Vicariate Apostolic of Athabasca

Athabasca, Vicariate Apostolic of (Northwest Territories).—Suffragan of Saint Boniface; erected April 8, 1862, by Pius IX. Bounded on the north by the Vicariate of Mackenzie; on the east and southeast by the Vicariate of Saskatchewan; on the south by 55° N. lat.; on the west by the Rocky Mountains. The first vicar Apostolic was Bishop Henri Faraud, O.M.I., b. at Gigondas, France, March 17, 1828; d. at Saint Boniface, September 26, 1890; ordained priest at Saint Boniface, March 8, 1847; elected May 8, 1862; consecrated at Tours, France, November 30, 1864, titular Bishop of Anamur. He was succeeded by Bishop Emile Grouard, O.M.I., titular Bishop of Ibora; b. at Brulon, Mans, February 2, 1840; ordained priest at Boucherville, May 3, 1862, elected Bishop of Ibora, October 18, 1890; consecrated at Saint Boniface, August 1, 1891, and appointed vicar Apostolic. The Oblates of Mary Immaculate serve all the missions of Athabasca. There are 11 stations, 23 priests, 28 Soeurs de in Providence, 6 Soeurs Grises. Catholics, about 5,000. (See Saint Boniface.)