Rev. Joseph Leonidas Desjardins

Rev. Joseph Léonidas Desjardins, secretary general of Laval University at Montreal since September 14, 1907, was born at Ste. Thérèse, in the county of Terrebonne, on the 27th of November, 1880, a son of Joseph and Odile (Boileau) Desjardins, the former of whom followed agricultural pursuits. The son pursued his early studies in the Seminary of Ste. Thérèse and in the Grand Seminary of Montreal. His determination to prepare for the priesthood, followed by a thorough course of study, led to his ordination by Monsignor P. La Rocque on the 3d of July, 1904. His time and energies have ever since been devoted to educational service save for a period which he devoted to further study. Following his ordination he became a professor in the Seminary of Ste. Thérèse, where he remained during 1904 and 1905. The following year he went abroad for further study in Rome, where he remained from 1905 until 1907, winning the degree of Doctor of Theology. Following his return to the new world he entered again upon active connection with educational interests as secretary general of Laval University at Montreal, being appointed to his present position on the 14th of September, 1907. In his life work mental and moral instruction go hand in hand, and his efforts constitute an important element not only in the upbuilding of character among individual students but also in the extension of Catholic teachings and influence.