[Catholic Caucus] François-de Laval, First Bishop of the Québec diocese

The Archbishop of Québec, Gérald Cyprien Lacroix, praying at the tomb of Msgr François de Laval. (Photo: Daniel Abel)

The intent of the Centre d’animation François-de Laval, established in 1993, is to make known the life, the works and the spirituality of Québec’s first bishop, after whom the Centre is named. It seeks to promote devotion to this iconic figure as a means of achieving his canonization. Half a million pilgrims come here every year, to engage in private prayer at his tomb. His personnel, under the authority of the Séminaire de Québec, collaborates with different partners, such as the Corporation du patrimoine et du tourisme religieux de Québec (C. of Religious Heritage and Tourism) and the Notre-Dame de Québec parish by its cathedral that contains the funeral chapel of François de Laval. » » »

(1623-1708)

Pastor, educator, seigneur, administrator and founder – a multi-faceted legacy was left by this figure of stature. Québec’s first bishop was a pivotal force in this region’s social and religious history.

A number of boulevards, parishes, schools and monuments bear his name today. This great bishop has now been elevated among the Blessed. We hope to soon see him become saint.

A Visionary

In 1659, François de Laval, age 36, landed in New France. As the first bishop of the Québec diocese, which extended at the time from Acadia to Louisiana, he worked to build the burgeoning Church.

This devoted shepherd often traveled great distances – on foot, by canoe and wearing snowshoes – to visit and offer comfort to his flock. His deep devotion to the Holy Family and the Holy Guardian Angels, coupled with his steadfast faith in Providence, made him an inspiring spiritual leader.

This staunch supporter of education created the Séminaire de Québec – a community of priests – and also founded the Petit Séminaire (for young boys), the Grand Séminaire (where candidates for the priesthood were trained) and the Grande Ferme (a school that taught the skilled trades).

He was also an adept administrator and seigneur whose work in developing Côte-de-Beaupré ensured the financial stability needed to make his bold vision a reality.

Guided by his strong faith and unwavering principles, he spent two decades battling the alcohol trade between the French and the Native Americans.

He died at the age of 85, in poor health and after much suffering. Since 1993, his body has been resting in the Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral funeral chapel.

This imposing figure, beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1980, has left the Québec church an invaluable tangible and spiritual legacy.

Interactive Saints for Kids

Blessed Francois De Montmorency Laval

Feast Day: May 06
Born: 1623 :: Died: 1708

Blessed Francois was the first bishop of Quebec City, Canada.

He was the third son of Michelle de Péricard and Huges de Laval, a soldier. Francois was born at Montigny-sur-Avre, a small town in Normandy, France. His was an old, well respected and religious family, so Francois received a good, Catholic education.

He studied with the Jesuits at La Fleche from the age of eight and when he was quiet young felt God calling him to become a priest. Then he went to a Jesuit college in Paris to complete his preparation for the priesthood and Francois became a priest in May, 1647. He was consecrated a bishop on December 8, 1658, and arrived in New France in 1659.

Bishop Laval had a missionary spirit and accepted the new way o life of his people. Francois also bravely took on the difficult job of organizing the Church in Canada which was still mission territory. Bishop Laval asked the Jesuit missionaries to care for the spiritual needs of the native people.

He opened new parishes for the French-speaking Catholics. He started the seminary of Quebec in 1663. This was of great importance because a good seminary would train future priests to care for God's people, the Church. He also started the Catholic school system all over Canada

Bishop Laval loved the people of his vast territory. He was a caring and prayerful bishop and built the cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. He boldly spoke to the civil authorities about the harmful affects of smuggling alcohol to the Indian tribes. Because of this he made many enemies.

In 1688, he retired and went to live as a hermit at a seminary in Quebec. He was replaced by Bishop de Saint-Vallier. Bishop Laval spent the last twenty years of his life doing works of charity to help the poor and encouraging people become more holy. He died in 1708 in Quebec, Canada and many miracles took place when people prayed at his tomb.

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.