The North American Martyrs

Homily
FRIDAY OF THE TWENTY-EIGHTH WEEK OF THE YEAR
19 OCTOBER 2007

Luke 12: 1 - 7

[Luke 12:1] Meanwhile, so many people were crowding together that they were trampling one another underfoot. He began to speak, first to his disciples, "Beware of the leaven--that is, the hypocrisy--of the Pharisees.
[Luke 12:2] "There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known.
[Luke 12:3] Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops.
[Luke 12:4] I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more.
[Luke 12:5] I shall show you whom to fear. Be afraid of the one who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna; yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one.
[Luke 12:6] Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God.
[Luke 12:7] Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.
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Today we celebrate the memorial of St. Isaac Jogues, St. John de Brébeuf, and their six companions, known collectively as the "North American Martyrs".

In today's Gospel, Our Lord admonishes us in the following words:

[Luke 12:4] I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more.

Moreover, St. Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, adds in Romans 12:

[Rom 12:21] Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good.

Over three hundred fifty years ago, the truth of these scriptural passages empowered six Jesuit priests and two holy laymen, all from France, who died as martyrs here in North America. These eight men were martyred between 1642 and 1649. They were a group of the bravest and most daring missionaries in the New World. After much hard work, they converted many of the Huron tribe. But the Iroquois, bitter enemies of the Hurons, put them all to death.

St. John de Brébeuf had tuberculosis. Yet he became a marvelous, valiant apostle. His courage amazed the fierce Iroquois as they killed him. St. Gabriel Lallemont was killed with St. John de Brébeuf.

St. Isaac Jogues was killed with a tomahawk by the Bear Clan of the Mohawks. He was killed at the chief village of the Mohawks, Ossernenon, located in present-day New York state. Ten years after his martyrdom, at this same village was born Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, the "Lily of the Mohawks". Now beatified, her cause for canonization is well under way.

St. Anthony Daniel had just finished celebrating Mass for his Huron converts when the Iroquois attacked the village. The Christian Indians begged him to try to escape. But Father Daniel stayed. He wanted to baptize all those who were crying to him for Baptism before they would be killed. The Iroquois burned him to death in his little chapel.

St. Charles Garnier and St. Noel Chabenel were both killed with tomahawks. St. Charles was first shot by an Iroquois musket during a surprise attack. Nevertheless, he still tried to crawl to help a dying man. He was then killed by a hatchet blow.

Two lay helpers, René Goupil and John Lalande, were both killed with tomahawks.

These heroes of Christ gave their lives for the native people of North America. After their death, new missionaries were able to convert almost every tribe that the martyrs had known. These brave men were proclaimed saints in 1931 by Pope Pius XI. How well did these men exemplify the ancient adage, "the blood of martyrs is the seed of Christians".

St. Isaac Jogues, St. John de Brébeuf, and your six companions in martyrdom, pray for us who have recourse to you. Amen.