Saint Juan Del Castillo Rodríguez

Biography

Saint Juan Del Castillo Rodríguez, also known as Saint Juan Rodriguez del Castillo, was born on 14 September 1595 in Belmonte, Cuenca, Spain. He belonged to a noble Spanish family and was the son of Alonso del Castillo and María Rodríguez. Baptized at the age of seven days, Juan received a thorough education and was studying law at the prestigious University of Alcalá de Henares when he felt a strong call to religious life. Responding to this calling, Juan joined the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits, in Madrid, Spain, on 22 March 1614. Recognizing his potential in missionary work, the Jesuits assigned him to the missions in Buenos Aires, Argentina in late 1616. During his time there, Juan del Castillo dedicated himself to spreading the Catholic faith and teaching the locals about Christianity. In late 1625, Juan was ordained as a priest, further equipping him for his missionary endeavors. The following year, he was assigned to the missions in Paraguay, a region where he would live among the indigenous people. With great devotion, he preached the Gospel, taught the faith, and worked towards the establishment of strong Christian communities in the area. Unfortunately, Juan del Castillo's commitment to spreading the Catholic faith also brought him face to face with opposition. Local practitioners of traditional native religions, known as "sorcerers," saw the Jesuit missionary as a threat to their traditions and sought to eliminate him. Finally, on 17 November 1628, while in the forest outside Ijuí, Rio Grande do Sul (in modern-day Brazil), Juan was stoned and beaten to death with axes by these local sorcerers. To further desecrate his body, his killers burned it. Despite his untimely and tragic death, the heroic virtues displayed by Juan del Castillo did not go unnoticed. His commitment to evangelization and his ultimate sacrifice for the faith eventually led to his veneration as a saint. On 3 December 1933, Pope Pius XI declared him a martyr through a decree of martyrdom. Subsequently, he was beatified by the same pope on 28 January 1934 and canonized by Pope John Paul II on 16 May 1988. Saint Juan Del Castillo Rodríguez is remembered as one of the Jesuit Martyrs of Paraguay, who gave their lives in their tireless efforts to spread the Gospel among the indigenous people. Devotion to him is particularly prevalent among those who honor native traditions, as he is recognized as their patron saint. His feast day is celebrated on 17 November, the day of his martyrdom.