SAINT JOHN DE BRÈBEUF

 

Saints John de Brébeuf
Saints John de Brébeuf

By Edward Matulanya 

Saints John de Brébeuf, Isaac Jogues, and Companions (North American Martyrs)

On October 19, the Catholic Church commemorates the North American Martyrs, also known as the Jesuit Martyrs of New France. This group consisted of eight missionaries: Jesuit priests Jean de Brébeuf, Isaac Jogues, Antoine Daniel, Gabriel Lalemant, Charles Garnier, and Noël Chabanel, along with lay companions René Goupil and Jean de Lalande (Franciscan Media, n.d.).

Arriving in New France (modern-day Canada and parts of the United States) during the early 17th century, these missionaries sought to evangelize the Huron and other Indigenous peoples (Loyola Press, n.d.). They immersed themselves in Indigenous languages and cultures, and established missions such as Sainte-Marie among the Hurons. Their mission, however, was fraught with challenges, including disease outbreaks, cultural barriers, and at times violent resistance (Franciscan Media, n.d.).

Isaac Jogues endured particularly severe trials, including capture and torture by the Mohawks. Though he briefly returned to France, he chose to go back to New France, where he was ultimately killed in 1646, followed by Jean de Lalande the next day (Franciscan Media, n.d.). Jean de Brébeuf and others were martyred in similar ways. Their willingness to embrace suffering is seen as a testimony to their faith and missionary zeal.

The martyrs were canonized in 1930 by Pope Pius XI. Their feast day is celebrated on October 19 in the general Roman calendar, while in Canada it is sometimes observed on September 26 (Vatican News, n.d.). They are regarded as patrons of North America and models of courage, sacrifice, and missionary fidelity (Holy Cross Parish, 2022).

Saint Paul of the Cross

The Church also celebrates Saint Paul of the Cross on October 19, though in the United States his feast is observed on October 20 to avoid conflict with the North American Martyrs (Passionist.org, n.d.).

Born Paolo Francesco Danei in Ovada, Italy, in 1694, Paul of the Cross was known from an early age for his deep devotion to the Passion of Christ (Britannica, n.d.). In 1720, after a series of mystical experiences, he founded the Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ (commonly known as the Passionists), together with his brother John Baptist (Catholic.com, n.d.). This congregation was dedicated to promoting devotion to Christ’s suffering and death, with an emphasis on preaching, retreats, and penance.

Paul of the Cross lived a life marked by austerity, prayer, and missionary activity, aiming to renew the Church by bringing people closer to the mystery of Christ’s Passion (Britannica, n.d.). He died on October 18, 1775, in Rome, and was canonized by Pope Pius IX in 1867 (Britannica, n.d.). His feast is kept on October 19 in most of the world, honoring his contributions as a mystic, preacher, and founder.

References

Britannica. (n.d.). Saint Paul of the Cross. In Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved October 8, 2025, from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Paul-of-the-Cross

Catholic.com. (n.d.). Paul of the Cross, Saint. In Catholic Encyclopedia. Retrieved October 8, 2025, from https://www.catholic.com/encyclopedia/paul-of-the-cross-saint

Franciscan Media. (n.d.). Saints Isaac Jogues, Jean de Brébeuf, and Companions. Retrieved October 8, 2025, from https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saints-isaac-jogues-jean-de-brebeuf-and-companions

Holy Cross Parish. (2022). October 19: Feast of the North American Martyrs. Retrieved October 8, 2025, from https://www.holycrosspdx.org/holy-cross-church/october-19-feast-of-the-north-american-martyrs/

Loyola Press. (n.d.). Saints Isaac Jogues, John de Brébeuf, and Companions. Retrieved October 8, 2025, from https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/saints/saints-stories-for-all-ages/saints-isaac-jogues-john-de-brebeuf-and-companions

Passionist.org. (n.d.). St. Paul of the Cross. Retrieved October 8, 2025, from https://passionist.org/st-paul-of-the-cross/

Vatican News. (n.d.). Saints of October 19: North American Martyrs. Retrieved October 8, 2025

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