Marie-Joseph Lemieux, O.P., was born in Quebec City on May 10, 1902. Upon completion of his classical studies, he entered the Dominican Order and was ordained to the priesthood on April 15, 1928.
Sent to Japan soon after ordination, he was appointed to the See of Sendai and consecrated its bishop on June 29, 1936. Convinced of Japan’s imminent entry into the war, Bishop Lemieux resigned his See in favour of a native bishop on March 8, 1941, and returned to Canada.
On November 26, 1942, he was appointed Apostolic Administrator of the diocese of Gravelbourg and took up his duties without delay. On April 15, 1944, his appointment as residential bishop was announced and his installation followed on May 28, 1944.
Bishop Lemieux had a great concern for youth, which resulted in the foundation of Camp Lemieux, funded chiefly by the Knights of Columbus.
He was also instrumental in establishing a French- language radio station in 1952.
Shortly after celebrating his 25th jubilee of ordination, on July 1, 1953, the appointment of Bishop Lemieux as Archbishop of Ottawa was announced. Bishop Lemieux left the diocese and was installed in Ottawa on September 17, 1953.
