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November 6, 2024On October 23, 2024, at our Convention in Quebec City, the Executive of the Canadian Canon Law Society (CCLS) bestowed upon Dr Anne Asselin the Jean Thorn Canon Law Award of Merit. This prestigious award is given to a member of the CCLS who has distinguished herself or himself "in the promotion of canon law or whose contribution in the service of canon law has been exceptional" (Article 12.2.3.1 of Bylaws of the CCLS, 2022).
Dr Asselin began her career in canon law in 1982 at the Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Ottawa. She later joined the Military Ordinariate of Canada as advocate and vice chancellor before assuming the role of Chancellor and Director of the Tribunal in 1996. After completing her doctorate in canon law at Saint Paul University, she became an assistant professor in the Faculty of Canon Law at Saint Paul University and in 2009, an associate Professor. Her primary fields of interest were the ministry and apostolate of lay people, procedure and jurisprudence, marriage law, and particular churches. From 2004 to 2010 she served as secretary of the Faculty of Canon Law and then as Dean of the Faculty until 2016, making her the first woman to serve as the dean of the Faculty.
When introducing Professor Asselin at the Convention banquet, Father Serge Tidjani emphasized her well-known sense of hospitality, welcome, and listening. "Her capacity to accompany her students and her concern to see them succeed in their formation filled her heart."
On behalf of the Canadian Canon Law Society, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Anne Asselin. Thank you for your many contributions to the field of Canon Law.
