François de Laval
Francis-Xavier de Montmorency-Laval, commonly referred to as François de Laval (30 April 1623 – 6 May 1708), was considered the founder of the Catholic faith in New France. He was a French Catholic prelate who served as Apostolic Vicar of New France from 1658 to 1674. In 1674, he was given the diocese, making him the first bishop of Quebec. He held this position until he retired due to poor health in 1688. He continued to work in New France until his death in 1708.
Among his accomplishments was the founding of the Séminaire de Québec in 1663. Laval was a member of the Montmorency family via cadet branch of the House of Laval, but renounced his rights as heir so he could pursue his ecclesiastical career.
He was beatified by Pope John Paul II on 22 June 1980 and Pope Francis declared him a saint on 3 April 2014.
In the Martyrology
- May 6 Saint François de Laval de Montmorency, first bishop of Québec