On May 22, 2023 the historic St. Bernard Cathedral was burned down in Alberta by two men, who’s court date would be set for May 21-24, 2024 reports The Catholic Register. The two men, Gerald Capot (age 50) and Kenneth Ferguson (age 56) will be facing the charge of arson. According to the Iona Institute, the local Archbishop Gerard Pettipas stated that the Cathedral “irreparably destroyed”.
According to SouthPeaceNews sentencing for the aronists was set for the 18th of February, 2025.
The case hearing started on May 21, at the Court of King’s Bench. Gerald Capot pleaded guilty to arson of property of others. He was formally charged with arson and a count of break and enter to commit theft. Kenneth Ferguson pleaded guilty as well, and was sentenced for break and enter with 90 days of time to serve. The charge of arson to property of others was removed and he was placed on probation for 12 months.
The historic church dated back to the year 1901 and was considered to be a very prominent stronghold to the community of Grouard. In the fire, historical items like paintings that were created by Bishop Emile Grouard were destroyed. At the end it was discovered that the only remaining items were a few of the priest’s vestments and the Blessed Sacrament was still in tact stated by the church’s priest, Fr. Bernard Akum who has now been moved to the London Diocese. St. Bernard’s Cathedral is currently without a parish priest, and will be in the stages of rebuilding having been insured.