Episode 2537: Sts. Jean de Brebeuf, Isaac Jogues, Priests, and Companions

Saints Jean de Brébeuf, Isaac Jogues, and their companions, often known as the North American Martyrs, were a group of French Jesuit missionaries who dedicated their lives to spreading Christianity among the Native American peoples in the 17th century. Their mission led them into harsh conditions, cultural conflicts, and ultimately martyrdom. Here is an overview of their lives and their companions:

St. Jean de Brébeuf (1593–1649)
Born in Normandy, France, Jean de Brébeuf was ordained as a Jesuit priest in 1622. He arrived in New France (modern-day Canada) in 1625 to work with the Huron people. Brébeuf was known for his deep understanding and respect for the Huron culture, learning their language and customs, which allowed him to preach the Gospel effectively.

Brébeuf worked tirelessly to convert the Huron, but his mission faced extreme opposition from both the Iroquois and Huron who blamed him and his companions for the diseases brought by European settlers. After a decade of work, in 1649, Brébeuf and his fellow missionary, Gabriel Lalemant, were captured by the Iroquois during an attack on the Huron settlement. They were tortured for hours before being killed, their courage and faith earning them a place among the martyrs.

St. Isaac Jogues (1607–1646)
Isaac Jogues, also born in France, joined the Jesuits and was ordained a priest in 1636. He arrived in New France shortly afterward, also working among the Huron and Algonquin peoples. Jogues faced severe challenges, including being captured by the Mohawks in 1642. He endured brutal torture and the mutilation of his hands. Despite being rescued and returning to France, where he was welcomed as a hero, Jogues returned to the mission fields in New France.

In 1646, while attempting to make peace with the Mohawks, he was captured again. This time, he was killed alongside his companion, Jean de Lalande. Jogues's perseverance in the face of such suffering is a testament to his commitment to spreading the Gospel.

Their Companions:
Along with Brébeuf and Jogues, there were six other Jesuit missionaries who shared their mission and martyrdom:

St. Gabriel Lalemant (1610–1649): He joined Brébeuf in the mission to the Huron people and was martyred alongside him after enduring horrific torture.

St. Antoine Daniel (1601–1648): A Jesuit priest who worked among the Huron people and was killed by the Iroquois during a raid on a Huron village.

St. Charles Garnier (1606–1649): Known for his gentleness and dedication, he served among the Huron and Petun peoples, eventually being killed during an Iroquois attack.

St. Noël Chabanel (1613–1649): A Jesuit missionary who struggled with the Huron language and culture, but remained committed to his calling. He was martyred during an Iroquois raid.

St. René Goupil (1608–1642): A Jesuit lay brother who was one of Isaac Jogues’s companions. He was martyred by the Mohawks, the first of the group to be killed.

St. Jean de Lalande (died 1646): A lay missionary who accompanied Isaac Jogues on his final mission to the Mohawks. He was martyred the day after Jogues.

Legacy and Canonization:
These eight Jesuit missionaries were canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1930. They are honored as the patrons of North America