In 1535 Placentia was placed under the jurisdiction of Bishop of Rouen.
In 1662, the French established a colony at Placentia and they brought with them priests to minister the Catholic population.
Prior to 1687 Chaplains of fishing fleets and personal Chaplains of resident governors served Placentia.
In 1689 Bishop Sainte-Vallier came to Placentia with two Recollects and a lay brother to establish the religious organization in the colony. A small church already existed and property was purchased from George Jougla to build the Covnent of Angles. Didace, the lay brother remained at Placentia to erect the parish building and repair the church. The parish was to be served by the Recollect Order.
Placentia became the first legally established Catholic parish in Newfoundland in 1692.
Prior to 1725, Placentia seemed to be the only colony other than St. John's to establish a clergy.
In 1760 the missionary at St. John's, Rev. M. Langman made a visit to Placentia, preached two Sundays and baptized about 50 people.
In 1803 the Protestants made another attempt to get a minister. In 1804 the governor recommended Rev. Ismall Baggs to be missionary but no evidence has been found to show that he served here.
According to the Annual Reports of the United Society for the Propogation of the Gospel in French Ports 1704-1800. Rev. R. Killpatrick on SPG missionary was detained at Placentia for three months, while he preached six Sundays and baptized 10 children. It is believed that he used the French church of Our Lady of Angles which was located on the site where the Anglian Church is today.
Click for a list of the churches and priests from Placentia's history.
