François de Laval

François de Montmorency-Laval (Known as "Monseigneur de Laval")

First Roman Catholic Bishop of Quebec, Founder of the Séminaire de Québec

Born Apr 30, 1623

Montigny-sur-Avre, France

Passed Away May 06, 1708 Quebec City, Canada

Lifespan 85 years old

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Notice / Correction

"He who seeks God alone will find peace, strength, and triumph over all worldly power."

Archival Overview

First Bishop of New France who organized the Catholic Church across North America, founded the Grand Séminaire (forerunner of Université Laval), and fiercely opposed the fur trade liquor traffic.

Biographical Record

Scion of the illustrious Montmorency family, François de Laval was appointed Vicar Apostolic of New France in 1658 and consecrated first Bishop of Quebec in 1674, wielding spiritual jurisdiction across a diocese stretching from Acadia to the Mississippi River.

Laval founded the Séminaire de Québec in 1663 to train local clergy, establishing an institution that evolved into Université Laval. He famously clashed with governors Frontenac and d'Avaugour to outlaw the trafficking of brandy to Indigenous nations, canonized by Pope Francis in 2014.

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec
Quebec City, Canada

                         GPS: 46.8139, -71.2064                    

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