required, and the people took the precaution to build their church near
it. This building served for years not only as a parish church, but
likewise as a chapel of devotion for the sick and wounded. As the houses
were all wooden structures, they were speedily erected, and on the 15th
of August, 1642--being the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed
Virgin--the Adorable Sacrament was taken from the tent in which it was
hitherto kept, and carried in solemn procession to the church with all
the pomp and magnificence possible under the circumstances. Curiosity
attracted the savages from all quarters, and as they were then less
familiar with the ceremonies of our holy religion than now, they were
transported with admiration and joy at what they saw. Nor were they less
edified by the simple fervor and piety of the first French settlers.
This glorious festival of Mary was long remembered in Canada by both
French and Indians, as was the singing of the "Salve Regina" by Columbus
and his crew, when he neared the shores of the New World.




CHAPTER III.

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HOTEL DIEU--ECCLESIASTICAL APPOINTMENTS FOR CANADA,
ETC.


While M. de Maisonneuve was arranging matters to insure the success of
the new colony, he received a reinforcement which, though not so
numerous as the first band of emigres, was equally well selected. It was
led by M. Louis d'Aillebout de Masseau, a man of eminent piety, and a
member of the Montreal Association. With this opportune and important