Blessed Louis-Zéphirin Moreau

Life story

He was born on 1 April 1824 in Bécancour, Lower Canada. He was made a deacon on 13 December 1846 and ordained a priest on 19 December 1846 by Bishop Jean-Charles Prince. For many years he served in the Saint-Hyacinthe diocese before being chosen as its bishop.

The papal bull appointing him Bishop of Saint-Hyacinthe was issued on 19 November 1875, after officials in Rome approved the choice on 21 September 1875; he was consecrated on 16 January 1876. As bishop he set up a matrimonial court, founded the Sisters of Saint Joseph in 1877 together with Élisabeth Bergeron, and in 1883 founded the Sisters of Saint Martha. He also founded thirteen parishes, and in 1893 named Maxime Decelles as his coadjutor.

He died on 24 May 1901 in Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, aged 77. Pope John Paul II beatified him on 10 May 1987 in St Peter's Square. He held the see for roughly twenty-five years, until his death. The thirteen parishes and the two sisterhoods are the main lasting marks of his time as bishop.

Works and witness

• Ordained a priest on 19 December 1846
• Consecrated Bishop of Saint-Hyacinthe on 16 January 1876
• Set up a matrimonial court in the diocese
• Founded the Sisters of Saint Joseph (1877) and Sisters of Saint Martha (1883)
• Founded thirteen parishes; beatified in 1987

Saints from the same country

Saint André Bessette, Saint Marie of the Incarnation, Saint Marguerite d'Youville, Saint Émilie Gamelin

References

• Dictionary of Canadian Biography, "Moreau, Louis-Zéphirin" (biographi.ca)
• Encyclopedia.com, "Moreau, Louis-Zéphyrin, Bl."

Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.