Today, Thursday, September 26, 2023, is the Feast of the North American Martyrs, the eight Jesuits who gave up their lives for the Holy Faith in what are now parts of Canada and upstate New York between 1642 and 1649, and the Commemoration of Saint Cyprian and Justina here in the United States of America.
This brief reflection contrasts the life and martyrdom of the eight men killed between 1642 and 1649 and the conciliar "saints". Each of the North American Martyr (Isaac Jogues, Rene Goupil, Jean Lalande, Gabriel Lalemant, Noel Chabanel, Anthony Daniel, Charles Garnier, and John de Brebeuf) shed their blood to Catholicize the upper reaches of North America. They were not interested in "inculturating" the Catholic liturgy with the pagan superstitions and barbaric practices of the Iroquois. They were concerned only about attempting to convert the heathens to the true Faith and to plant the seeds for the conversion of the land in which their noble missionary work had taken them.
Can we do any less than they?
We must seek to "keep it Catholic" at all times as we seek to plant the seeds for the conversion of this nation to become the Catholic States of America.
Although I worked on the next commentary all day on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, I am simply too tired from the commentary posted early Wednesday to complete now. As I have to drive a considerable distance for a medical appointment on this feast, it would appear that the next commentary will not be published until Saturday, September 28, 2024, the Feast of Saint Wenceslaus.
Our Lady of the North American Martyrs, pray for us.
Saint Isaac Jogues, pray for us!
Saint Rene Goupil, S,J., pray for us.
Saint John Lalande, S,J., pray for us.
Saint Gabriel Lalemant, S.J., pray for us.
Saint Noel Chabanel, S.J., pray for us.
Saint Charles Garnier, S.J., pray for us.
Saint Anthony Daniel, S.J., pray for us.
Saint John De Brebeuf, S.J., pray for us.
Saints Cyprian and Justina, pray for us