Jesuit saints & blesseds: October 2008 Archives

North American Martyrs

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In the North American context these martyrs demonstrate for me the work of grace in the

North American martyrs.jpgface of tremendous hardship which some would say evil. As a child when visiting my grandparents on their farm in Fonda, New York, my family would make the trip for Mass to the Shrine of the North American Martyrs in Auriesville, located in the beautiful Mohawk Valley. I learned early in my life that these martyrs, followed Jesus very closely, even to the point of identifying with Christ crucified and offering their total being to the point of death. The deaths of these men were particularly gruesome. The Gospel pericope for the feast and which focuses the mission is what Saint Matthew records: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age."

 

Brief biographies of the martyrs

 

Jesuit Father John Hardon's reflection on the North American martyrs

 

Jesuit Father James Martin's reflection on the martyrs

 

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Jesuit Priests
St. Jean de Brebeuf

St. Nöel Chabanel
St. Anthony Daniel

St. Charles Garnier
St. Issac Joques
St. Gabriel Lalemant

 

Laymen
St. Rene Goupil

St. Jean de la Lande

 

Father, you consecrated the first beginnings of the faith in North America by preaching and martyrdom of Saints John & Isaac and their companions. By the help of their prayers may the Christian faith continue to grow throughout the world.

 

It is said that Father Jogues succeeded in burying Brother Rene Goupil calling him a martyr, because slain in hatred of God and the Church, and of their sign which is the Cross, and while exercising ardent charity towards his neighbor.

About the author

Paul A. Zalonski is from New Haven, CT. He is a member of the Fraternity of Communion and Liberation, a Catholic ecclesial movement and an Oblate of Saint Benedict. Contact Paul at paulzalonski[at]yahoo.com.

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This page is a archive of entries in the Jesuit saints & blesseds category from October 2008.

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