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St. John de Brébeuf: 1593–1649
St. Isaac Jogues: 1607–1646
Companions: Martyred 1642–1649
Patron Saints of Canada, missionaries, and those who evangelize North America
Sts. John de Brébeuf, Isaac Jogues, and their companions were eight missionaries who gave their lives proclaiming Christ among the Indigenous peoples of North America during the 17th century. Six were Jesuit priests, while René Goupil and Jean de La Lande were lay companions who assisted the missionaries.
John arrived in New France, modern-day Canada, in 1626 and spent much of his life serving among the Huron people. He learned their language and culture, believing that the Gospel should be communicated in ways people could understand. He helped establish mission communities and prepared a catechism in the Huron language.
Isaac arrived in North America in 1636. While serving among the Huron and other peoples, he was captured by the Mohawks and endured brutal imprisonment and mutilation. After escaping and returning to France, he received permission from Pope Urban VIII to celebrate Mass despite his mutilated hands. Isaac chose to return to the missions and was killed in 1646.
Other members of the group included Jesuit priests Gabriel Lalemant, Antoine Daniel, Charles Garnier, and Noël Chabanel. René Goupil and Jean de La Lande were laymen who assisted the Jesuits. Because they lived among the Hurons, rival tribes considered them enemies. Their deaths occurred during a period of warfare between Indigenous nations, including the conflicts between the Iroquois and the Huron.
The eight martyrs were canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1930. In 1940, St. John de Brébeuf, St. Isaac Jogues, and their companions were proclaimed patrons of Canada.
Known as the Canadian Martyrs, they are remembered for their fidelity and courage in giving their lives for the Faith and for laying the foundation of Christianity in the New World.
John de Brébeuf understood that learning the Huron language and culture was essential to communicating the Gospel. He devoted years to mastering the Huron language and helped prepare a catechism, grammar, and dictionary so that other missionaries could also serve effectively. His surviving writings include missionary reports, letters, spiritual reflections, and descriptions of Huron life. This work provides significant historical and resource information on early European observers of the region’s peoples and languages. His writings remain valuable in understanding the first period of Christian missionary activity in North America.
Isaac Jogues had endured extraordinary suffering after being captured by the Mohawks in 1642. The warriors pulled out his nails, chewed off the tips of his fingers, and cut off some of his fingers. He eventually escaped and returned to France, where his injuries and mutilated hands made it impossible for him to celebrate Mass as customary. Pope Urban VIII permitted him to celebrate Mass despite his condition. Isaac could have remained safely in France, but his desire to continue serving the people he had been evangelizing led him back to New France. He returned to the mission among the Mohawks in 1646, knowing the danger, and was martyred later that year.
St. Kateri Tekakwitha was baptized on Easter Sunday in April 1676—about 30 years after St. Isaac Jogues was martyred in 1646 and 27 years after St. John de Brébeuf was martyred in 1649. Her conversion was deeply intertwined with the legacy of these Jesuit missions. Kateri grew up near the location where John lived and died. The persistent presence and return of Jesuit missionaries to these areas kept the faith alive. Kateri’s mother had been taught and baptized by the Jesuits. Later missionaries continued the network of French Jesuit outposts, establishing the Sault St. Louis mission near Montreal where Kateri fled to practice her faith freely. Taking a vow of chastity, she remained faithful to Christ and lived a life of holiness. She was canonized in 2012.
Get the free eBook, Sharing in Our Lord’s Passion: Stories of St. Francis of Assisi and Others Who Bore the Stigmata.
St. Francis of Assisi is the first recorded stigmatist in Church history. Since then, many holy men and women have experienced this mystical gift. In this free eBook, you’ll discover the stories of Sts. Francis, Catherine, Rita, and Pio of Pietrelcina, along with Servant of God Rhoda Wise. You’ll also learn more about the stigmata in a special Q&A with “Miracle Hunter” Michael O’Neill, host of several EWTN programs.
Sign up below to receive your copy. We hope the witness of these holy men and women inspires you to seek a deeper relationship with Jesus, especially as you reflect on His Passion.
Fr. William Breault traces the footsteps of eight French Jesuit Missionaries, including St. Rene Goupil, in the 1600s Canadian wilderness as they confront disease and hostile Native American tribes. Filmed in France, Canada, and the United States.
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