Nicolas Viel

Nicolas Viel
Born	near Coutances in Normandy
Died	June 25, 1625
Cause of death	assassinated
Occupation	missionary
Religion	Roman Catholic

Nicolas Viel (died 25 June 1625) was a French Recollet missionary to the Hurons from 1623 to 1625.

Biography

Cross in honour of Nicolas Viel and Ahuntsic (Missionary) at Parc de l'Île-de-la-Visitation

Father Viel traveled to Huron territory arriving there with Father Le Caron. He was studying the language and collecting material to add to Father Le Caron’s dictionary. After almost two years, he decided to return to Quebec in May of 1625. After a long period of travel, he was assassinated by the three Indian companions in his canoe. A young man called Ahuntsic, who was following in another canoe, witnessed the crime, and suffered the same fate. The event took place near present day Sault-au-Récollet and was well witnessed and recorded; the body of the religious was recovered from the water a few days later and buried at Quebec City.

While there is no official position by the Catholic Church on this matter, all records would indicate that Father Viel was the first martyr for his faith in Canada. The murder was likely was caused by a deep dislike of the Catholic teachings and their messenger.

External links

• Biography at the Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online
• the Catholic Encyclopedia

Persondata
Name	Viel, Nicolas
Alternative names
Short description
Date of birth
Place of birth	near Coutances in Normandy
Date of death	June 25, 1625
Place of death