Charles Garnier
Charles Garnier was a Jesuit missionary who served in New France. He is remembered for his dedication to missionary work among the Huron people and his eventual martyrdom at the hands of the Iroquois. Canonized as one of the Canadian Martyrs, he is venerated for his faith and sacrifice.
- Feast Day
- October 19
- Century
- 17th century
- Country Or Region
- Canada
Key Facts
- ›Charles Garnier was born in Paris in 1606 and joined the Jesuit seminary in Clermont in 1624.
- ›He was ordained a priest in 1635 and arrived in New France in June 1636.
- ›Garnier served as a missionary among the Huron people, who nicknamed him Ouracha, meaning "rain-giver".
- ›He spent time in the land of the Petun (Tobacco Nation) in 1639 and 1640, and was at the Saint-Joseph mission from 1641 to 1646.
- ›He was killed by Iroquois musket fire on December 7, 1649, in a Petun village.
- ›Garnier was canonized in 1930 by Pope Pius XI as one of the seven other Canadian Martyrs.
Ouracha
About Charles Garnier
Charles Garnier was a Jesuit missionary who served in New France during the 17th century. Born in Paris in 1606, he was the son of a secretary to King Henri III of France. He received his education at the Collège de Clermont and joined the Jesuit seminary in 1624. After completing his studies and being ordained a priest in 1635, Garnier embarked on his missionary journey to New France, arriving in June 1636.
Life and Ministry
Garnier's missionary work primarily focused on the Huron and Petun (Tobacco Nation) peoples. He traveled with fellow Jesuit Pierre Chastellain and by August 1636, he was among the Nipissings. He spent the remainder of his life in New France, never returning to his homeland. The Huron people nicknamed him "Ouracha," meaning "rain-giver," after a drought ended following his arrival. He was greatly influenced by fellow missionary Jean de Brébeuf, and was known as the "lamb" to Brébeuf's "lion." Garnier also spent time in the land of the Petun in 1639 and 1640 and was stationed at the Saint-Joseph mission from 1641 to 1646.
Martyrdom and Veneration
In the context of ongoing conflict between the Iroquois and Huron, Garnier was aware of the dangers faced by missionaries. After learning of the deaths of Jean de Brébeuf and Gabriel Lalemant at the hands of the Iroquois in March 1649, Garnier knew his own life was at risk. On December 7, 1649, he was killed by musket fire during an Iroquois attack on the Petun village where he was residing. Charles Garnier was canonized in 1930 by Pope Pius XI as one of the seven Canadian Martyrs, also known as the North American Martyrs. His feast day is observed on October 19.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Charles Garnier?
Charles Garnier was a Jesuit missionary who worked in New France. He was born in Paris in 1606 and dedicated his life to serving among the Huron and Petun peoples.
How did Charles Garnier die?
Charles Garnier was killed by Iroquois on December 7, 1649. He was killed by musket fire during an attack on the Petun village where he was living.
Why is Charles Garnier considered a saint?
Charles Garnier is venerated as a saint because he was martyred for his faith while serving as a missionary. He was canonized in 1930 along with seven other Canadian Martyrs.
What was Charles Garnier's nickname?
The Huron people gave Charles Garnier the nickname Ouracha, which means "rain-giver." This name was given to him after his arrival was followed by rainfall that ended a drought.
When is the feast day of Charles Garnier?
The feast day of Saint Charles Garnier is October 19. He is commemorated along with the other Canadian Martyrs.
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Jean de Lalande
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