The Catholic Episcopal Corporation of Antigonish is a Canadian nonprofit organization (Business Registration Number: 106880107RR0001) serving as the canonical legal entity for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Antigonish in Nova Scotia. Established to manage the temporal affairs of the diocese, it operates under ecclesiastical law and Canadian charitable regulations.

History

The diocese, founded in 1844, became embroiled in a major sexual abuse scandal involving clergy from 1950 to 2009. In 2009, the corporation settled a class-action lawsuit for $15 million with 125 survivors, leading to extensive asset liquidation, including church properties and land, and $6.5 million in borrowing to fulfill obligations[2].

Governance and Operations

The corporation oversees 123 parishes across seven counties in northeastern Nova Scotia, including Antigonish, Guysborough, and Cape Breton. It manages diocesan finances, properties, and ministries, and historically held an ex officio role as Chancellor of St. Francis Xavier University until 2015[2].

Controversies

In September 2009, Bishop Raymond Lahey resigned and later pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography, triggering Vatican intervention. Archbishop Anthony Mancini of Halifax served as apostolic administrator until Bishop Brian Dunn’s 2010 installation[2]. The financial strain from legal settlements drastically reduced the diocese’s operational resources, affecting parish operations and community programs[2].

Note: The listed domain (stmaryschurch.sytes.net) does not align with verified diocesan web properties cited in public records[1][3].