Charles Garnier (missionary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids SaintCharles Garnier |
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North American Martyrs
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| Born | May 25, 1606 Paris, France |
| Died | December 7, 1649 (aged 43) Tobacco Nation country near Collingwood, Ontario, Canada |
| Venerated in | Catholic Church |
| Canonized | 1930 by Pope Pius XI |
| Major shrine | Shrine of the Canadian Martyrs, Midland, Ontario, Canada |
| Feast | October 19 |
Charles Garnier was a brave Jesuit missionary. He worked in New France, which is now Canada. He was born in Paris, France, on May 25, 1606. Sadly, he was killed on December 7, 1649, by Iroquois people. This happened in a village of the Petun (also known as the Tobacco Nation).
Contents
Life of Charles Garnier
Early Life and Education
Charles Garnier was born in Paris, France, in 1606. His father worked for King Henri III of France. Charles went to school at the Collège de Clermont in Paris. In September 1624, he joined the Jesuit seminary in Clermont.
After his training, he taught at the College of Eu. He studied languages, culture, and theology for many years. In 1635, he became a priest.
Journey to New France
Charles Garnier wanted to be a missionary in Canada. His father was worried because it was very dangerous. Missionaries often faced death there. But eventually, his father allowed him to go.
He started his journey on March 25, 1636. The trip across the ocean was difficult. He arrived in New France in June.
Missionary Work in Canada
When he arrived, Charles Garnier went straight to the Huron mission. He worked with another Jesuit, Pierre Chastellain. By August, he was living among the Nipissings.
He spent the rest of his life as a missionary. He worked with the Huron people. He never went back to France. The Huron people gave him a special nickname: Ouracha. This means "rain-giver." They called him this because it rained soon after he arrived, ending a dry spell.
Charles Garnier was inspired by another missionary, Jean de Brébeuf. People called Garnier the "lamb" and Brébeuf the "lion." From 1639 to 1640, Garnier spent the winter with the Petun people. From 1641 to 1646, he worked at the Saint-Joseph mission.
His Death
There were many fights between the Iroquois and Huron groups. In March 1649, Charles Garnier learned sad news. His friends, Jean de Brébeuf and Gabriel Lalemant, were killed. They died during an Iroquois attack on a Huron village. Garnier knew he might also die soon.
On December 7, 1649, Iroquois warriors attacked the Petun village where he lived. Charles Garnier was killed by musket fire during this attack.
Legacy and Sainthood
Charles Garnier was made a saint in 1930. Pope Pius XI canonized him along with seven other Canadian Martyrs. They are also known as the North American Martyrs. Their feast day is October 19.
See also
- Shrine of the North American Martyrs
