Born in Normandy on March 25, 1593, St. Jean de Brébeuf was a Jesuit missionary with a deep dedication to evangelizing the indigenous peoples of Canada. Initially aspiring to be a lay brother, he joined the Society of Jesus in 1617. Physical ailments limited his theological studies, yet his zeal for mission work remained undiminished.
Brébeuf first reached Quebec in 1625. Despite the mistrust locals held for Jesuits, he successfully established a residence along the St. Charles River. Embracing the indigenous way of life, he spent a harsh winter living in wigwams. In the following spring, he embarked on a perilous canoe journey to Lake Huron. Here, he and Father de Noüe started their mission near Georgian Bay. However, within a short period, de Noüe left, leaving Brébeuf alone.
His initial efforts bore little fruit. After two years, Brébeuf returned to Quebec due to threats the colony faced. In 1629, Quebec fell to the English, leading to the missionaries’ return to France. But by 1633, when the colony reverted to French control, Brébeuf was back, resuming his mission work.
From 1633 onwards, Brébeuf faced a series of challenges: hostile tribes, grueling journeys, and the continuous threat of death. Yet, he termed these challenges as mere “roses” compared to his eventual fate. In 1640, he attempted to evangelize the Neutres tribe but faced another setback.
By 1647, though the Iroquois had forged peace with the French, their hostility towards the Hurons persisted. In 1648, the missionaries faced more calamities: their mission establishments were destroyed, and many were killed. On March 16, 1649, the Iroquois targeted the city of St. Louis. Brébeuf and Lallemant, who could have fled, chose to stay. Captured, they faced brutal torture in St. Ignace. Despite the excruciating pain, Brébeuf remained stoic till the end. His relics, including his head, are now preserved in Hôtel-Dieu, Quebec.
In Canada, Brébeuf’s legacy shines brighter than that of any other early missionary. A movement for his canonization was initiated, recognizing his indomitable spirit and martyrdom. By 1930, Pope Pius XI canonized him and the other North American Martyrs. They were honored with shrines in Midland, Ontario, and Auriesville, New York. Celebrated as the patron saints of Canada, their feast day is observed on September 26 in Canada and October 19 in the U.S. as “The North American Martyrs.”
Saint Antoine Daniel
Saint Charles Garnier
Saint Gabriel Lalemant
Saint Isaac Jogues
Saint Jean de Brebeuf
Saint Jean de la Lande
Saint Noel Chabanel
Saint Rene Goupil
Photo credit: Crisco 1492 via Wikimedia Commons
The post The North American Martyrs appeared first on uCatholic.
Daily Reading
Wednesday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1 Rv 4:1-11 I, John, had a vision of an open door to heaven,and I heard the trumpetlike voicethat had spoken to me before, saying,“Come up here and I…
