A prominent Catholic Church leader, he served as Archbishop of Quebec and played a key role in the Second Vatican Council, promoting ecumenism and social justice.
Maurice Roy, a Canadian Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church, is revered for his unwavering dedication to the faith and his esteemed service as Archbishop of Quebec from 1947 to 1981. Elevated to the cardinalate in 1965, Roy played a pivotal role in shaping the Church's presence in Canada during a transformative era.
Born on January 25, 1905, in Quebec City, Roy was the son of a judge and a descendant of the poet Napolon Legendre. He was initially homeschooled before attending the Seminary of Quebec from 1915 to 1923. Roy's academic pursuits further led him to obtain a licentiate in theology from the Université Laval in 1927, followed by a doctorate in philosophy from the Angelicum in Rome in 1929.
Upon his return to Quebec, Roy taught dogmatic and sacramental theology and apologetics at the Grand Seminary until 1939. During World War II, he served as a chaplain to the Canadian Army, earning the rank of colonel and the Order of the British Empire for his courageous conduct. His wartime service took him to the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany from 1939 to 1943.
In 1945, Roy resumed his teaching posts and was appointed superior of the seminary in December of that same year. On February 22, 1946, Pope Pius XII appointed him Bishop of Trois Rivières, and he received his episcopal consecration on May 1, 1946. As Bishop, Roy's motto, "In nomine Jesu," reflected his devotion to Jesus Christ.
In 1947, Roy became the Archbishop of Quebec, a position he held until 1981. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in shaping the Church's response to the Quiet Revolution and the subsequent secularization of Quebec. In 1965, Pope Paul VI elevated Roy to the cardinalate, recognizing his stature as a leader within the Catholic Church.
Throughout his life, Maurice Roy remained committed to the Catholic Church and its mission. His dedication to education, his military service, and his leadership within the Church have left an indelible mark on Canadian Catholicism. As a champion of the faith, Roy's legacy continues to inspire generations of Catholics in Canada and beyond.
Maurice Roy's life serves as a testament to the power of faith, dedication, and service. His remarkable journey from humble beginnings to the heights of the Catholic Church has left an enduring impact on Canadian Catholicism, ensuring his legacy will continue to inspire and guide generations to come.
90 Years Old
A Canadian Catholic priest who served as Archbishop of Montreal and was elevated to the College of Cardinals, known for his progressive views on social justice and human rights.
Born in 1911
A pioneering artist who explored themes of identity, trauma, and femininity through innovative and emotionally charged sculptures and paintings. Her iconic spider sculptures symbolize maternal protection and creativity.
