Blanchet, Francis Norbert, 1795-1883

Missionary in the Pacific Northwest in the 19th century; named vicar-general of the Oregon country in 1838 and first bishop of Oregon City (later known as the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon) when the episcopal see was created in 1846; developed the Catholic Ladder (1859) as a teaching device for the Indians to illustrate the history and beliefs of the Christian faith.

François Norbert Blanchet, pioneer priest of the Pacific Northwest, was born in 1795 in St. Pierre, Quebec. He was ordained in 1819. In 1838 Blanchet and Rev. Modeste Demers were sent as missionaries to Fort Vancouver. Blanchet designed the Catholic Ladder as a teaching aid for his missionary priests. The original was hand-drawn on an upright wood slab; later versions were printed. Blanchet, after traveling to Rome, was named Archbishop of Oregon City in 1846, the same year his brother, Augustin, became Bishop of Walla Walla. In later years he traveled extensively, going to South America and Canada on behalf of his diocese. He moved to Portland in 1862 and established a cathedral there. He traveled to Rome in 1869 for the Vatican Council. He retired in 1881, and died two years later.

Francois Norbert Blanchet, pioneer priest of the Pacific Northwest, was born in 1795 in St. Pierre, Quebec. He was ordained in 1819. In 1838 Blanchet and Rev. Modeste Demers were sent as missionaries to Fort Vancouver. Blanchet designed the Catholic Ladder as a teaching aid for his missionary priests. The original was hand-drawn on an upright wood slab; later versions were printed. Blanchet, after traveling to Rome, was named Archbishop of Oregon City in 1846, the same year his brother, Augustin, became Bishop of Walla Walla. In later years he traveled extensively, going to South America and Canada on behalf of his diocese. He moved to Portland in 1862 and established a cathedral there. He traveled to Rome in 1869 for the Vatican Council. He retired in 1881, and died two years later.