Francis de Montmorency-Laval (1623–1708)

Biography

First bishop of Quebec, Francis de Laval organized the life of the Church in Canada when Catholic communities were still small and widely dispersed. He renounced family privileges, traveled great distances to visit missions, and founded the Quebec seminary to train local clergy. He defended indigenous peoples against exploitation, especially that caused by the alcohol trade, and promoted parishes, schools and charities. His firmness of government was accompanied by personal poverty, prayer and trust in Providence.