You can see this church near the Jacques-Cartier River in most places in Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier as a central – dominant – element.

The parish records begin in 1832, the date of the appointment of the first resident priest. The canonical erection dates back to October 20, 1824. The parish was first named Saint-Patrice because of the many Irish families who lived there.

During the canonical erection, it was placed under the patronage of Saint Catherine in honour of Marie-Catherine Peuvret, wife of Ignace-Juchereau Duchesnay, then owner of the seigneury of Fossambault.

The current church of Sainte-Catherine was erected in 1910-1911 following the fire of the first church. Here, the village center was born.

The parish also has a cemetery whose heritage, historical and archaeological importance stems from the important people buried there, such as members of the Juchereau-Duchesnay family, Eugène-Étienne Taché, Hector de Saint-Denys Garneau, Anne Hébert, Oscar Prévost, the Fragasso family and Mulroney.

This place marks the significant presence of Irish families at the beginning of the Seigneurie and represents the history of the first settlers.

Don’t forget to walk by Jacques-Cartier River.

Photos and video: Vlad Umnov