John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues were French Jesuit priests who traveled to New France in the seventeenth century to bring the Gospel to the Huron people. Together with six companions, they endured great hardship in their missionary labors and were martyred between 1642 and 1649 in what is now Canada and upstate New York. Known as the North American Martyrs, they were canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1930.
These martyrs show us a love for Christ so complete that they willingly left home, comfort, and safety to share the faith with people they had never met. Their perseverance amid suffering, and their forgiveness of those who harmed them, remind us that the Gospel is worth every sacrifice.
Lord, through the intercession of Saints John de Brébeuf, Isaac Jogues, and their companions, give us courage to witness to the Gospel wherever you send us, and hearts willing to spend themselves entirely for the salvation of others. Amen.