Our Bishop
Bishop Bart van Roijen was born in Diemen, the Netherlands on 4 August 1965 and immigrated to Canada at the age of eight with his family. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the University of Saskatchewan (1986) and a Master of Divinity from the University of Western Ontario (1989). He then pursued teacher training through the Faculty of Education at the University of Calgary (1990-1992) and worked as the Diocesan Director of Religious Education for the former Diocese of Gravelbourg (1992-1995). Following the completion of his seminary formation, he was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Nelson on 25 April 1997. Subsequent to his ordination, he served as pastor in a number of parishes and missions in British Columbia as well as the Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith. He likewise held a number of appointments for the Diocese of Nelson including Vocations Director, Chair of the Priest Council, Director of the Permanent Diaconate Program, and Vicar General. His episcopal ordination was on 12 December 2019, at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Redeemer and Immaculate Conception in Corner Brook, NL.
Explanation of Bishop Bart's Coat of Arms
God, Creator and Provider of all that is good, is symbolized by two hands extended outwards with palms open wide. In His fatherly care, He not only provides us with all that is necessary for life, both physical and spiritual, but the very means by which fallen humanity is restored in Christ and renewed by the Holy Spirit. The cross, that treasure once hidden in a field, for which all else is sold, is both the beginning and ultimate end of our journey.
Land and sea, symbolized by the green and blue background, play an integral part in this immigrant’s journey, the many places where he has lived and lives of the people to whom he has been sent. White, silver, and gold symbolize the minerals of the earth and the snow and ice that cover Newfoundland and Labrador for part of the year.
The words: “The Way, The Truth, The Life,” quoting Jesus in John 14:6, speak equally of the gift we have in Christ, the fullness of grace that is bestowed and the invitation to entrust ourselves to Him.