Peter Joseph Lavialle

Peter Joseph Lavialle (July 15, 1819 – May 11, 1867) was a French-born prelate of the Catholic Church. He served as Bishop of Louisville from 1865 until his death in 1867.

Biography Lavialle was born in Le Vigean, near Mauriac, Cantal, to Guillaume and Marie Jeanne (née Faure) Lavialle. He studied theology under the Sulpician Fathers. In 1842 he accepted an invitation from his relative, Bishop Guy Ignatius Chabrat, to join the Diocese of Louisville, Kentucky. Following his arrival in the United States, Lavialle continued his studies at the diocesan seminary and was ordained to the priesthood on February 2, 1844. He then served as a curate at the cathedral until 1849, when he became professor of theology at St. Thomas Seminary.