Jesuit Missions in the Canadian Wilderness
In 1535, Francis I, the King of France, sent explorer Jacques Cartier to find a northwest passage to China. Cartier only got as far as the impassable rapids on the Saint Lawrence River, which he named La Chine, because he thought China was just on the other side.
Cartier also named the land “Canada,” which was the Iroquois name for “settlements.” The two main settlements on the St. Lawrence River were Stadacona (Quebec City) and Hochelaga (Montreal Island). 70 years later, during the reign of King Henry IV, France began seriously colonizing Canada. King Henry sent Samuel de Champlain to lead the effort.
Champlain was a French explorer, diplomat, and historian who came to be known as “The Father of New France.” Between 1605 and his death thirty years later, he crossed the Atlantic at least 25 times. He explored the Canadian wilderness, founded Quebec City, made the first accurate maps of the North American coastline, and served as the unofficial governor of the vast territories in New France. He was also passionate about sharing the Gospel in these new territories. So, on each of his expeditions, he brought Jesuit missionaries wherever he went.
One of these Jesuits was Jean de Brébeuf, a missionary to the Huron Indians for fifteen years. He had a gift for languages and wrote the first Huron dictionary. He also translated Christian sermons, prayers, and hymns. Despite the constant dangers, he poured his life into pastoring a small church for the Huron people.
In 1649, war broke out between the fierce Iroquois and the much weaker Huron. Brébeuf determined to stay with his church to the bitter end. The end was indeed bitter, as Brébeuf suffered terrible torture and death. But witnesses say he never cried out in pain. Instead, he proclaimed the Gospel and sang hymns through it all. In 1940, nearly 300 years later, Brébeuf was proclaimed the patron saint of Canada for his courage and dedication to the cause of Christ.
Another inspirational Jesuit of early Canadian history was Isaac Jogues, who trekked from France to the upper Great Lakes region of North America in 1636. He quickly mastered the native languages and customs, and planted churches among the native tribes. He also endured nasty diseases and envious medicine men who viewed priests like Jogues as “blackrobes” that brought “bad magic” to the indigenous peoples.
After six years in the New World, Jogues was captured by a war party of the Mohawk Nation. Over the next 12 months, the Mohawks and their Iroquois allies inflicted unspeakable tortures on Jogues. He was beaten and burned. His fingers were bitten off and sticks were driven into his open wounds. After a year of torture, he was rescued by another courageous pastor, nursed back to health, and sent home.
Back in France, Jogues was received as a hero – a champion of the Christian faith. The Pope honored him and the Queen tearfully kissed his mangled hands. Yet he had seen the land of his destiny, and he knew he had to return. After recuperating for less than a year, Jogues returned to Canada and served as France’s new ambassador to the Iroquois Nation. He served with distinction — respected by both the French and Indians. His wounds were seen as a badge of honor – a man who had bled for the cause of Christ and the good of the native peoples.
But in the end, Isaac Jogues surrendered his life in the wilderness of New France, just as he knew he would. He died instantly when a jealous Iroquois leader split his skull with a tomahawk. These are the types of legacies left by the Jesuits all over the Canadian wilderness of North America. These were truly courageous men that shed their blood for Jesus Christ and the indigenous peoples they served.
Jesuit Missions in the Canadian Wilderness
Randall acts as the lead writer for ColdWater’s Drive Thru History® TV series and Drive Thru History® “Adventures” curriculum.
Leave a Reply