California Mission History

1. California Mission History www.californiamissions.com/ cahistory/

5. Brébeuf's Instructions to the Missionaries • In 1637, Father Jean de Brébeuf drew up a list of instructions for Jesuit missionaries destined to work among the Huron. These reflect his own experience and a genuine sensitivity toward our people. You must love these Hurons, ransomed by the blood of the Son of God, as brothers. You must never keep the Indians waiting at the time of embarking. • Carry a tinder-box or a piece of burning-glass, or both, to make fire for them during the day for smoking, and in the evening when it is necessary to camp; these little services win their hearts. • Try to eat the little food they offer you, and eat all you can, for you may not eat again for hours. • Eat as soon as day breaks, for Indians when on the road, eat only at the rising and the setting of the sun. • Be prompt in embarking and disembarking and do not carry any water or sand into the canoe. • Be the least troublesome to the Indians. • Do not ask many questions; silence is golden.

6. Bear with their imperfections, and you must try always to appear cheerful. • Carry with you a half-gross of awls, two or three dozen little folding knives (jambettes), and some plain and fancy beads with which to buy fish or other commodities from the nations you meet, in order to feast you Indian companions, and be sure to tell them from the outset that here is something with which to buy fish. • Always carry something during the portages. • Do not be ceremonious with the Indians. • Do not begin to paddle unless you intend always to paddle. • The Indians will keep later that opinion of you which they have formed during the trip. • Always show any other Indians you meet on the way a cheerful face and show that you readily accept the fatigues of the journey.

7. ISAAC JOGUES • Memorial • 19 October; formerly 26 September; 16 March (Jesuits) • Profile • Joined the Jesuits at Rouen, France in 1624. Studied philosophy. Priest. Missionary to New France (Canada) in 1636, starting in Quebec and working among the Hurons. This was a rough assignment - not only were the living conditions hard, but the locals blamed the "Blackrobes" for any disease, ill luck, or other problems that occurred where they were. Captured in 1642 by the Mohawks, enslaved, tortured and mutilated for thirteen months, he taught the Faith to any who would listen, and finally escaped. He recuperated in France, but returned to the New World in 1644 to continue his work with the natives. Martyred with fellow Jesuit priest Saint John de Brebeuf and several laymissionaries while on a peace mission to the Iroquois. One of the North American Martyrs. • Born • 1607 at Orleans, France • Died • tomahawked and scalped by an Iriquois chief on 18 October 1646 at Ossernenon in what would become upstate New York, USA

8. North American Martyrs • Also known as • Canadian Martyrs; Isaac Jogues and Companions; Jesuit Martyrs of North America; Martyrs of New France • Memorial • 19 October; 26 September (Canada) • Profile • They are: • Antoine Daniel • Charles Garnier • Gabriel Lalemant • Isaac Jogues • John de Brebeuf • John de la Lande • Neol Chabanel • Rene Goupil • Canonized • 29 June1930 by PopePius XI