User:Dhonn/Pere Dagobert

Father Dagobert de Longuory (a.k.a. Pere Dagobert) was a Capuchin monk who arrived in New Orleans from Quebec, Canada circa 1720. In 1745, he became priest of St. Louis Cathedral, and later was appointed as vicar general. He was active regionally for over 50 years and died in 1776.

While largely overlooked today, his contributions to the city and its people are significant and enduring. One finds numerous references to him in historical accounts of 18th-century New Orleans, and despite sometimes conflicting accounts, it is agreed that he was an important figure in every-day life in the city.

Following are some observations of him that reoccur in historical documents:
 * He was widely noted as a champion of the poor and disenfranchised


 * He was considered one of the most beloved figures in early New Orleans


 * His substantial political and social influence came in large part from his popularity.

at social and "life" events (weddings, baptisms, funerals, etc.)
 * He had a great love of food and wine, and was known for attending, and in many cases officiating
 * We was the most important religious figure of 18th-century New Orleans