August 20: A North American Martyr

Welcome to the American Catholic Daily Reader podcast. Today is August 20th, and our story is A North American Martyr. On August 20th, 1636, Father Isaac Jogues wrote to his mother. In the letter, the recently ordained French Jesuit recounted his arrival in Quebec a month earlier and spoke of his hopes for evangelizing the natives.

At the end, he attached a simple postscript. I have just received orders to get ready to start for the mission among the Huron. Four days later, Jogues began his journey north. He then spent the next six years ministering to the Huron as well as to other tribes throughout modern-day Ontario and Michigan.

His mission changed abruptly in 1642, when the Iroquois, who had no love for the French, ambushed Jogues and his companions in the middle of a supply run. Those they didn't kill, they took captive, including Jogues. During the first days and weeks, the Iroquois beat, tortured, mutilated, and starved their prisoners. A few were burned alive. Jogue's fellow Jesuit, René Goupil, was tomahawked to death.

But as weeks turned into months, the captors relaxed their grip on Jogues, allowing him to minister to the other captives and talk about God. Some even asked for baptism. For that reason, when the chance to escape presented itself in August 1643, Jogues hesitated, but not for long. Aided by the Dutch, he traveled first to New Amsterdam, then to France, where he informed his superiors of his escape. Although many urged him to remain in France, he sailed once more for the missions in the spring.

For the next two years, Jogues served in Montreal, proclaiming the gospel, celebrating the sacraments, and attempting to negotiate peace with the Iroquois. During one of those attempts, near modern-day Ariesville, New York, Jogues endured his second martyrdom, again at the hands of angry Iroquois. This one, he didn't survive. Both Jogues and his companion, Father Jean de Lalande, lost their heads to the Indians' tomahawks.

Along with six other North American Jesuit martyrs, Jogues and de Lalande were canonized in 1930. Father Jogues exemplifies courage, faith, and steadfast dedication. Despite brutal treatment and mortal danger, he prioritized his mission of service and evangelization. Today, offer prayer or support to someone facing difficulty, trusting that your presence and encouragement can be transformative.

Thank you for listening to the American Catholic Daily Reader Podcast. Join us tomorrow, August 21st, for another story of faith and courage in America.