Quebec's 1st Bishop Declared a Saint Along With Ursuline Nun Who Educated Girls in New France

Bishop François de Laval de Montmorency, the first bishop of Quebec, who governed from 1674 to 1688 when the new Diocese of Quebec covered all France's territory in North America, has been declared a saint. 

The French-born prelate (1623-1708) was one of three recognized as saints today by Pope Francis, in a meeting with Cardinal Angelo Amato, prefect of the Vatican Congregation for Saints' Causes. 

Another of those declared a saint was also born in France but carried out her ministry in Canada: Marie of the Incarnacion (born Marie Guyart), French (1599-1672).  The Ursuline nun founded a convent and school to educate girls in New France and her canonization coincides with the 375th anniversary of her arrival in what is today Quebec City.

José de Anchieta, Spanish priest of the Society of Jesus (1534-1597), was also declared a saint today.

Miracles

A priest and a nun from India were among those the Holy Father recognized as having obtained miracles with their intercession:

- Blessed Kuriacose Elias Chavara, Indian professed priest and founder of the Congregation of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (1805-1871).

- Blessed Euphrasia of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (born Rose Eluvathingal), Indian professed religious of the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel (1877-1952).

The Pope also recognized miracles attributed to the intercession of:

- Servant of God Giovanni Antonio Farina, Italian bishop and founder of the Institute of the Sisters of Saint Dorothy, Daughters of the Sacred Hearts (1803-1871).

- Blessed Nicola da Longobardi, (born Giovanni Battista Clemente Saggio), Italian oblate friar of the Order of the Minims (1650-1709).

- Servant of God Luigi della Consolata (born Andrea Bordino), Italian professed religious, Brothers of Saint Joseph Benedict Cottolengo (1922-1977).

Heroic virtue

Finally, Pope Francis recognized the heroic virtue of the following:

- Francisco Simon Rodenas, Spanish professed priest of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, bishop of Santa Marta (1849-1914).

- Adolfo Barberis, Italian priest and founder of the Institute of Sisters of Christian Servanthood (1884-1967).

- Marie-Clement (ne Joseph Staub), French professed priest of the Assumptionists and founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joan of Arc (1876-1936).

- Sebastian Elorza Arizmendi, Spanish professed religious of the Order of St. Augustine (1882-1942).

- Maria Teresa of the Eucharistic Jesus (nee Dulce Rodrigues dos Santos), Brazilian foundress of the Congregation of the Little Missionary Sisters of Mary Immaculate (1901-1972).

- Clara de la Concepcion (nee Juana de la Concepcion Sanchez Garcia), Spanish professed religious of the Order of St. Clare (1902-1973).

- Maria Magdalena (nee Maria Giuseppina Teresa Marcucci), Italian professed religious of the Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ (1888-1960).

- Luigi Rocchi, Italian layperson (1932-1979).