Augustin Ravoux facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Monsignor Augustin Ravoux |
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| Archdiocese | Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis |
| Metropolis | Minneapolis-Saint Paul |
| Other posts | Administrator February 22, 1857– 1859 |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | January 5, 1840 |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Augustin Ravoux |
| Born | January 11, 1815 Langeac, Auvergne, France |
| Died | January 17, 1906 (aged 91) Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States |
| Nationality | French |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
Augustin Ravoux (born January 11, 1815 – died January 17, 1906) was a French priest and missionary. He served in the area that is now the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis in Minnesota. He was known for his important work with Native American communities.
Contents
A Life of Service
Augustin Ravoux was born in Langeac, a town in Auvergne, France. He decided to become a priest and began his training in 1835. He received his first church roles in 1836 and 1837. While studying, he was asked to become a missionary in America. He would work in the new Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Dubuque.
Journey to America
On August 27, 1837, Ravoux and a group of fellow missionaries left France. They sailed on a ship called the Lion and arrived in New York Harbor 44 days later. Ravoux started learning English during his journey. He continued his studies at Mount St. Mary's University in Maryland. He then traveled to Dubuque, where he became an ordained priest on January 5, 1840.
Missionary Work Begins
Ravoux first worked at St. Gabriel's Parish in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. He was the first regular pastor there. In March 1840, he performed his first baptism for a Native American person. In September 1841, he moved to the Minnesota Territory to serve as a missionary.
Learning the Dakota Language
When he arrived in the Minnesota Territory, Ravoux spent a few days in Mendota. He then traveled to Traverse des Sioux. There, he began to study the Dakota language with Louis Provencal. Provencal was a Frenchman who had traded in the area for 45 years. Ravoux also visited Lac qui Parle in January 1842. He later returned to Mendota for the summer.
Jean-Baptiste Faribault, a well-known trader, invited Ravoux to his trading post. This was in Little Prairie, which is now Chaska. Ravoux continued his language studies there.
A Prayer Book for the Dakota
In 1843, Ravoux wrote a prayer book called Wakantanka ti ki Chanku. This means "The Path to the House of God." The book was made to help the Dakota people explore their vocal talents. It was translated from French to Dakota by Alexander Faribault and his brothers, Oliver and David. The book was printed on a special printing press.
Leading the Diocese
After the death of Bishop Joseph Crétin in 1857, Ravoux was put in charge of the diocese in the Minnesota Territory. He served as the administrator until Bishop Thomas Grace took over in 1859.
Support During Difficult Times
General Henry Hastings Sibley knew that Ravoux was respected by the Dakota people. He asked Ravoux to provide spiritual support to the Dakota involved in the Dakota War of 1862. Ravoux offered comfort and baptism to many. He personally baptized 33 of the 38 men who were executed on December 26, 1862.
When Chief Shakopee and Medicine Bottle were captured, Ravoux also baptized them. He gave them their Last Rites and stayed with them until their final moments on November 11, 1865.
Final Years
Ravoux spent the last 15 years of his life at St. Joseph's Hospital. He passed away on January 17, 1906, at the age of 91. At the time of his death, he had served as a Vicar general for the diocese for 42 years. He had also been a high-ranking church official for 19 years.
