Pierre-Paul Durieu facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Right Reverend Pierre-Paul Durieu OMI |
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|---|---|
| Bishop of New Westminster | |
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| Archdiocese | Vancouver |
| Enthroned | 1890 |
| Reign ended | 1899 |
| Predecessor | Louis-Joseph d'Herbomez |
| Successor | Augustin Dontenwill |
| Other posts | Titular Bishop of Marcopolis (1875–1890) |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 11 March 1854 |
| Consecration | 24 October 1875 by Louis-Joseph d'Herbomez |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 4, 1830 Saint-Pal-de-Mons, Haute-Loire, France |
| Died | June 1, 1899 (aged 68) New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada |
| Buried | St. Mary's Mission, Yakima Valley, British Columbia, Canada |
| Nationality | French |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Motto | Pauperes evangelizantur—justus ex fide vivit. (The good news is preached to the poor. The just man lives by faith.) |
Pierre-Paul Durieu (born December 4, 1830 – died June 1, 1899) was an important Catholic leader. He was a missionary and became the first Bishop of New Westminster in British Columbia, Canada.
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Early Life and Calling
Pierre-Paul Durieu was born in 1830 in a small town in France called Saint-Pal-de-Mons. His family were farmers. They were known for helping Catholic priests during the French Revolution.
As a boy, Pierre-Paul and his brother went to a special school called a minor seminary. This is where young men begin to study to become priests. Pierre-Paul felt a strong desire to serve in faraway places.
Joining the Missionaries
In 1848, he joined a group of missionaries called the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. He made his religious vows a year later. This means he promised to dedicate his life to God and the mission.
He then studied to become a priest at a seminary in Marseille. In 1854, he was ordained as a priest. This was done by Eugène de Mazenod, who started the Oblates group.
Missionary Work in Canada
After his ordination, Durieu was sent to North America. He went to the Oregon Missions. His work focused on the Yakima Valley and Okanagan areas of British Columbia.
In 1875, Pierre-Paul Durieu became a coadjutor bishop. This means he was chosen to help the main bishop, Louis-Joseph d'Herbomez. When Bishop d'Herbomez passed away, Durieu took over. He became the first Bishop of New Westminster. This area later became known as the Archdiocese of Vancouver.
Working with First Nations
During his time as bishop, Durieu worked with the First Nations in British Columbia. He encouraged them to follow certain rules. These included stopping some traditional dances and the practice of potlatch. He also asked them to avoid consulting shamans and to stay away from drinking and gambling.
He wrote a book of Bible stories in Chinook Jargon. This was a common language used by many First Nations people. He wanted to teach them about the Catholic faith. He also set up mission centers. These centers allowed First Nations people to keep some of their traditional ways of life. At the same time, missionaries could reach them.
Durieu also tried to help the First Nations people keep their land. He worked to get treaties from the Canadian government. These treaties would protect their rights as more settlers moved into the area. However, his efforts were not successful.
Later Life and Legacy
Pierre-Paul Durieu passed away in 1899. He was buried next to the previous bishop at St. Mary's Mission.
A farming community in British Columbia is named after him. It is called Durieu. It is located northeast of Mission, B.C..
