The Pope appoints François de Laval vicar apostolic in New France

On June 3, 1658, a significant event took place in the history of New France. The Pope, at the time Pope Alexander VII, appointed François de Laval as the vicar apostolic in New France. This appointment was a crucial moment for the development and organization of the Catholic Church in the region. Today, we look back at this event and its implications for the growth of the Catholic faith in North America.

François de Laval, a French bishop, was born on April 30, 1623, in Montigny-sur-Avre, France. He dedicated his life to the service of the Catholic Church and was known for his piety and devotion. Prior to his appointment as vicar apostolic in New France, he served as the bishop of Petræa in partibus infidelium, an honorary title given to bishops who did not have a diocese in active existence.

The appointment of François de Laval as the vicar apostolic in New France marked a significant milestone in the establishment of a formal hierarchy within the Catholic Church in the region. The role of a vicar apostolic is to oversee and coordinate the activities of the Catholic Church in areas that are not organized into formal dioceses. This appointment gave François de Laval the authority to lead and govern the Catholic Church in New France, which encompassed a vast territory including modern-day Canada.

One of the primary objectives of François de Laval was to expand the influence and presence of the Catholic Church in New France. In order to achieve this, he focused on strengthening the existing Catholic communities and establishing new ones in previously untouched regions. He emphasized the importance of education and established the first school in New France, known as the “Petit Séminaire de Québec,” in 1663.

Under François de Laval’s leadership, the Catholic Church played a crucial role in the colonization and settlement of New France. The Church was instrumental in the establishment of missions and the conversion of Indigenous peoples to Christianity. François de Laval himself was deeply committed to the cause of evangelization and dedicated much of his time and resources to this mission.

The appointment of a vicar apostolic also had political implications. In New France, the Catholic Church had a significant influence on both the religious and political spheres. François de Laval’s appointment solidified the Church’s authority and allowed it to exercise greater control over the affairs of the colony. It also established a clear connection between the Catholic Church in New France and the Vatican, highlighting its place within the global Catholic community.

The influence of François de Laval extended beyond his time as the vicar apostolic. In 1674, he became the first bishop of Québec, marking the elevation of the Diocese of Québec to a full-fledged diocese. This further solidified the status and importance of the Catholic Church in New France.

The appointment of François de Laval as the vicar apostolic in New France was a momentous event that had far-reaching consequences. It laid the foundation for the growth and development of the Catholic Church in North America and established a formal hierarchy within the church. Today, the legacy of François de Laval continues to inspire and guide the Catholic faithful in Quebec and beyond. His contributions to the spread of the Catholic faith in New France are remembered and celebrated, making him an important figure in the history of the region.