Joseph Chiwatenhwa, martyr

Servant of God

Background

Joseph Chiwatenhwa (c. 1602 – August 2, 1640) was a prominent Wendat (Huron) chief, catechist, and the first Indigenous lay missionary in Canada. Known closely by early Jesuit missionaries as the "Apostle with the Apostles," he played a foundational role in the early Catholic Church in Canada by adapting Christian teachings to his own culture and language

On August 2, 1640, at the age of 38, Chiwatenhwa was ambushed and killed by two attackers while working in a field near his village. His death is widely attributed to his unwavering dedication to his faith amid geopolitical and spiritual tensions.

Following his death, a massive wave of conversions swept through the Wendat nation. His family, including his brother and wife, carried on his missionary work alongside the Jesuits.

During a historic papal visit to the Martyrs' Shrine in Midland, Ontario in 1984, Pope John Paul II praised Chiwatenhwa and his family for witnessing their faith in a "heroic manner" and holding great importance to the history of the Canadian Church.

“THIS IS TRULY THE HOUR FOR CANADIANS TO HEAL ALL THE DIVISIONS THAT HAVE DEVELOPED OVER THE CENTURIES BETWEEN THE ORIGINAL PEOPLES AND THE NEWCOMERS TO THIS CONTINENT. THIS CHALLENGE TOUCHES ALL INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS, ALL CHURCHES AND ECCLESIAL COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT CANADA.

Pope John Paul II

Intercessory Prayer:

St. Joseph Chiwatenhwa, steadfast servant of Christ, inspire us with your courage to embrace the faith and live it out in all circumstances. Pray that we may follow your example of devotion and witness to God’s love in our daily lives. Amen.