The Jesuit Friends & Alumni Network (JFAN) will celebrate the feast of the North American Jesuit Martyrs on October 19, 2019, with a Jesuit Alumni Mass and Reception in several cities.
Join alumni and friends of Jesuit institutions in Chicago, Cincinnati, Milwaukee, Omaha, or the Twin Cities for a celebration of the liturgy followed by a reception as we honor the memory of the North American Martyrs. The reception will highlight opportunities for continuing spiritual growth and service to the local and global community.
The Jesuit feast day celebrates the North American Martyrs: French Jesuit priests St. Isaac Jogues (1607-1646) and St. John de Brebeuf (1593-1649) and their companions St. John de Lalande, St. René Goupil, St. Anthony Daniel, St. Charles Garnier, St. Gabriel Lalemant, and St. Noel Chabanel.
These Jesuits were among the first missionaries to the North American Indians and were the first martyrs of North America. They served missions in remote areas of eastern Canada and New York state between 1625-1649, evangelizing the Huron Nation.
Despite the anticipated hardships, the Jesuits sought out and even begged for missionary duties in North America. Pope Pius XI canonized the whole group of missionaries, known as the eight North American Martyrs, in 1930.
Please join us at one of the Masses in your area to celebrate the feast day.