10 Fun Facts about François de Laval

François de Laval (1623–1708) was a French Roman Catholic bishop and the first Bishop of Quebec. Born in Montigny-sur-Avre, France, Laval’s religious journey began at a young age. He joined the Séminaire des Missions Étrangères in Paris, where he studied and later became a priest. Appointed as the Vicar Apostolic of New France in 1658, Laval set sail for Quebec, arriving in 1659.

Laval played a pivotal role in the development of the Catholic Church in Canada. In 1674, he was appointed the first Bishop of Quebec by Pope Clement X. As bishop, Laval worked tirelessly to establish religious institutions, including seminaries and hospitals, and played a crucial role in the education of the Indigenous population. He also advocated for the rights and well-being of the Indigenous peoples in the face of various challenges, including the impact of European diseases.

Recognized for his contributions to the Church, François de Laval was canonized as a saint by Pope Francis in 2014. His legacy endures in the cultural and religious history of Quebec and Canada, with numerous institutions and places named in his honor. The Archdiocese of Quebec, in particular, holds a special place in the history of North American Catholicism, owing much of its early development to the efforts and vision of François de Laval.

1. Early Devotion: François de Laval’s devotion to religious life began early. At the age of eight, he declared his intention to become a priest.
2. Séminaire des Missions Étrangères: Laval studied at the Séminaire des Missions Étrangères in Paris, showcasing his commitment to missionary work and the spread of Catholicism.
3. Appointment as Vicar Apostolic: Laval was appointed as the Vicar Apostolic of New France in 1658, a position that marked the beginning of his influential role in the Canadian Catholic Church.
4. Arrival in Quebec: Laval arrived in Quebec in 1659, where he began his mission to strengthen and expand the Catholic Church in the region.
5. First Bishop of Quebec: François de Laval was appointed as the first Bishop of Quebec in 1674 by Pope Clement X, a significant milestone in the history of the Catholic Church in Canada.
6. Educational Legacy: Laval founded the Séminaire de Québec, an educational institution that became the precursor to Université Laval, the first French-language university in North America.
7. Advocate for Indigenous Rights: Laval was a vocal advocate for the rights and well-being of Indigenous peoples in Canada. He worked to protect their interests in the face of various challenges, including the devastating impact of European diseases.
8. Missionary Efforts: Laval was actively involved in missionary work, participating in missions to reach out to Indigenous communities and spread the teachings of Catholicism.
9. Founding Religious Institutions: François de Laval played a crucial role in founding religious institutions in Quebec, including hospitals and seminaries, contributing significantly to the development of the Catholic Church in the region.
10. Canonization: In 2014, Pope Francis canonized François de Laval, recognizing his contributions to the Church and his enduring legacy in the history of Quebec and Canadian Catholicism. He became the first bishop of North America to be canonized.