April 9: The French Explorer

Welcome to the American Catholic Daily Reader podcast. Today is April 9th, and our story is The French Explorer. René Robert Cavalier's fortune was lost. Gone with it were his prospects for success, at least in his native France. Six years earlier, in 1660, the young Sieur de La Salle renounced his fortune when he joined the Jesuits. By 1666, though, La Salle knew religious life wasn't for him. Nearly destitute and with few other options, he decided to travel to New France, where his older brother served as a Sulpician priest.

Later that year, LaSalle arrived in New France with the little money he had left. There, he purchased land on the island of Montreal and quickly established a successful fur trading business. Three years later, hoping to make that business even more successful, LaSalle organized the first of many expeditions to explore the riverways of his new home.

Native Americans had told LaSalle of a great river which led to an even greater sea, and LaSalle hoped that river might offer a route to the Orient. Although he never found the Orient, LaSalle's explorations weren't in vain. His journey around the Great Lakes helped establish forts throughout the region and secured the future of the French fur trade. He also was the first European to see the Ohio River, traveling along it as far as Louisville, Kentucky, and to canoe the length of the Mississippi River.

Upon arriving at the mouth of the Mississippi on April 9, 1682, LaSalle claimed the entirety of the Mississippi River basin for France. He also named it La Louisiane, after King Louis XIV. Two years later, LaSalle attempted to return there to found a colony. With four ships and 300 colonists, he sailed from France in 1684. They overshot their mark, however, ending up in modern-day Texas, and lost three ships along the way.

LaSalle attempted to find the Mississippi on foot, but to no avail. Finally, his remaining colonists mutinied, killing LaSalle in 1687. He was 43. Exploration and faith often walk hand in hand. LaSalle's determination to carve out a future in unknown lands, despite personal risk and ultimate tragedy, illustrates courage and vision. His story reminds us that pursuing meaningful endeavors often demands perseverance and trust, even when outcomes are uncertain. Take one step today toward a long-term goal you've been hesitant to pursue. Embrace courage, even if success isn't guaranteed.

Thank you for listening to the American Catholic Daily Reader podcast. Join us tomorrow, April 10th, for another story of faith and courage in America.