Honoring St. François de Laval’s Legacy Through Service

St. François de Laval, the first bishop of Quebec, was a man of extraordinary humility and missionary zeal. He walked unfamiliar paths to bring the Gospel to Indigenous peoples and settlers, embodying a deep compassion that transcended cultural boundaries. Laval’s dedication to education, justice, and pastoral care planted the seeds of a lasting legacy that continues to bear fruit.

The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate proudly follow in his footsteps, carrying his spirit of service into the modern world. For over 200 years, the Oblates have dedicated themselves to serving the most marginalized, bringing hope and dignity to communities across more than 70 countries.

The Missionary Oblates have been caring for the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of Native Americans since 1923. Today the Oblates are responsible for three parishes on the White Earth Reservation in northern Minnesota, which is the poorest reservation in the state and is plagued with food shortages and homelessness.

• The Oblates foster resilience through advocacy and outreach, walking alongside Indigenous communities to address their unique challenges with compassion and respect.

Through their work, the Missionary Oblates show us that faith is not merely something we hold—it is something we live. St. François de Laval’s example calls us to action, to serve, and to build a world rooted in love and justice.