Noël Chabanel was a 17th-century French Jesuit priest and missionary who served in New France. Born in Saugues, he was recognized for his scholarly abilities and virtue, serving as a professor of rhetoric before joining the missions in Canada in 1643. While working alongside companions like Charles Garnier, he struggled with the local customs of the Wendat people. To ensure he remained dedicated to his religious duties, he made a vow to stay at the mission unless ordered otherwise by his superiors.
Life and death
After arriving in North America, Chabanel worked at the mission of Sainte-Marie among the Hurons. Following the deaths of several fellow Jesuits during Haudenosaunee raids, the mission was abandoned. In December 1649, while traveling to St. Joseph Island, Chabanel was killed by a Wendat man. This individual, who had previously spread rumors regarding French betrayals, later admitted to the killing.
Veneration
He is remembered as one of the Canadian Martyrs. As a saint in the Catholic tradition, his life and death are commemorated on October 19. He was officially canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1930.