Memorial of Saints John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues, Priests, and Companions, Martyrs
"May the eyes of your heart be enlightened." —Ephesians 1:18
Today is the Memorial of Sts. Jean de Brébeuf, Isaac Jogues, and companions. They were French missionaries. Much of their ministry was evangelization to the indigenous people in Canada. Eventually, these missionaries were martyred for their faith. What strikes me about them is not only their courage to die for being Christian but that their conviction comes from their eyes being opened to the hope, wealth, and strength that can only come from Christ, especially as they got to know and developed relationships with the indigenous people.
Another saint who died on this day was Blessed Jerzy Popieluzsko. He was a priest who lived during the communist era in Poland. His eyes were “opened” when he celebrated Mass at the steelworkers’ factory in Warsaw. He realized that the workers’ endeavors for justice were also spiritual. As a result, he became their chaplain. Fr. Jerzy accompanied the Solidarity trade union movement, which sought workers’ rights and social change through nonviolent civil resistance, as Poland underwent martial law and persecution. For his work, he was kidnapped and killed by security police. Five years after his death, a Solidarity government was elected in Poland’s first free elections.
Like these saints and what Paul wrote to the Ephesians, in what ways can our hearts be enlightened? Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, founder of the Marianists, taught about the importance of the faith of the heart. It is not enough to know what we believe, but we must also feel it in our hearts too. Through that, we have the foundation within us to advocate for justice, as Bl. Jerzy said,
“It is not enough for a Christian to condemn evil, cowardice, lies, and use of force, hatred, and oppression. He [or she] must at all times be a witness to and defender of justice, goodness, truth, and freedom, and love. He [or she] must never tire of claiming these values as a right both for himself [or herself] and others.”
May we be inspired by these saints.
—Sr. Emily Sandoval, FMI