One Of The First Slovene Americans Was A Missionary Priest - The Story of Frederic Baraga

While doing some research about our soon-to-be host country, we came across this very interesting person in history.

Meet Frederic Baraga.  He was one of the first Slovenes to immigrate to the United States, and he was a missionary priest.  Here are few interesting facts about him:

- He arrived to the United States on New Years Eve, 1830.

- At first he ministered among German immigrants in Cleveland, OH.  During this time, he also began to learn the Ottawa language.  He later went to live among the Ottawa people.

- In 1837 he published the first book in the Ottawa language, Otawa Anamie-Misinaigan.  It included a Catholic prayer book and catechism.  

- He then moved, and ministered to the Ojibwe people.

- In 1843 he founded a mission in L'Anse, Michigan.  During this time he earned the nickname “the Snowshoe Priest” because he would travel hundreds of miles each year on snowshoes during the harsh winters.

- He worked to protect Native Americans from forced relocation.

- He published a dictionary and grammar book on the Ojibwe language.

- In 1853 he was elevated to the position of Bishop of Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan.  During this time, a rush of European immigrants relocated to the area.  He continued to minister to Native Americans and Europeans, alike. 

- He continued to travel by snowshoe in the harsh winters well into his sixties - all to reach people in remote areas.

- On a trip to Europe to raise money for his mission, he was presented a jeweled cross and episcopal ring by the emperor of Austria, as a thanks for his service.  He sold the cross and ring, so he could fund his ministry.

- He wrote letters home about his missionary work, which inspired many other priests to move to the United States as missionaries as well.

Wow!  What an inspiring and devoted follower of Jesus!  Frederic Baraga's story reminds us of a few things: 1) EVERYONE has a right to choose Jesus - regardless of geographical location or skin color; 2) There should be no obstacle too great when reaching people (snowshoes); 3) It's so important to reach people in THEIR language; 4) Nothing is of more value than people's souls (cross and ring); and 5) We are called to inspire others as well.

See the snowshoes?

We hope the story of Frederic Baraga has inspired you to reach those around you, it certainly encouraged us!

So, we will sign off as Bishops Baraga did in his pastoral letter, "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the charity of God, and the communication of the Holy Ghost be with you all. Amen."

*If you would like to read Bishop Baraga's Pastoral letter, you can find it here.