Roch, Joseph-Avila (Missionary in Manchuria, China)

Roch, Joseph-Avila (Missionary in Manchuria, China)

Roch contributed greatly to the organization of how and where the missionaries were to travel, as well as general missionary work with the many colleagues who traveled with him. Later, Roch played more of a leadership role within the organization.

1925-1938

Person

Manchuria, People’s Republic of China

Bertrand Roy, “ROCH, JOSEPH-AVILA,” in Dictionary of Canadian Biography, vol. 16, University of Toronto/Université Laval, 2003–, accessed May 31, 2021, https://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/roch_joseph_avila_16E.html.

1875

Saint-Norbert, Quebec

1940

Unknown

Curate of the parish of Sainte-Geneviève-de-Berthier; Teacher of philosophy and theology at the Séminaire de Joliette; Curé of the cathedral of Saint-Charles-Borromée in Joliette; Superior General of the Société des Missions Étrangères

French; English

Roch began his path into missionary work by becoming a teacher and was then sent to the College of the Sacred Congregation of Propaganda in Rome, where he furthered his education with two doctorates. When returning to Canada he continued to teach until he was appointed the cure of the cathedral of Saint-Charles-Borromée. When a renewal for missionary work was called, Quebec bishops wanted to create their own mission seminary. Roch offered his services as a teacher. Bishops tasked him with practical organizational work. Once the funds were rasied for missionary work to begin, Roch an colleagues travelled to Manchuria in China. There Roch continued more in a leadership role where he would then be elected superior general. Fighting sickness for two years, Roch died in 1940. Roch was praised by colleagues and successors for devoting his life to the betterment of society and missionary work.

Quebec Since 1800 (Carleton, HIST 3301A)

Charlotte Bradley