Sts. John de Brébeuf, Isaac Jogues, and their companions, collectively known as the North American Martyrs, are a group of eight Jesuit missionaries who sacrificed their lives while evangelizing the native peoples of North America in the 17th century. Their story is one of heroic virtue, deep faith, and unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel amidst tremendous suffering.
St. John de Brébeuf (1593–1649)
John de Brébeuf, born in Normandy, France, joined the Jesuits at a young age and was known for his great physical stature and deep spiritual life. He was sent to Canada (New France) in 1625, where he dedicated himself to the evangelization of the Huron people. Brébeuf learned the Huron language and culture, becoming one of the most effective missionaries of his time. He adapted the Christian message to the native context, and despite many hardships, he persisted in his mission for over 20 years.
Brébeuf is particularly remembered for his spiritual writings, such as his reflections on suffering and martyrdom. In 1649, after the Iroquois, traditional enemies of the Hurons, attacked the mission at St. Ignace, Brébeuf and his fellow missionary, Gabriel Lalemant, were captured, tortured, and martyred. Brébeuf’s death was especially brutal—he was tied to a stake, scalped, and had boiling water poured over his body in a mock baptism, yet he remained prayerful and courageous until the end. His martyrdom was a profound witness to the strength of his faith.
St. Isaac Jogues (1607–1646)
Isaac Jogues was also a Jesuit missionary from France, known for his courage and perseverance. He arrived in New France in 1636, where he worked alongside Brébeuf among the Hurons. In 1642, Jogues was captured by the Iroquois, who tortured him and mutilated his hands. After enduring months of captivity, he managed to escape with the help of Dutch settlers and returned to France, where he was received with great honor.
Despite his injuries, which made it difficult for him to celebrate Mass, Jogues received a special dispensation from Pope Urban VIII to continue his priestly ministry. Remarkably, after recovering, he chose to return to New France, knowing the dangers that awaited him. In 1646, while on a peace mission to the Mohawks, Jogues was captured again and martyred, being tomahawked to death near what is now Auriesville, New York.
The Other Companions
The other six martyrs include:
1. St. Gabriel Lalemant (1610–1649) – A French Jesuit who joined Brébeuf in the Huron mission. He was captured and tortured to death alongside Brébeuf.
2. St. Antoine Daniel (1601–1648) – Killed while defending his Huron converts when the Iroquois attacked his mission at Teanaustayé.
3. St. Charles Garnier (1606–1649) – A dedicated missionary who was martyred during an Iroquois raid, dying while attempting to minister to the wounded.
4. St. Noël Chabanel (1613–1649) – Known for his difficulties in adapting to the Huron lifestyle, Chabanel made a vow to remain in the mission despite his internal struggles. He was killed by a Huron apostate.
5. René Goupil (1608–1642) – A Jesuit lay brother and the first of the group to be martyred, Goupil was tomahawked by the Mohawks after teaching a native child to make the sign of the cross.
6. Jean de La Lande (d. 1646) – A lay companion to Jogues, who accompanied him on his final mission to the Mohawks and was martyred shortly after Jogues’ death.Legacy and Canonization
These martyrs were canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1930. They are honored as patrons of North America, especially among missionaries and those working for indigenous peoples. Their feast day is celebrated on October 19 in the United States and September 26 in Canada.
The lives and deaths of Sts. John de Brébeuf, Isaac Jogues, and their companions are a profound testimony to the power of the Gospel and the willingness to endure immense suffering for the love of Christ. Their martyrdom not only sowed the seeds of faith in the New World but also continues to inspire countless Catholics to this day.