St. François de Laval – First Bishop of Québec and Pioneer of the Canadian Church

ST. FRANCOIS DE LAVAL

St. François de Laval was the first bishop of Québec and a foundational figure in the development of the Catholic Church in Canada. He was known for his pastoral care, educational efforts, and missionary zeal.

St. François de Laval was born on April 30, 1623, into a noble family in Montigny-sur-Avre, France. From an early age, he felt a strong call to the priesthood and studied at the prestigious La Flèche Jesuit college and later at the Sorbonne in Paris. Ordained in 1647, Laval was deeply influenced by the missionary spirit of the Church and longed to serve in foreign missions.

In 1658, he was appointed the Vicar Apostolic of New France and consecrated a bishop in 1659. He arrived in Québec that same year, becoming the first bishop of the vast and challenging mission territory that included all of New France (modern-day Canada). Laval faced numerous obstacles, including political interference, harsh winters, vast distances, and limited resources.

Despite these hardships, he established parishes, ordained native and French priests, promoted the sacraments, and fiercely defended the rights and dignity of Indigenous peoples. He founded the Seminary of Québec in 1663, which became a major center of priestly formation and education in the New World.

He was known for his ascetic lifestyle, humility, and tireless pastoral work. Laval retired in 1688 but continued to serve the Church and remained a spiritual father to his people until his death on May 6, 1708.

He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1980 and canonized by Pope Francis in 2014, recognized as a model bishop and missionary.

Feast Day

6-5-

Birth Date

30-4-1623

Died Date

6-5-1708

Canonised Date

3-4-2014

Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec, Québec City, Canada

St. François de Laval, faithful shepherd of the New World, pray for us to lead with courage, serve with humility, and spread the Gospel with joy. Amen.
ST. FRANCOIS DE LAVAL

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