Jean-Marie-Rodrigue Villeneuve facts for kids

Quick facts for kids His Eminence Jean-Marie-Rodrigue Villeneuve OMI
Cardinal, Archbishop of Quebec
See	Quebec
Enthroned	December 11, 1931 – January 17, 1947
Predecessor	Felix-Raymond-Marie Rouleau
Successor	Maurice Roy
Other posts	Previously Bishop of Gravelbourg
Orders
Created Cardinal	March 13, 1933
Personal details
Born	November 2, 1883 Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Died	January 17, 1947 Alhambra, California, United States

Styles of Jean-Marie-Rodrigue Villeneuve
Reference style	His Eminence
Spoken style	Your Eminence
Informal style	Cardinal
See	Quebec

Jean-Marie-Rodrigue Villeneuve (November 2, 1883 – January 17, 1947) was a Canadian Cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church. He belonged to the Oblates of Mary Immaculate religious order. He served as the Archbishop of Quebec from 1931 until he passed away. He became a Cardinal in 1933.

Biography

Early Life and Studies

Jean-Marie-Rodrigue Villeneuve was born in Montreal, Quebec, on November 2, 1883. He was one of three children. After finishing high school in 1900, he taught at a school for a short time.

In 1901, he joined the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, a religious group. He made his final promises to the order in 1903. On May 25, 1907, he became a priest. While studying at the University of Ottawa, he taught different subjects like philosophy and moral theology. He also taught canon law and was the Dean of Theology at the Oblate Scholasticate.

Becoming a Professor

Villeneuve earned several advanced degrees from the University of Ottawa. He received doctorates in philosophy (1919), theology (1922), and canon law (1930). In 1928, he started the School of Superior Ecclesiastical Studies. He became a professor of canon law there. The next year, he went back to the University of Ottawa to lead the Canon Law department. He was also involved in labor unions and civil rights issues.

From Bishop to Archbishop

On July 3, 1930, Pope Pius XI chose Villeneuve to be the first Bishop of Gravelbourg. He officially became a bishop on September 11, 1930, in the Cathedral of Ottawa. A little over a year later, on December 11, 1931, he was named the Archbishop of Quebec.

Becoming a Cardinal

Pope Pius XI made him a Cardinal on March 13, 1933. When he became a Cardinal, Villeneuve said he didn't feel worthy, but he would go because the Pope called him.

As a Cardinal, he was one of the church leaders who helped choose the next Pope in 1939. This meeting is called a papal conclave. He was even considered as a possible candidate to become Pope himself, but Pope Pius XII was chosen.

Later Years and Passing

In July 1946, Cardinal Villeneuve had a heart attack. He was in the hospital in Quebec before traveling to the United States for more medical care. He moved to a convent in Alhambra, California, in January 1947, hoping a warmer climate would help.

He passed away on January 17, 1947, at the age of 63. When his body was returned to Canada, flags were lowered to half-mast to honor him. His funeral Mass was held on January 24. He was buried in the Cathedral-Basilica of Quebec.

His Views

Traditional Beliefs

Cardinal Villeneuve held traditional views on society and family life. He believed that certain modern ideas could negatively affect family unity and the father's role in the home. For example, he had concerns about women's suffrage, which allowed women to vote, when it was being discussed in Quebec.

On Clothing

He was known for his strong opinions on proper dress. He believed that wearing shorts was not appropriate for Christians. In Quebec, he was sometimes called its "Good Father."

During World War II

When World War II began, he encouraged French Canadians to join the military. He believed it was important to fight in the war, saying, "You cannot fight this war by condensing the horizon to this continent." This was a strong message, as some people in Quebec had different opinions about the war.

In 1944, he visited Canadian soldiers serving in places like Great Britain, Italy, Belgium, and the Netherlands.