Saint Isaac Jogues

Biography

Saint Isaac Jogues, born on 10 January 1607 in Orleans, France, was a French Jesuit missionary and Catholic priest. He joined the Society of Jesus, commonly known as the Jesuits, at Rouen, France in 1624, and underwent rigorous religious training. Initially, he taught literature as a Jesuit priest before embarking on his mission to New France (Canada) in 1636. Upon arriving in Quebec, Canada, Saint Isaac Jogues began his missionary work among the Indigenous people, particularly the Hurons and Petuns residing in the Great Lakes region. This area presented numerous challenges for the missionaries, as the living conditions were difficult, and the local population often blamed them, known as "Blackrobes," for any misfortune, disease, or calamity that befell their communities. Tragically, on 3 August 1642, Saint Isaac Jogues was captured by the Mohawk tribe. He was subsequently enslaved, tortured, and mutilated for thirteen months, enduring immense pain and suffering. Despite this ordeal, Saint Isaac Jogues persevered in his mission, teaching the Catholic Faith to anyone who would listen, even during his captivity. Eventually, with the assistance of local Dutch settlers, Saint Isaac Jogues managed to escape and was repatriated to France to recuperate. Remarkably, he recovered from his physical injuries and resolved to return to Canada in 1644 to continue his missionary work among the Indigenous people and seek peaceful negotiations with the Iroquois tribe. However, on 18 October 1646, Saint Isaac Jogues, along with his fellow Jesuit priest Saint John de Brebeuf and several lay missionaries, faced martyrdom when the Indigenous population blamed Christian sorcery for an epidemic and crop failures. An Iroquois chief tomahawked Saint Isaac Jogues in the head at Ossernenon, in what is now upstate New York, USA. His head was displayed on a pole, while his body was thrown into the Mohawk River. Saint Isaac Jogues was beatified by Pope Pius XI on 21 June 1925 and canonized by the same pope on 29 June 1930. He is recognized as one of the North American Martyrs, who sacrificed their lives for their faith. His feast day is celebrated on 18 October, although it was formerly commemorated on 26 September. He is also honored on 19 October as one of the Martyrs of North America, and on 16 March by the Jesuits. Saint Isaac Jogues is revered as a patron saint of the Americas and Canada. His life and martyrdom serve as a testament to his unwavering dedication to spreading the Catholic Faith, even in the face of extreme hardships and persecution.