Noël Chabanel
Noël Chabanel was a French Jesuit missionary who served at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons in New France and is counted among the Canadian Martyrs. He is remembered for his profound spiritual struggle with the mission life and his ultimate martyrdom at the hands of a "renegade" Huron.
- Feast Day
- December 8
- Century
- 17th century
- Country Or Region
- Canada
Key Facts
- ›NoëL Chabanel was born on February 2, 1613, in Saugues, France.
- ›He entered the Jesuit novitiate at Toulouse at seventeen and later became a professor of rhetoric.
- ›Chabanel was sent to New France in 1643 and appointed to the mission at Sainte-Marie.
- ›He felt a strong repugnance to Huron life and habits, vowing never to leave the mission except under obedience.
- ›He was martyred on December 8, 1649, by a "renegade" Huron.
- ›NoëL Chabanel was canonized by Pope Pius XI on June 29, 1930.
About Noël Chabanel
Noël Chabanel (February 2, 1613 – December 8, 1649) was a Jesuit missionary who served in New France and is recognized as one of the Canadian Martyrs. Born in Saugues, France, he entered the Society of Jesus at the age of seventeen and served as a professor of rhetoric. He was highly esteemed for his virtue and learning.
Ministry in New France
In 1643, Chabanel was sent to New France. He was appointed to the mission at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons. Despite studying the Algonquin language, he did not achieve fluency. During his apostolic labors, he was a companion to Charles Garnier. Chabanel felt a strong repugnance to the life and habits of the Huron people. Fearing this might cause him to withdraw from his work, he bound himself by a vow never to leave the mission except under obedience.
He was sent to assist Jean de Brébeuf at the mission of Saint Louis but was later replaced. Chabanel was then sent to help Charles Garnier among the Petun. Following the deaths of Brébeuf and Lalemant in an Iroquois raid, the Jesuits decided to abandon Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and burned the mission. In early December 1649, Chabanel was directed to go to St. Joseph Island.
Martyrdom and Veneration
Noël Chabanel was martyred on December 8, 1649, killed by a renegade Huron. There is a strong presumption that he was killed by a man who offered to carry him across. Paul Ragueneau, the Provincial Superior, later noted that Louis Honarreennha admitted to killing Chabanel.
Chabanel was canonized by Pope Pius XI on June 29, 1930, alongside the other Canadian Martyrs.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Noël Chabanel born?
Noël Chabanel was born on February 2, 1613, in the village of Saugues, France. He was the youngest of four children.
What was Noël Chabanel's role in New France?
Chabanel was a Jesuit missionary sent to New France in 1643. He was appointed to the mission at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and worked alongside other missionaries.
What spiritual challenges did Noël Chabanel face?
Chabanel experienced a strong repugnance to the life and habits of the Huron people. Fearing this might lead him to abandon his mission, he made a vow to never leave except under obedience.
How did Noël Chabanel die?
Noël Chabanel was martyred on December 8, 1649. He was killed by a "renegade" Huron, with strong presumption that the man who offered to carry him across the water was his killer.
When was Noël Chabanel canonized?
Noël Chabanel was canonized by Pope Pius XI on June 29, 1930, along with other Canadian Martyrs.
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