Saint Noël Chabanel – Jesuit Missionary and Martyr

ST. NOEL CHABANEL

Saint Noël Chabanel was a French Jesuit missionary who served in New France (now Canada) during the 17th century. Born on February 2, 1613, in Saugues, France, he entered the Society of Jesus at the age of 17. After completing his studies, he volunteered for missionary work in Canada and arrived in Quebec in 1643. Despite facing challenges in learning the Huron language and adapting to the indigenous way of life, he remained committed to his mission. On December 8, 1649, he was martyred by a Huron apostate near Sainte-Marie among the Hurons. He was canonized by Pope Pius XI on June 29, 1930, as one of the eight Canadian Martyrs

Noël Chabanel was born on February 2, 1613, in the village of Saugues, located in the Haute-Loire region of France. At the age of 17, he entered the Society of Jesus in Toulouse on February 9, 1630. After completing his studies and teaching rhetoric at various Jesuit colleges, he was ordained as a priest. In 1643, Chabanel volunteered to serve as a missionary in New France, a decision that marked the beginning of his dedication to spreading Christianity among the indigenous peoples of Canada.

Upon his arrival in Quebec on August 15, 1643, Chabanel spent a year learning the Huron language. Despite his efforts, he found the language challenging and struggled to adapt to the indigenous way of life, which he described as "revolting." Nevertheless, he remained steadfast in his commitment to his mission.

In 1647, Chabanel vowed to remain in the Huron mission unless ordered otherwise by his superiors, viewing his presence among the Hurons as God's will. He worked alongside other Jesuit missionaries, including Father Charles Garnier, and served in various missions, including Sainte-Marie among the Hurons.

In the fall of 1649, Chabanel was sent to the mission of Etarita to assist Father Garnier. After a brief stay, he was directed to return to the central mission at Sainte-Marie. On December 8, 1649, while attempting to cross the Nottawasaga River, he was killed by a Huron apostate named Louis Honarreennha, who later admitted to the murder, stating it was out of hatred for the faith.

Chabanel's body was never recovered, and he was considered a martyr for his faith. He was beatified by Pope Pius XI on June 21, 1925, and canonized on June 29, 1930, as one of the eight Canadian Martyrs. His feast day is celebrated on October 19 in the Catholic Church.

Feast Day

19-10-1649

Birth Date

2-2-1613

Died Date

8-12-1649

Canonised Date

29-6-1930

Body lost; presumed thrown into the Nottawasaga River, Ontario, Canada

“O Holy God, I love You with all my heart. I want to be with You in Heaven. Please take me to You soon.”
ST. NOEL CHABANEL

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ST. NOEL CHABANEL

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