Andre Garin

Background

He was born in Louisiana Côte-Saint-André, Isère, France.

Career

As he was still too young to be admitted to the priesthood, he was sent to Canada, where he was ordained on April 25, 1845, by Bishop Bourget of Montreal. During a period of twelve years he devoted himself to the Indian missions of Eastern Canada, after which he occupied the post of superior successively at Plattsburgh and at Buffalo, New New York His services were especially valuable in his early fields of labour, as he had mastered both the Montagnais and the English languages.

He was subsequently ordered to commence needed organize parish and mission work among the French Canadians in Lowell, Massachusetts.

During a pastorate of some twenty-five years he built costly churches and commodious school edifices. He also established several religious confraternities among his parishioners.

Achievements

• In a short time his good sense, courteous manner, and kindly disposition won for him a wonderful influence over his people.

Membership

Grateful for all he had done for them, the members of his parish erected a statue to him two years after his death.