Day 1
1st / First Day / dedicated to Saint Jean de Brébeuf, S.J.
Martyred March 16,1649.
Jean de Brebéuf, born in Normandy, was ordained to the priesthood at the age of 33. He was the first Jesuit Missionary in Huronia (1626), a master of the Indian language, worked through all the district of Huronia for thirteen years, founded Mission outposts and converted thousands to the faith.
He was known as the Apostle of the Hurons. He was massive in body, strong, yet gentle in character. Before leaving Normandy, he revealed his sentiments. “I felt a strong desire to suffer something for Christ.” And he prayed: “Lord make me a man according to your own heart.
Let nothing separate me from your love; neither nakedness, nor the sword, nor death itself.” He made a vow signed in his blood, never to refuse the offer of Martyrdom if asked to die for Christ. His visions of his future Martyrdom were fulfilled when he was captured March 16, 1649 and tortured for hours with knives, boiling water, heated tomahawks, fire and scalping.
He was Martyred at St. Ignace, six miles from Ste. Marie, at the age of 56
Prayer to Saint Jean de Brébeuf
Saint Jean de Brébeuf, obtain for me, through your intercession, courage to overcome all human respect, resignation in times of trial, confidence in God's power and goodness, and zeal for my spiritual welfare; so that, raised above the things of earth, I may lead a truly Christian life and gain merit for eternity. Amen.