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Bourgade Catholic High School is named after the
Most Reverend Archbishop Peter Bourgade (1845 - 19O8)

Peter Bourgade was born in Puy-de-Dome, France, on October 18, 1845. As a French missionary priest he was sent overseas in 1869 for service in the New Mexico-Arizona Territories. Each days work was long and hard. Travel was difficult and the people were often rowdy and mean. Despite the conditions, Fr. Bourgade quickly adapted to his new home. On May 8, 1897, Pope Leo XIII created the new Diocese of Tucson and appointed Peter Bourgade its first bishop. His zeal in providing for strong religious education programs for the young resulted in the establishment of twelve schools and orphanages.

In 1899, Bishop Bourgade was appointed Archbishop of Santa Fe, New Mexico. He oversaw the activities of several dioceses, including Tucson, and supervised the continued growth of the Church in the Southwest.

On May 17, 1908, Archbishop Bourgade died of heart failure and was laid to rest under the high altar of the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe, New Mexico.