The Snowshoe Priest
When you think of the rugged landscapes of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the image of a Slovenian priest trekking through snow-covered forests on snowshoes might not be the first thing that comes to mind. For 37 years, Frederic Baraga—fondly known as the “Snowshoe Priest”—dedicated his life to the spiritual and cultural enrichment of the Ottawa and Chippewa tribes. He also ministered to the immigrant communities of the region. His story is one of resilience, faith, and a relentless commitment to his mission. He earned the title “Apostle of the Lakelands” and, in recent years, the honor of being declared Venerable by the Catholic Church.
Orphaned
Born on June 29, 1797, in Slovenia, Frederic Baraga’s early life was shaped by political turmoil and a love for learning. Orphaned at 14, he became fluent in Slovenian, French, and German, later adding Latin and Greek to his repertoire. After studying law at the University of Vienna, Baraga felt a divine calling to priesthood. He said it was influenced by the guidance of St. Clement Hofbauer.
Baraga answered the plea for missionaries in the United States. After arriving in 1830 he immersed himself in serving Native American tribes. His first mission at Arbre Croche (now Harbor Springs, Michigan) marked the beginning of his long and arduous journeys across the Great Lakes region. Whether by canoe, on foot, or on snowshoes, Baraga tirelessly ministered to remote communities. he would translate prayers into Native languages, publishing religious texts, and preserving Native cultures. His “Grammar and Dictionary of the Chippewa Language” remains a cornerstone of linguistic history.
First Bishop
In 1853, Baraga was named the first bishop of the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie (later Marquette). Despite a severe stroke and financial challenges, he laid the foundation for a thriving diocese. This was done by balancing the growing needs of immigrants with the spiritual care of indigenous peoples. Known for rising as early as 3 a.m. for prayer, Baraga’s life was defined by humility and devotion.
Baraga’s death on January 19, 1868, was mourned by Catholics and non-Catholics alike. His funeral in Marquette, despite blizzard conditions, drew mourners from all walks of life. It was recognized the sanctity of a man who lived among them as a true shepherd.
Venerable Frederic Baraga’s legacy continues to inspire. His tireless dedication to faith, culture, and education echoes through the halls of history. From his missionary efforts in the wilderness to his writings that connected continents. Whether you’re intrigued by his linguistic contributions or his enduring spiritual impact, Baraga’s story is a testament to the power of compassion and perseverance.
Bishop Baraga’s First Church Historical Marker
Statehood Era (1815-1860) – Registered in 1957 and erected in 1958 – ID # S696C
Located on Arrowhead Road, Manistique – Lat: 45.99395000/Long: -86.28880900
Near this site, on May 15, 1832, the Right Reverend Frederic Baraga, then a young Catholic missionary to the Indians, established and blessed his first church. A small building of logs and bark, it was built with the willing help of the Indians, and dedicated “to the honor of God under the name and patronage of His Virginal Mother Mary.” Until his death in 1868, Father Baraga labored selflessly in an area from Minnesota to Sault Ste. Marie, from Grand Rapids to Eagle Harbor. World famous as a missionary, he became Upper Michigan’s first Roman Catholic bishop in 1853.
Bishop Baraga House Historical Marker
Statehood Era (1815 – 1860) – Registered in 1958 and erected in 2007 – ID # S2
Located at 615 S. 4th Street, Marquette – Lat: 46.53905700/Long: -87.39899600
Frederic Baraga was a lawyer, an artist and a Roman Catholic priest who came to the U.S. from present-day Slovenia in 1830. Baraga (1797-1868) served Native Americans in the Great Lakes region and wrote A Dictionary of the Otchipwe Language (Chippewa or Ojibwe), published in 1853. Named vicar apostolic of the Sault that year, he became bishop of Sault Ste. Marie in 1857, and transferred the See of the diocese to Marquette in 1866. Baraga lived in a part of this house that was later moved from behind the cathedral and attached to an existing house on this site. He continued working with native people and helped them collect annuity payments from the U.S. government. Baraga died in this house on January 19, 1868, and was interred in the crypt of St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette.
