We often are intimidated sharing our faith and values with others in today’s climate of polarization, vitriol, war and violence. The Jesuits named below entered just such an environment in what is now Eastern Canada and Albany New York from 1642 through 1649.
The rivalry between the Iroquois and the Huron tribes, also known as the
Beaver Wars, was a series of conflicts fought intermittently during the 17th century.
The Iraquois Confederacy, consisting of the Mohawk, Seneca, Onondaga, Cayga, and Oneida tribes, sought to dominate the fur trade routes controlled by Huron Wendat Confederacy, allied with the French, controlled these lucrative trade routes. The Martyrs remembered today worked among Hurons. The Beaver Wars were not just about trade but also
Cultural Differences:
- Political Alliances:
- Fear of Colonization:
- Resistance to Change:
- Violence and Retaliation:
It is helpful to remember the priests were not killed only because of their religion but because of the realities of fears and conflicts that existed through all the ages, down to this day. The world’s ways wag on, but faith, hope, and love will endure as we make these virtues the heart of our lives.
The first of the Jesuit missionaries to be martyred was René Goupil in 1642. He was tomahawked for having made the sign of the cross on the brow of some children.
October 18, 1646 Father Jogues was tomahawked and beheaded. Jean de Lalande was killed the next day at Ossernenon, a village near Albany, New York.
Father Anthony Daniel, working among Hurons was killed by Iroquois on July 4, 1648. His body was thrown into his chapel, which was set on fire.
Jean de Brébeuf composed catechisms and a dictionary in Huron, and saw 7,000 converted before his death in 1649. He authored the pensive HURON CAROL. Having been captured by the Iroquois, Father Brébeuf died after four hours of extreme torture.
Father Charles Garnier was shot to death in 1649 as he baptized children and catechumens during an Iroquois attack.
Father Noel Chabanel also was killed in 1649.
Gabriel Lalemant had taken a fourth vow—to sacrifice his life for the Native Americans. He was horribly tortured to death along with Father Brébeuf.
There are two Churches honoring the martyrs. One is in Auriesville, New York and the other is The Martyrs’ Shrine is located in Midland, Ontario, near the site of their missionary work among the Huron (Wendat) people.
Sources:
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saints-isaac-jogues-jean-de-brebeuf-and-companions/
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Huron-people
https://www.ourladyofmartyrsshrine.org
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