Auguste Lecanu

Auguste François Lecanu (December 13, 1803 – February 9, 1884), was a French Catholic figure, professor, author, and historian.

Life Auguste François Lecanu was born in Bréville-sur-Mer, December 13, 1803. Drawn to theology, Auguste Lecanu was ordained a priest on July 9, 1826, and became a vicar in Carantilly, later serving as the parish priest of Bolleville from 1831 to 1840. From 1840 to 1845, he was a professor at the Royal College of Caen and then settled in Paris until 1863. During that time, he was part of the clergy at Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois. Upon returning to his homeland, Auguste Lecanu became the chaplain of the Ursulines of Mortain from 1863 to 1872, and later, a titular canon of the chapter of Coutances.

Auguste Lecanu showed an early interest in the ecclesiastical history of La Manche. This interest was already evident in 1839 with the publication of his History of the Bishops of Coutances, and later in 1877 and 1878 with his History of the Diocese of Coutances and Avranches, a work that encapsulated a lifetime of research. These pursuits led him to become a member of the Society of Antiquaries of Normandy and several other scientific societies. Lecanu died in Coutances, February 9, 1884.