12 Facts About Julian Maunoir

Julian Maunoir was beatified in 1951 by Pope Pius XII and is commemorated by the Catholic Church on 29 January and 2 July.

Julian Maunoir entered the Society of Jesus in Paris at nineteen with the Canadian mission in mind.

Julian Maunoir studied philosophy at La Fleche and in 1630 was assigned to the college at Saint-Ives at Quimper, Brittany, where he taught Latin and Greek.

Julian Maunoir worked hard and within two months he was sufficiently fluent to be able to preach in Breton.

Julian Maunoir is considered a noted orthographer of the Breton language, having completed a Breton grammar.

Julian Maunoir continued to preach in the hamlets of Brittany until he went to Tours to begin his theological studies prior to ordination.

Julian Maunoir continued his theological studies in Bourges under Louis Lallemant, followed by a year in Rouen, some missionary work in Normandy, and a year of teaching literature at the College of Nevers.

Julian Maunoir was ordained in 1637 and returned to Brittany in 1640 and was assigned again to Quimper, succeeding Venerable Dom Michael le Nobletz.

Julian Maunoir was found to be uniquely suited for the difficult task of evangelizing the impoverished people of Brittany.

Together with his companion, Pierre Bernard, Julian Maunoir worked among the poor, the peasants and fishermen.

Julian Maunoir worked as a missionary to the Breton people for 43 years, and managed to give a Christian meaning to what had become pious customs.

Julian Maunoir was beatified by Pope Pius XII in 1951.