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(1623-1708) |
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Introduction François de Laval was a man of many dreams and talents. Throughout his life he became a Priest, and a Bishop, achieving his dream. In this report, I will share some information about this wonderful man, François de Laval.
Personal Information Born on April 30, 1623, at Montigny-sur-Avre, François de Montmorency Laval descended from high nobility (#1,3). Hughes de Laval, a knight, took charge of being Lord of Montigny, but also of being a good father to François and his six brothers and sisters (#1,4). Michelle de Péricard, François' mother took charge of keeping her family healthy, clean, and safe (#4). Unfortunately, François died on May 6, 1708 at age 85 (#6).
Personality François had a rich personality. Not only was he generous, and heroic with a burning heart, but he was also proud, humble, and a clever administrator (#1,4).
Important Life Events As stated before, Laval was born on April 30, 1623 and died on May 6, 1708. He was buried in the crypt of the Cathedral on May 9, 1708 (#2). Beatified on June 22, 1980 by Pope John-Paul II, Laval represented by a bronze recumbent figure (#4). He was ordained a Priest on May 1, 1647, and a Bishop on Dec. 8, 1658 (#1,3).
Accomplishments Two of Laval's Accomplishments were being ordained a Bishop, and being ordained a Priest. In 1877, Laval sailed to New France and became the first Bishop of New France (#6). He was also one of the three members of the New France Royal Government (Laval-Bishop, Talon-Intendant, and Frontenac-Governor). Laval also had a major impact on colonial values by strongly criticizing the use of brandy. He encouraged people to stop by listing harmful factors (#7).
Challenges/Difficulties for François A challenge Laval had to overcome and deal with was having to live for 14 years away from his family when he was eight because his father placed him with Jesuits. Losing his father in 1636 also had a big impact on Laval's life. Keeping the schools, churches, and hospitals running was a big challenge for Laval. It would be very difficult to keep everyone in New France healthy, and educated (#5).
Impact to Future Canadians Many people say that Laval is well deserving of the title "Father of the Country." I believe that this title is true since he kept New France up-and-running. Now known as Laval, Quebec, François had part of Quebec named after him just recently (#1).
Other As stated earlier, Laval was in charge of religion, schools, and hospitals in New France (#8). Laval's vision was to create theocracy: a society based on religious principles (#7). Being a Priest for 61 years and a bishop for 49 years, Laval was very educated in religion and Christianity (#3). Laval strengthened the position of the church by demanding that it be allowed to collect tithes (#7). Doing his studies at the Jesuit College of La Flèche, Laval was always interested in studying religion. Being the generous man he was, Laval had nothing left at his death. He had given it all to the poor (#1).
Conclusion Well, I hope you learned something about the great Bishop of New France. As François de Montmorency Laval had said, "We must put all our trust and might in God…we must let ourselves be guided by Providence." (#2) Thank you. |