Life History of St. John de Britto
Early Life
St. John de Britto was born on March 1, 1647, in Lisbon, Portugal, into a noble family. His father, Salvador de Britto Pereira, was a royal officer who served as the Viceroy of Brazil. Despite being born into wealth and privilege, John de Britto was deeply spiritual from a young age.
At the age of nine, he became seriously ill. His mother prayed to St. Francis Xavier, promising that if her son recovered, she would dedicate him to God. Miraculously, John was healed, and he decided to become a Jesuit priest, inspired by the life of St. Francis Xavier, a great missionary to India.
Becoming a Jesuit
In 1662, at the age of 15, John de Britto joined the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). He was a brilliant student and was deeply committed to religious life. He studied philosophy and theology, preparing himself for missionary work.
Even though he could have stayed in Portugal and lived a comfortable life, he felt a strong calling to spread Christianity in India. In 1673, he was ordained as a priest and was sent to the Madurai Mission in South India, following in the footsteps of St. Francis Xavier.
Missionary Work in India
When John de Britto arrived in India, he saw that the Portuguese missionaries before him had struggled because they looked and lived like Europeans. He realized that if he wanted to convert the local people, he had to live like them.
- He adopted Indian customs, wearing a simple saffron robe like Hindu monks (sannyasis).
- He learned Tamil fluently, preached in the local language, and respected Indian traditions.
- He followed local customs in food, dress, and lifestyle to gain people's trust.
He traveled across Tamil Nadu, preaching Christianity, baptizing people, and establishing churches. He worked among the poor, especially the Dalits (lower castes), and opposed the caste system, which created enemies among the higher castes.
Challenges and Persecutions
John de Britto’s success in converting people to Christianity angered Hindu priests and some local rulers. They saw him as a threat to their religion and traditions.
In 1684, he was arrested and taken to prison. He was tortured and ordered to stop preaching, but he refused. He was then sent back to Portugal. Instead of staying there safely, he returned to India in 1690, determined to continue his mission.
Martyrdom
John de Britto’s conversion of a local king’s relative led to more trouble. The king, angry that his family member had become Christian, ordered Britto’s arrest. He was captured, tortured, and sentenced to death.
On February 4, 1693, he was beheaded at Oriyur, Tamil Nadu. He died as a martyr, sacrificing his life for his faith.
Sainthood
John de Britto was declared Blessed in 1853 and was canonized as a saint by Pope Pius XII on June 22, 1947. Today, he is honored as the "Francis Xavier of South India." His martyrdom site in Oriyur is an important pilgrimage center.
Legacy
- St. John de Britto is a symbol of faith, courage, and missionary zeal.
- His story continues to inspire Christians worldwide, especially in Tamil Nadu.
- He is remembered for his dedication, humility, and willingness to sacrifice everything for his beliefs.
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