation Mass comes just over two months since Pope Leo XIV announced his acceptance of the resignation of long-standing Bishop Ronald Fabbro, bishop since 2002, and subsequent appointment of Miehm as the next Bishop of the Diocese of London.  

Miehm joins the diocese with ample experience, having served as a priest in the Diocese of Hamilton from 1989 to 2013, as well as Auxiliary Bishop in the same diocese before leading the Peterborough diocese since 2017. Miehm has also served the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops as a member of the Permanent Council and as co-chair of the Hindu-Catholic Dialogue. 

Still, it was London’s last bishop, and Miehm’s close friend, who loomed large in his mind on the day of his installation. His remarks were made to Fabbro directly during the bishop’s first homily as his successor. 

“ It is a great privilege for me to begin my pastoral leadership here on the patronal feast of this cathedral, the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul. It was on this feast day in 1885 that this cathedral basilica was dedicated by Bishop John Walsh, the second Bishop of London. Now, as I crossed the threshold today, I promise you that I did so humbly, aware that I follow in the footsteps of some very fine bishops, not the least of whom is Bishop Ronald Fabbro, who has led this diocese with such faith and dedication for 24 years,” Miehm told the congregation. 

“We've known each other a long time, and I'm grateful to you for your kind welcome to me, for your guidance in these months since the announcement, but even more for your strong leadership of this local Church, one so important to the faith here in Canada.”  

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Miehm would go on to share a personal reflection on his time studying in Rome, where he took a tour of the archaeological excavations beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. Even though the physical tomb is real, Jesus’ words “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church” have long held a much deeper, symbolic meaning, one that holds a special resonance for Miehm as he begins his new ministry.

“ Now, I could not have foreseen 30 years ago as I treaded the pathways of that ancient cemetery what my future would be and how, in the mysterious designs of God, it would be my destiny to be received as bishop into two cathedrals named for the Prince of the Apostles,” he said, referring to Peterborough's Cathedral of St. Peter-in-Chains and London’s mother church of St. Peter's Cathedral Basilica.

While he showed much reflection over the historical comparisons between Sts. Peter and Paul on the day of his installation, Miehm called on Catholics of his new diocese to live out that Peter-and-Paul model in the present day. He noted that while today’s popular slogan of “moving from maintenance to mission” captures a truth, it also can create a false dichotomy. For him, hopes remain that the Church must carry with it the mission of each disciple. 

“The Church needs the solidity and the stability represented by St. Peter, but the Church has also received a mission from the Lord to go out to the whole world, so we must embrace the missionary zeal of St. Paul as well,” he said. 

“We need to find new ways to proclaim, but always preserve the content of the faith. We need to seek ways to evangelize, but never neglect to pastor. We must be a Church that goes out along many different avenues, but also one that cares for those who are already here.” 

It is in that belief, with a central reliance on grace, that Miehm hopes will encourage everyone,  including himself, that God’s transforming grace can work even through human weakness.

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Following Holy Communion and at the conclusion of the Installation Mass, Miehm closed his address with a humble ask of those now placed under his trust.

“Please continue to pray for me, dear friends, that I may faithfully fulfill the office and pastoral tasks that have been entrusted to me here. God bless you,” he said.