Frederic Baraga

Who they were

Frederic Baraga was born in Carniola (now Slovenia) on 29 June 1797, studied law in Vienna, then entered the seminary and was ordained on 21 September 1823. In 1830 he left for America to give his life to the Native missions.

From 1831 he worked among the Ottawas at Arbre Croche, baptising 547 in just over two years, and then among the Chippewas. He became the first Bishop of Marquette, Michigan, and wrote much in the Native languages. He died at Marquette on 19 January 1868.

The miracles

The Catholic Encyclopedia does not describe his cause.

Why that counted as sanctity

A missionary bishop who gave his life to the Native peoples of the Great Lakes.

Connected on this site

• Francis Xavier Saint
  “Baraga's letters about his missionary work were published widely in Europe, inspiring the priests John Neumann and Francis Xavier Pierz to emigrate to the United States.” — Wikipedia
• John Neumann Saint
  “Baraga's letters about his missionary work were published widely in Europe, inspiring the priests John Neumann and Francis Xavier Pierz to emigrate to the United States.” — Wikipedia