Louis Babel

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Louis Babel, (23 June 1826 – 1 March 1912), was an Oblate priest who might be considered multi-faceted in his career. He was born in Veyrier, Switzerland and received his formal training in Europe before coming to Canada in 1851. He was ordained in Bytown upon his arrival by Bishop Joseph-Bruno Guigues.

His first assignment was as a missionary among the Montagnais in the Saguenay region of Lower Canada. He moved from Grande-Baie to Les Escoumins where he began working with Father Charles Arnaud. He and Arnaud would be together for almost 60 years.

Looking back at his long career, Babel is remembered for his dedication and self-sacrifice as a missionary. He had a deep concern for the welfare of the natives and carrying out the difficult tasks assigned to him.