|
|
| St.Charles Garnier |  |
He studied classics, philosophy, and theology at the Jesuit college of Clermont, joining the order in 1624.
Jesuit Missionary
He begged to be sent to the Canadian mission, and sailed in 1636 on
the same fleet as Governor Montmagny. He was sent forthwith to the Huron
country, where he was to spend the fourteen
years of his heroic apostolate without once returning to Quebec.
In six months he mastered the difficult language, and began a career
of unceasing charity which
was to be crowned by martyrdom.
His angelic patience amidst endless trials won him the title of "lamb"
of the mission, whereof
Brébeuf was styled the "lion".
Several times -- first in 1637, then in 1639 with Jogues,
and later with Pijart -- he strove to
convert the Tobacco nation. His constancy finally overcame their obstinacy.
They asked for the black robes (1646), and Garnier went to dwell with them
until death.
After the martyrdom of Fathers Daniel
(1648), Brébeuf, and Lalemant
(march 1649), he calmly awaited his turn.
After decimating the Hurons, the Iroquois attacked the Tobacco nation.
During the massacre of St. John's village, Garnier went about exhorting
his neophytes to be faithful. Mortally wounded
he dragged himself towards a dying Indian to absolve him, and received
the final blow in the very act of charity (1649) on the eve of the Immaculate
Conception, a dogma he had vowed to defend.
Died on 7 December, 1649