Elzéar-Alexandre Taschereau facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Elzéar-Alexandre Taschereau |
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| Archbishop of Quebec | |
The cardinal pictured in 1886.
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| Church | Roman Catholic Church |
| Archdiocese | Quebec |
| See | Quebec |
| Appointed | 24 December 1870 |
| Enthroned | 19 March 1871 |
| Reign ended | 12 April 1898 |
| Predecessor | Charles-François Baillargeon |
| Successor | Louis-Nazaire Bégin |
| Other posts | Cardinal-Priest of Santa Maria della Vittoria (1887-98) |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 10 September 1842 |
| Consecration | 19 March 1871 by John Joseph Lynch |
| Created Cardinal | 7 June 1886 |
| Rank | Cardinal-Priest |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Elzéar-Alexandre Taschereau |
| Born | 17 February 1820 Sainte-Marie-de-la-Beauce, Lower Canada |
| Died | 12 April 1898 (aged 78) Quebec, Canada |
| Buried | Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec |
| Parents | Jean-Thomas Taschereau Marie Panet |
| Alma mater | Pontifical Roman Athenaeum Saint Apollinare |
| Motto | In fide spe et caritate certandum |
| Coat of arms |  |
Elzéar-Alexandre Taschereau was an important Canadian leader in the Roman Catholic Church. He was born on February 17, 1820, and passed away on April 12, 1898. He became the Archbishop of Quebec in 1871 and served in that role until he died. In 1886, Pope Leo XIII made him the first ever Canadian Cardinal. This was a very special honor.
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Early Life and Family Background
Elzéar-Alexandre Taschereau was born in Sainte-Marie-de-la-Beauce, Quebec. He was one of seven children in his family. His father, Jean-Thomas Taschereau, was a judge. His mother, Marie Panet, came from a family with important public figures.
His older brother, Jean-Thomas, later became a judge on the Supreme Court. Elzéar-Alexandre's great-uncle, Bernard-Claude Panet, was also an Archbishop of Quebec before him.
Education and Becoming a Priest
Taschereau began his studies at the Seminary of Quebec in 1828. He studied there until 1836. After that, he traveled for a year. He visited countries like Great Britain, France, and Italy.
While in Rome, he felt a strong calling to serve the Church. He was ordained as a priest for the Archdiocese of Quebec on September 10, 1842.
Helping Immigrants During the Great Famine
As a young priest, Taschereau helped many Irish immigrants. These immigrants were arriving in Quebec. They were fleeing the terrible Great Famine in Ireland. Many ships were crowded and had very poor conditions.
Typhus, a serious illness, was common on these ships. Taschereau saw how difficult things were. He described one ship, the Agnes, as "the most plague-ridden ship of all." Many people on board that ship sadly passed away.
Career in Education and Church Leadership
Taschereau continued his education in Rome. In 1856, he earned a special degree in canon law. This is the law of the Catholic Church. He had two main careers: teaching and helping people in the Church.
He taught at the Seminary where he had studied. He also held important roles there, like director and superior. In 1852, he helped start Université Laval. This is a well-known university. He later became its second rector, which is like being the president. He held this position from 1860 to 1866 and again from 1869 to 1871.
Archbishop and First Canadian Cardinal
On March 19, 1871, Elzéar-Alexandre Taschereau became the Archbishop of Quebec. This was a very important leadership role.
In 1886, Pope Leo XIII made him a Cardinal-Priest. This was a huge honor. It made him the first ever Canadian cardinal. He was given the title for the church of Santa Maria della Vittoria, Rome.
Cardinal Taschereau faced health challenges later in life. Because of his illness, he had to hand over many of his duties. In 1892, Mgr. Louis-Nazaire Bégin was named to help him. Cardinal Taschereau passed away in Quebec City on April 12, 1898.
