Saint François de Laval

 

In 1659, at the age of 36, François de Laval lands in New France.

First Bishop of the diocese of Québec, which, at the time, extends from Acadia to Louisiana, he works to build a church still in its infancy.

A devoted pastor, he often travels long distances on foot, by canoe and on snowshoes to visit and bring comfort to his flock. His deep devotion to the Holy Family and the Holy Guardian Angels and his unwavering faith in Providence make him an inspiring spiritual leader.

 

A great believer in the merits of education, he creates the Séminaire de Québec, a community of priests, founds the Petit Séminaire for young boys, the Grand Séminaire for candidates to the priesthood as well as a school for craftsmen.

 

A brilliant administrator and Seigneur, he develops the Côte-de-Beaupré, guaranteeing the financial stability to pursue his bold projects.

 

A man of faith and principles, he fights for twenty years against the trafficking of alcohol taking place between the French and the Amerindians.

 

In ill health and suffering terribly, he dies at the age of 85. His body lies in the funeral chapel of the Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec.

 

Beatified by Pope Jean-Paul II in 1980 and canonized by Pope Francis in 2014, he leaves a material and spiritual heritage of inestimable value.

 

 

To learn more: www.francoisdelaval.com/english