Saint Charles Garnier – Jesuit Missionary and Martyr

ST. CHARLES GARNIER

Saint Charles Garnier was a French Jesuit missionary who dedicated his life to evangelizing the indigenous peoples of New France. Arriving in Canada in 1636, he learned the Huron language and ministered among them. In 1649, during an Iroquois raid, he was martyred while administering the sacraments. He was canonized in 1930 and is honored as one of the Canadian Martyrs.

Charles Garnier was born on May 25, 1606, in Paris, France, to a family with connections to the royal court. He entered the Jesuit novitiate in 1624 and pursued studies in philosophy and theology at the Jesuit college of Clermont. Ordained a priest in 1635, Garnier felt a strong calling to missionary work in the New World. Despite initial opposition from his father, he was granted permission to join the Jesuit mission in New France.

In 1636, Garnier arrived in Quebec and was assigned to the Huron mission at Ossossané. He dedicated himself to learning the Huron language and culture, striving to understand and respect the people he served. His gentle demeanor earned him the nickname "Ouracha," meaning "rain-giver," among the Huron.

In 1639, Garnier, along with fellow Jesuit Isaac Jogues, was sent to the Petun people, who were initially hostile to the missionaries. Despite challenges, Garnier persevered, and by 1646, the Petun requested the presence of the "Black Robes." Garnier ministered among them, building chapels and baptizing converts.

The year 1649 brought increased hostilities from the Iroquois, leading to attacks on Huron and Petun villages. On December 7, 1649, during a raid on a Petun village, Garnier was mortally wounded. As he lay dying, he administered absolution to a fellow missionary and continued to minister to the wounded. He was canonized on June 29, 1930, by Pope Pius XI, alongside seven other Jesuit missionaries, collectively known as the Canadian Martyrs.

Feast Day

19-10-1930

Birth Date

25-5-1606

Died Date

7-12-1649

Canonised Date

29-6-1930

His remains were interred at the Shrine of the Canadian Martyrs in Midland, Ontario, Canada.

O God, who didst call Thy servant Charles Garnier to the apostolate of the missions, grant us, by his intercession, the grace to be zealous in spreading Thy word and to be steadfast in faith. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
ST. CHARLES GARNIER

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ST. CHARLES GARNIER

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