History & Biographies

Saint Isaac Jogues and His Companions: The First Martyrs of North America

Priests, Martyrs 
•Feast day: October 19
•+1642/1649

The North American Martyrs, also known as the Canadian Martyrs or Jesuit Martyrs, were eight French members of the Society of Jesus who were martyred while evangelizing the Huron and Iroquois people in what is now the United States and Canada. These men—Saints Isaac Jogues, René Goupil, Jean de Brébeuf, Antoine Daniel, Gabriel Lalemant, Charles Garnier, Noël Chabanel, and Jean de la Lande—gave their lives in the mission of spreading Christianity to indigenous peoples between 1642 and 1649. Their work, while marked by incredible hardship, was a testament to their faith and determination to share the Gospel.

The Mission to North America

The mission of the Jesuits in North America began in the early 17th century when French missionaries arrived in New France (modern-day Canada). Their goal was to evangelize the indigenous tribes, particularly the Huron people, whom they believed to be more open to conversion than other groups such as the Iroquois. The Jesuits, including Isaac Jogues and his companions, worked closely with the Hurons, learning their language and customs, and translating the Catholic catechism into the Huron language. This process was painstaking and required incredible perseverance as the missionaries faced linguistic barriers, cultural differences, and physical hardships in the wilderness.

Enduring Hardships and Cultural Clashes

The Jesuits faced not only the physical challenges of navigating rivers, rapids, and dense forests but also significant resistance from some of the local indigenous tribes. They were often seen as bearers of misfortune, and the spread of European diseases among the native populations fueled resentment. The missionaries were accused by some chieftains of causing the plagues, crop failures, and internal conflicts, leading to suspicion and hostility toward them.

Despite these challenges, Isaac Jogues and his companions continued their work. They introduced European farming techniques, medical care, and literacy, all while teaching the Catholic faith. Yet, their efforts were often met with violence. During the Iroquois Wars, a period of intense conflict between the Huron and Iroquois nations, the Jesuits became targets. They were seen as allies of the Hurons and thus enemies of the Iroquois.

The Persecution and Martyrdom

The period from 1642 to 1649 saw a wave of violent persecution against the missionaries. During this time, the Jesuits were subjected to brutal treatment at the hands of the Iroquois. Isaac Jogues, for example, was captured by the Mohawks in 1642, tortured, and held in captivity for over a year. His hands were mutilated, and he was forced into hard labor. Remarkably, he escaped with the help of Dutch settlers and returned to France, where he was hailed as a living martyr. Despite the suffering he endured, he chose to return to New France to continue his mission. In 1646, Jogues was recaptured by the Mohawks and was eventually killed by a tomahawk, his head displayed on a pole as a warning to others.

Jean de Brébeuf, another of the North American Martyrs, was known for his deep love and respect for the Huron people. He lived among them for years, learning their ways and striving to understand their spiritual beliefs. His martyrdom in 1649 was particularly gruesome—he was captured by the Iroquois, tortured, and finally killed after enduring hours of unspeakable suffering, including being scalped and having boiling water poured over his head as a mock baptism.

René Goupil, a lay missionary and skilled surgeon, was martyred in 1642 while teaching the Huron children the sign of the cross. He was killed with a tomahawk blow to the head by a Mohawk warrior who believed Goupil was practicing sorcery.

Gabriel Lalemant, who worked alongside Brébeuf, met a similar fate in 1649. Though he had only been in North America for a short time, his faith and courage were unshakable, and he endured a slow and agonizing death at the hands of the Iroquois.

The Legacy of the North American Martyrs

The legacy of the North American Martyrs is one of faith, courage, and unwavering dedication to the Gospel. Their martyrdom did not mark the end of the Catholic mission in North America, but rather the beginning of a deeper understanding between cultures. Their bloodshed inspired future generations of missionaries to continue their work in evangelization and education.

In 1930, Pope Pius XI canonized these eight Jesuit missionaries as saints, recognizing their extraordinary sacrifice and their contribution to the growth of the Catholic faith in North America. The feast day of the North American Martyrs is celebrated on October 19 in the United States and September 26 in Canada.

Places of Veneration

Today, shrines dedicated to the North American Martyrs stand in both the United States and Canada, where their legacy is honored. The National Shrine of the North American Martyrs, also known as the Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs, is located in Auriesville, New York, near the site of their martyrdom. In Canada, the Martyrs’ Shrine in Midland, Ontario, stands as a testament to their faith and courage.

Saints Isaac Jogues and his seven companions remain shining examples of devotion and perseverance in the face of adversity. Their willingness to endure torture, suffering, and death for the sake of their faith serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of discipleship. Their story is a profound testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of the Gospel, even in the most challenging and hostile of environments.

These Jesuit missionaries gave their lives for the people they served, becoming true witnesses to the love of Christ in the most difficult circumstances. Through their intercession, they continue to inspire both clergy and laity in their call to evangelization and service to the world.