A portrait of St. Roque González de Santa Cruz
St. Roque González de Santa Cruz
November 17, 1576 – November 15, 1628
Feast
November 17 · XVII c.
Patron of
Paraguay · Argentina · The Guaraní people · Missionaries
Order
Priest / Jesuit / Martyr
Paraguayan-born Jesuit, the first native-born saint of South America, and architect of the famous Guaraní Reductions — Christian mission communities that protected indigenous peoples from slavers and ranchers for over a century. Together with two Spanish Jesuit companions he was murdered by an indigenous shaman who saw the missions as a threat to traditional power. He is honored as a martyr alongside Sts. Alfonso Rodríguez Olmedo and Juan del Castillo.
Life & Times
Also known as: Roch González; Apostle of the Reductions · Born: November 17, 1576 · Died: November 15, 1628 · From: Asunción, Paraguay; Guaraní missions of Paraguay and modern Argentina.
Patronage
St. Roque González de Santa Cruz is invoked as the patron of paraguay, argentina, the guaraní people, missionaries. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“I am only a sinner who has been called to serve.”— St. Roque González de Santa Cruz (traditionally attributed)
Shop St. Roque González de Santa Cruz Products
Devotional items honoring St. Roque González de Santa Cruz, from our Sancta Lumina collection and beyond.
Gold Over Sterling Silver Large Baroque Miraculous Medal with Hail Mary Prayer
$162.00
100-Pack - St Roque Holy Card
$47.00
St. Roque González de Santa Cruz Holy Cards
$0.99
St. Roque González de Santa Cruz - Devotional Canvas
$40.58
Sterling Silver Miraculous Medal with Baroque Scrolling Border
$43.00
Sterling Silver St. Joseph Baroque Medal
$112.00
Baroque Candleholder Statue - 20-inch
$194.00
Baroque Candleholder-Short13 Statue - 13-inch
$129.00
About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Roque González de Santa Cruz, 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.