St. Isaac Jogues & Companions, preached on October 19, 2026

So the North American martyrs endured hardships that were common to all missionaries.

They left behind everything that was familiar to go to a distant and alien land, language, and culture.

And more often and for long periods, they were deprived of the benefits of religious community and the sacraments.

And in those days, when you left for the missions, you were not expecting to come back ever.

And they endured physical hardship of back-breaking work, lack of sleep and food, exposure to the elements, infestation by mosquitoes, and the hazards of primitive travel in the wilderness.

And worst of all, they suffered almost unimaginable tortures, brutal beatings with clubs and sticks, burning with branding irons, flesh sliced off to the bone, fingers chewed off, thumbs hacked off with sharpened stones, and each of them died a gruesome, violent death.

But none of these horrors took the martyrs by surprise.

All of them knew that this was their likely fate, and yet all of them volunteered to go to North America to be missionaries to the Native Americans.

And an uncomprehending world and a scarcely comprehending church can ask, why? Why would you do that? These men heard the call of the eternal king, and they took Christ the king at his word when he said, "'Whoever wishes to join me must be willing to labor with me, that by following me in suffering he may follow me in glory.'" Jesuits are trained to be with Christ as one who labors.

They believe the Master when he said that the price of discipleship is a cross.

And they believe St. Ignatius of Loyola when he said, those who wish to give proof of their love and to distinguish themselves in whatever concerns the service of the eternal King and the Lord of all, will not only offer themselves entirely for the work, but will act against their sensuality and carnal and worldly love and make offerings of greater value and more importance.