A portrait of St. John de Britto
St. John de Britto
1 March 1647 – 4 February 1693
Feast
February 4 · XVII c.
Patron of
India · Missionaries · Jesuit martyrs
Order
Priest / Jesuit / Martyr
Portuguese Jesuit missionary in India (1647-1693), born of the court of Lisbon; assumed the dress and manner of an Indian sannyasi to evangelize Madurai. Beheaded at Oriyur in Tamil Nadu under the Maravar raja for converting a polygamous prince. Canonized 1947 by Pius XII.
Life & Times
Born: 1 March 1647 · Died: 4 February 1693 · From: Portugal / India.
Patronage
St. John de Britto is invoked as the patron of india, missionaries, jesuit martyrs. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. John de Britto, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.