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The Right Reverend Pierre-Paul Durieu OMI
Bishop of New Westminster
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 (1830-12-04)December 4, 1830
Saint-Pal-de-Mons, Haute-Loire, France
Died June 1, 1899(1899-06-01) (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.

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..

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