We are excited to announce that the Bishop Leonard Crowley Memorial Award is back in 2026!
Join us for a cocktail reception to celebrate a person, group or organization that has had a significant influence on, or has provided outstanding service, in the English-speaking Catholic community of Greater Montreal, and that has made this contribution above and beyond normal responsibilities.
When: Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 7 to 11 p.m.
Where: Marie-Léonie-Paradis Hall (St-Joseph Oratory), 4th floor
Please RSVP as soon as possible, or by January 26, 2026, to Deacon Cory Johnson at escc.ed@catholiccouncil.ca
About
Sponsored by the English Speaking Catholic Council, the award was created to recognize distinguished service in the English-speaking Catholic community of Greater Montreal by an individual, group or organization.
There is still time to nominate a candidate!
Provide a brief description of the individual, group or organization along with a list of the nature and the extent of their contribution, as well as the name, address, email address, and telephone number of both the nominator and the nominee. Please fill out our nomination form by January 22, 2026.
About Bishop Leonard J. Crowley (1921-2003)
It was in 1962 that Cardinal Paul-Émile Léger asked a fluently bilingual Rev. Leonard Crowley to begin coordinating services and activities for Montreal’s English-speaking faithful. In 1971, Rev. Crowley was named Auxiliary Bishop of Montreal and Director of the Office for English Language Affairs (OELA). Always willing to “encourage individual initiative” and under the implementation of Vatican 2, Bishop Crowley organized and strengthened the English-speaking parishes in Montreal and encouraged increase participation of lay people in liturgical duties. In 1972, sensing a change in the political landscape of the province, Bishop Crowley conceived the Pillars Trust Fund. As Honorary Chairman of Pillars for 25 years, Bishop Crowley called upon volunteers from the business world, clergy and parishes to serve on its Board.