Grandin, Rt. Rev. Vital Justin, OMI

Vital Justin Grandin was born at St. Pierre de la Coure, on February 8, 1829. He was ordained priest of the Order of Oblate Fathers of Mary Immaculate on April 23, 1854. Following his ordination, he was sent to the Metis settlement at St. Boniface, Manitoba. On December 11, 1857, he was appointed coadjutor Bishop to His Grace Alexandre Tache, however his formal consecration took place nearly two years after, on November 30, 1859, by the founder of the oblates, now known as St. Eugene de Mazenod. On September 1871 he was appointed the first Bishop of the newly erected diocese of St. Albert, by letter of Pope Pius IX. Through his dauntless spirit and self-sacrifice he was instrumental in the establishment of the Catholic Church in Western Canada. He died as Bishop of Saint Albert, on June 03, 1902, and will be remembered as the Missionary Bishop. In 1966, his humble and saintly virtues were acknowledged when he was declared Venerable.