_CHAPTER XIX_
DEATH OF MGR. DE LAVAL 261

INDEX 271




CHAPTER I

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
IN CANADA


If, standing upon the threshold of the twentieth century, we cast a look
behind us to note the road traversed, the victories gained by the great
army of Christ, we discover everywhere marvels of abnegation and
sacrifice; everywhere we see rising before us the dazzling figures of
apostles, of doctors of the Church and of martyrs who arouse our
admiration and command our respect. There is no epoch, no generation,
even, which has not given to the Church its phalanx of heroes, its quota
of deeds of devotion, whether they have become illustrious or have
remained unknown.

Born barely three centuries ago, the Christianity of New France has
enriched history with pages no less glorious than those in which are
enshrined the lofty deeds of her elders. To the list, already long, of
workers for the gospel she has added the names of the Récollets and of
the Jesuits, of the Sulpicians and of the Oblate Fathers, who crossed