CrucisSt. Jean de Brébeuf
St. Jean de Brébeuf was born on 25 March 1593 in Normandy, France, and entered the Society of Jesus, arriving in New France in 1625. A man of great physical strength and deep prayer, he devoted himself to the Huron people, living among them for years, mastering their language, and composing a catechism and the beloved "Huron Carol," the first Christmas hymn written in a native North American tongue. He is regarded as the founder of the Huron mission.
When the Iroquois launched their devastating war against the Huron, Brébeuf's mission was overrun. Captured in March 1649 along with his younger companion Gabriel Lalemant, he endured a prolonged and ferocious torture with a courage that astonished even his captors, and died on 16 March 1649 at Saint-Ignace in present-day Ontario. Canonized in 1930 among the North American Martyrs, he is honored as a patron of Canada and celebrated on 19 October.
Selected quotes
“Bear all things gladly for the salvation of souls, for love makes the heavy light.”
“Plant the Gospel in a strange land with patience, and water it with your own labor.”
“Learn the tongue and the heart of the people, that Christ may be born among them.”