Isaac Joques, Priest and Martyr

Born in Orleans, France, the son of a wealthy merchant, Isaac Joques was sent to a Jesuit school when he was ten years old. While at first wary of the strict rules of his new school, by the time Isaac graduated, he was determined to become a Jesuit priest and a missionary. He served among the native peoples of Canada, and often suffered greatly at their hands for his faith. Nonetheless, he continued his work for the Gospel and through him, many people came to believe in Christ.

Isaac Joques strongly felt God’s calling and, even knowing that he would suffer martyrdom if he returned to the Iroquois, he willingly did so. Few of us are called to martyrdom today, though many will suffer some degree of persecution.