Bishop Anthony F. Tonnos, D.D.
1984 - 2010
Credit: Mike Perron
Bishop Anthony Frederick Tonnos, D.D. was the eighth Bishop of the Diocese of Hamilton. He was born in Port Colborne, Ontario in 1935, to devout Catholic parents of Lebanese descent. He attended St. Michael's College in Toronto before completing his theological formation at St. Augustine's Seminary. He was ordained a priest for service to the Diocese of St. Catherines on 27 May 1961 by the Most Reverend Thomas McCarthy, D.D. He completed post-graduate studies in Rome at the University of St. Thomas graduating with a Licentiate in Canon Law. He was a member of the Toronto Regional Matrimonial Tribunal for two years. Bishop Tonnos then returned to the Diocese of St. Catherines to serve with distinction both as Chancellor and parish priest. His service to the Diocese of Hamilton began on 12 July 1983 when he was ordained as an Auxiliary Bishop. Following the death of Bishop Reding on 8 December 1983, Bishop Tonnos was appointed Diocesan Administrator. On 18 June 1984 he was installed as Bishop of the Diocese of Hamilton. In 1996 Bishop Tonnos became President of the Ontario Conference of Catholic Bishops. He also acted as head of the Commission on Religious Education for the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. In this role he expended great effort in opposing the Government of Newfoundland's annex of Catholic schools. In his role as President of the Catholic Health Association of Ontario, he also intervened to prevent the closure of hospitals. Several new churches were constructed under Bishop Tonnos' episcopacy. He led the Diocese of Hamilton with a genuine care for priests and young people, as well as with a profound regard for married couples. On 24 September 2010 Bishop Anthony Tonnos retired.
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