His Excellency
François Thibodeau, C.J.M.
Fifth Bishop of Edmundston

October 20, 1993 – January 5, 2009

Coat of Arms
Publications
 		From a Bishop's Journal
Pastoral Letters and Messages

Born in St-Odilon, Quebec, on July 27, 1939, Bishop François Thibodeau did his philosophy studies at Sacré-Coeur Seminary in Charlesbourg, Quebec and his theology studies at the St. Jean-Eudes Scholasticate in Pointe-Gatineau, Quebec. A few years following his ordination to the priesthood in St-Odilon, Quebec by Archbishop Joseph Aurèle Plourde, May 8, 1965, he took up studies in social work at Laval University, Québec, following which he was appointed director of social affairs for the diocese of Québec, from 1971 to 1986.

Bishop Thibodeau was editor in chief of Pastorale-Québec, the Québec diocesan publication, from 1986 to 1990. Until his episcopal ordination, he was provincial superior of the North American Eudist Fathers and Brothers. Besides taking an active part in numerous activities at the community, diocesan, and national levels, Bishop Thibodeau is also a wellknown, published composer of religious songs.

Appointed Bishop of Edmundston October 20, 1993, Bishop Thibodeau was consecrated January 9, 1994, in the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Edmundston, by Bishop Gérard Dionne, Bishop Emeritus of Edmundston. In this manner Bishop Thibodeau took official possession of the Edmundston Diocese as its fifth bishop.

Besides his episcopal charge of the Edmundston Diocese, Bishop Thibodeau holds positions in the following:

In the Atlantic Episcopal Assembly (AEA):

  • First Vice President
  • Liaison between Major Superiors and Bishops

In the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB):

  • Member of the Episcopal Commission on Social Communications

Documents

Bishop Thibodeau in the News

Posted July 4, 2023
  • The Death of Bishop François Thibodeau, C.J.M. (1939-2023)
    At the Résidence Domaine Mahonia, Quebec City, on June 26, 2023, at the age of 83 years and 11 months, passed away His Excellency François Thibodeau, C.J.M., Bishop Emeritus of Edmundston. Born in St-Odilon on July 27, 1939, he was the seventh of twelve children of the late Hormidas Thibodeau and the late Yvonne Poulin.
Posted June 9, 2006
  • Third "ad Limina" Visit

    Since my appointment, on October 20, 1993 as bishop of Edmundston I have had the opportunity of making three "ad Limina" visits to the tombs of the Apostles Peter and Paul, in November 1993, September 1999, and May 2006. However tiring they were because of the many and diversified meetings: daily Eucharists, meetings with the Holy Father, and nineteen visits to the different Pontifical Congregations and Councils, still, they were very exciting.

    + Bishop François Thibodeau, C.J.M.

    Bishop François Thibodeau
    meets with
    Pope Benedict XVI
    Bishop Thibodeau
    indicates the location
    of our Diocese
    Pope Benedict XVI with
    the bishops of the
    Atlantic region

A more detailed biography is available here in FRENCH.