The Church in the European Settlements
Working among the First Nations was but one contribution of the Church in New France. With the
creation of the Royal Colony in 1663, the Church was assigned many important roles within the colony. A
sometimes unwelcome role involved criticizing the government.
Bishop Laval, a strong-willed, determined defender of the Church, arrived in Quebec in 1659. Throughout
his tenure in New France, Laval and other prominent government officials clashed over matters of policy. Laval was
determined that the authority of the Church would not be lessened in any way. Some felt that the Church and
Laval had far too much influence. It was suggested that the Church operate as an arm of the government. Laval
argued that the Church must operate free of government interference. The difference in philosophies often
produced tension between Church and State officials. On one occasion, Laval threatened the excommunication
(banishment from the Church) of any traders who traded brandy to the First Nations in exchange for furs. Laval
received no support on this issue from either the Governor or the Intendant. As a result, Laval wrote several
sharply critical letters to the authorities in France complaining about the government administration in New
France. Although Laval was unsuccessful in curbing the brandy trade, his efforts illustrate the political role that the
Church was prepared to play in the affairs of New France.
The Church was the only source of education in the colony. As early as 1635, a college was established in
Quebec, even though the population of New France only numbered about three hundred. In 1694, the colony had
nine educational institutions. These included two schools for girls, four for boys, one for training scholars in the
practical arts, two secondary schools, and one seminary for training young men for the priesthood. Although the
education provided by the Church was religiously oriented, it was not unlike the education offered in France.
The Church was responsible for the social needs of the inhabitants. Hotel Dieu, the first hospital in
Canada, was founded in Quebec in 1639. In 1642, Jeanne Mance, a French nurse, organized the first hospital in
Montreal. Although surgical techniques and medical knowledge remained primitive, early health-care was
provided by the Church. Assistance to the aged, the poor, orphans, and widows was a responsibility of the Church.
Most religious orders performed charitable works to ensure that those in need were housed, clothed, and fed.
Religious orders were the only institutions that provided for the many social needs of the colonists in New France.
Though politics, education, health, and charity were valuable contributions, the most important role of
the Church — at least in Bishop Laval’s opinion — concerned the spiritual guidance that it provided to its followers.
Each community had its own priest to minister to its spiritual needs. The parish priest was there when people were
born and when they died. The priest was often advisor, dispute referee, confessor, friend, and defender of
habitant rights. He celebrated the Mass, administered the last rites, buried the dead, baptized the newborn, and
married the youth. The Church was a centre of celebration and of community gatherings, and a symbol of stability
in the lives of the habitants.
The Church played an important role in the development of the colony. In addition to providing spiritual
leadership, it was influential in government and in education. It provided comfort for the sick, the poor, and the
helpless, and contributed to everyday life in the parishes. Such were the contributions of the Church in New
France.