Leo XIV Promotes Canadian Bishop Dąbrowski: “God Speaks Through Indigenious Ceremonies”
A member of the Congregation of Saint Michael the Archangel, he was ordained as a priest in May 1991.
Pope Francis appointed him as an auxiliary bishop in London, Ontario in 2015, and as bishop in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada in April 2023.
The Charlottetown diocese has 75,000 Catholics and 40 priests. By contrast, the Hamilton diocese has 620,000 Catholics and 230 priests.
Enforcer of Covid-Injection Mandate
As Auxiliary Bishop in London, Monsignor Dąbrowski became infamous for pressing in online videos for stricter Covid-measures, including a vaccine mandate on their clergy and staff. In October 2021, a Change.org petition was launched titled “Most Reverend Bishop Fabbro and Auxiliary Bishop Dabrowski: Stop London Ontario Diocese Vaccine Mandate”.
Monsignor Dąbrowski was involved because he chaired the Diocesan Pastoral Response Committee. It drafted the protocols and managed parish implementation of the measures.
"Unique Rituals That Embraced Mi’kmaq Spirituality"
As Bishop of Charlottetown, Monsignor Dąbrowski encouraged gestures of inculturation from the indigenous Mi'kmaq people.
DioceseOfCharlotteTown.com wrote on August 30, 2024, that a Eucharist for the St Anne’s Sunday included “unique rituals that embraced Mi’kmaq spirituality”.
There was an “exchange of shawls” by local chief and the bishop. Furthermore they jointly lit nine candles.
In an August 2025 statement about "indigenous reconciliation", Bishop Dąbrowski explained his understanding of inculturation: “It is about making faith feel at home within a culture.”
He continued: “It’s the idea that God speaks to people in their own ‘language,’ not just the words they speak, but through their music, art, stories, and ceremonies.”
Monsignor Dąbrowski accused meritorious Catholic residential schools of having caused "harm" by attempting to erase Indigenous identity.
Ecumenical Dialogue against Distinguishing Between Denominations
Bishop Dąbrowski has been Co-Chair of the Roman Catholic–Evangelical Dialogue of Canada (RCEDC) since 2018.
In the September–October issue of FaithToday.ca, he stated that the core of both Catholic and Evangelical beliefs is the Gospel message of reconciliation. "Indigenous communities often see Christianity as a whole, rather than distinguishing between denominations. Therefore, presenting a unified front demonstrates our collective willingness to acknowledge past harms and work together for meaningful change".
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