Louis-Albert Vachon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Styles ofLouis-Albert Cardinal Vachon |
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| Reference style | His Eminence |
| Spoken style | Your Eminence |
| Informal style | Cardinal |
| See | Québec |
Louis-Albert Vachon (born February 4, 1912 – died September 29, 2006) was an important Canadian leader. He was an educator and a high-ranking member of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as the Archbishop of Quebec. He became a cardinal, which is a very senior church official, on May 25, 1985.
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Early Life and Education
Louis-Albert Vachon was born in Saint-Frédéric, Quebec. He grew up in a family with six children. He went to the Minor Seminary of Quebec. In 1934, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He then studied theology at the Major Seminary of Quebec.
On June 11, 1938, he became a priest. He continued his studies at Université Laval. In 1941, he earned a PhD in philosophy. From 1941 to 1947, he taught philosophy at Université Laval. Later, he studied theology in Rome, Italy. He received another doctorate degree in 1949.
Church and University Leadership
After his studies in Rome, Father Vachon returned to Quebec. From 1949 to 1955, he was a Professor of Theology. In 1955, he became the Rector of the Grand Seminary of Quebec. He also served as the vice-rector of Université Laval.
In 1958, he received a special title from Pope John XXIII. This title, Domestic Prelate, gave him the rank of monsignor.
Leading Université Laval
In 1960, Vachon was asked to lead Université Laval. He became the rector, which is like being the president of a university. He held this important position for 12 years, until 1972.
Becoming an Archbishop and Cardinal
After his time at Université Laval, Vachon continued to serve the church. On April 4, 1977, he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Quebec. He became a bishop on May 14 of that year.
On March 20, 1981, he was chosen as the Archbishop of Quebec. This happened after the previous archbishop retired. A few years later, on May 25, 1985, Pope John Paul II made him a cardinal. This is one of the highest ranks in the Catholic Church.
Retirement and Legacy
Cardinal Vachon retired as Archbishop of Quebec on March 17, 1990. After retiring, he lived in Quebec City. He later moved to Beauport, Quebec. He passed away on September 29, 2006, in Quebec City.
He received several important honors for his service. In 1969, he was made a Companion of the Order of Canada. This is one of Canada's highest civilian honors. In 1985, he also became an Officer of the National Order of Quebec.
