Is it possible for a building to tell a story spanning centuries? Here at Paroisse Saint-François-de-Sales it does. This isn’t just a church. It’s a chronicle etched in stone and faith.
Paroisse Saint-François-de-Sales stands as a beacon of history. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of this community. Established as the first parish on Île-Jésus, its roots plunge deep into the past.
Imagine stepping back to February 3 1702. That’s when the parish registers first opened marking the beginning of a new chapter for this land. However the parish was only canonically erected in 1721. This makes it the first parish on Île-Jésus.
The story of Paroisse Saint-François-de-Sales involves a temporary end. For about forty years no acts were recorded in the parish registers from November 18 1805 to March 6 1847.
Named in honour of Mgr François de Montmorency-Laval the church carries a legacy of devotion and leadership. Think about the early days. A humble chapel was inaugurated in 1685. Later in 1706 a stone church was erected replacing the chapel. The current church was constructed in 1846 and 1847.
Paroisse Saint-François-de-Sales has seen its community evolve. The municipality of Saint François de Sales Isle Jésus was created on July 1 1855. In 1958 it changed its name and status to the city of Saint-François. It was then dissolved in 1965 with the creation of the city of Laval.
Consider the many spiritual leaders who have guided this parish. Pierre Auclair-Desnoyers was the first appointed curate in 1721. Each subsequent leader has left an indelible mark on the church and its people.
Antoine Olivier Giroux became curate in 1852. Julien Gédéon Watier became curate in 1856 and served until 1892. Denis Casaubon then took over in 1892. He served until 1917. Joseph Marie Auguste Lapalme was installed as curate in 1917. He served until 1929. Joseph Jean Baptiste Léopold Olivier became curate in 1929. He served until 1933.
The address of Paroisse Saint-François-de-Sales is 7070 boulevard des Mille-Iles Laval. Today the church continues to serve as a spiritual home. It is a place of worship and community. It welcomes all who seek solace or connection.
As you stand before Paroisse Saint-François-de-Sales remember its long history. It is a landmark that has witnessed centuries of change. It is a symbol of faith. It is an inspiration to all.