Toronto, ON September 6, 2023 – Archbishop Exner died in his native Saskatchewan on September 5th. He was 94 years old.
Archbishop Exner served his flock as the Bishop of Kamloops, Winnipeg and then as Archbishop of Vancouver until his retirement in 2004. Former President Thomas Langan cherished the support and friendship offered by His Grace during his many years as a bishop and later archbishop. His Grace also served as the CCRL chaplain.
The CCRL established the Archbishop Exner Award in 2004 in honour of his retirement and to recognize outstanding achievement by individuals in advocacy, education, life issues, philanthropy, and in media and culture.
The CCRL is grateful for his years of service in the vineyard, and sends its sincerest condolences to his family and many friends.
About the Archbishop Exner Award
The CCRL established the Archbishop Exner Award in 2004 to honour Archbishop Adam Exner, OMI, Archbishop Emeritus of Vancouver, upon his retirement and to recognize outstanding achievement in advocacy, education, life issues, media and culture, and philanthropy.
Previous recipients include:
Fr. Anthony Van Hee, SJ, prolife activist through prayerful protest (2019)
Dr. Catherine Ferrier, Catholic physician, Physicians’ Alliance against Euthanasia (2018)
Dr. Robert Walley, founder of MaterCare International (2017)
Alex Schadenberg, anti-euthanasia/assisted suicide activist (2016)
Dr. Donald DeMarco, scholar, writer, seminary professor, and pro-life activist (2015)
Gwen Landolt, long time national Vice-President of REAL Women of Canada, pro- life advocate, promoter of the family in national and international circles (2014)
Fr. Alphonse de Valk, CSB, pro-life activist, writer and editor (2013)
Michael D. O’Brien, artist and author, for creative work incorporating authentic Catholicism and Catholic teaching (2012)
Suzanne LaVallee of Quebec for leadership in education (2010)
Frank Chauvin of Windsor, Ontario, founder of Haiti’s first orphanage for girls and initiator of an application for review of the process by which Henry Morgentaler was awarded the Order of Canada (2009)
Dr. and Mrs. Andrew and Joan Simone of Toronto, co-founders of Canadian Food for Children, for services to philanthropy and international aid (2008)
Campaign Life Coalition President Jim Hughes of Toronto for service to the pro-life movement (2007)
Fraser Field of Vancouver, founder of Catholic Educators’ Resource Centre, for service to education (2006)
Regina business leader Frederick W. Hill for philanthropy and community service (2005)
We appeal to any of you who are able to send a donation to the CCRL by clicking here or by mailing a cheque to the CCRL at 2305 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M6S 1P1, or by calling the office at (416) 466-8244 or 1-844-722-CCRL.
About the CCRL
Catholic Civil Rights League (CCRL) (www.ccrl.ca) assists in creating conditions within which Catholic teachings can be better understood, cooperates with other organizations in defending civil rights in Canada, and opposes defamation and discrimination against Catholics on the basis of their beliefs. The CCRL was founded in 1985 as an independent lay organization with a large nationwide membership base. The CCRL is a Canadian non-profit organization entirely supported by the generosity of its members.
To donate to the CCRL, please click here.
For further information:
Contact the CCRL
416-466-8244
@CCRLtweets