Life History of St. John de Britto
Early Life and Calling
St. John de Britto was born on March 1, 1647, in Lisbon, Portugal, into an aristocratic family. His father, Salvador de Britto Pereira, was a nobleman and a high-ranking official in the Portuguese court, serving as the Viceroy of Brazil. This gave John a privileged upbringing, surrounded by luxury and royal influence.
At the age of nine, John fell gravely ill. His mother, Dona Britto, prayed fervently to St. Francis Xavier, the famous missionary to India, seeking her son’s recovery. She made a vow that if John was healed, she would dedicate him to God’s service. Miraculously, John recovered, and this experience deeply influenced his spiritual journey.
Despite his noble status and the possibility of a prestigious career, he felt a calling to religious life. He decided to join the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), following in the footsteps of St. Francis Xavier.
Joining the Jesuits and the Mission to India
In 1662, at the age of 15, John de Britto joined the Jesuits, committing himself to a life of prayer, study, and missionary work. He excelled in his studies and was ordained a priest in 1673.
From an early age, John de Britto was fascinated by the stories of St. Francis Xavier, who had spread Christianity in India. Inspired by this, he requested to be sent as a missionary to the Madurai Mission in South India, where Christianity was still in its early stages.
His request was granted, and in 1674, he sailed to India. After a long and dangerous journey, he arrived in Goa, the headquarters of Portuguese missionaries in India, and then traveled to Madurai (Tamil Nadu) to begin his mission.
Missionary Work in Tamil Nadu
John de Britto realized that previous European missionaries had struggled to convert the local people because they held on to their Western customs. He took a radical approach:
✅ He adopted the lifestyle of an Indian ascetic (sannyasi), wearing a simple saffron robe and living a humble life.
✅ He learned Tamil fluently, allowing him to preach effectively.
✅ He respected Indian traditions while spreading Christianity.
✅ He opposed the caste system, preaching that all were equal in the eyes of God.
This approach made him highly successful. Many people, especially from the lower castes, embraced Christianity because they saw in his teachings the promise of equality and dignity.
However, his work also angered Hindu priests and local rulers, who saw Christianity as a threat to their traditions and power.
Persecution and First Arrest (1684)
In 1684, John de Britto was arrested by a local king, who was opposed to Christianity. He was subjected to severe torture and ordered to stop preaching. Despite his suffering, he refused to renounce his faith.
Instead of executing him, the authorities decided to banish him back to Portugal. He was forced to return to Lisbon, where he received a hero’s welcome.
Many people expected him to stay in Portugal, as he had already endured great hardships. However, John de Britto was determined to return to India. Against all advice, he requested permission to continue his missionary work.
In 1690, after spending six years in Portugal, he returned to Tamil Nadu, knowing well the dangers that awaited him.
Final Mission and Martyrdom (1693)
Upon his return, John de Britto resumed his missionary work with even greater zeal. However, trouble arose when he converted a local prince, Thadiya Thevar, to Christianity.
This conversion angered King Raghunatha Thevar, the ruler of that region, because he feared it would weaken his political influence. The king ordered John de Britto’s arrest.
In 1693, he was captured, severely tortured, and given a choice:
🔥 Renounce Christianity and leave India
or
✝️ Remain faithful to his mission and face death
John de Britto refused to abandon his faith. As a result, he was sentenced to death.
On February 4, 1693, he was taken to the town of Oriyur (Tamil Nadu), where he was publicly beheaded. He died a martyr, sacrificing his life for his faith.
Canonization and Legacy
St. John de Britto’s courageous sacrifice was widely recognized. Over time, he was honored as a true servant of God.
📌 1853 – Declared Blessed by the Church.
📌 June 22, 1947 – Canonized as a Saint by Pope Pius XII.
📌 Today, he is known as the "St. Francis Xavier of South India".
His martyrdom site in Oriyur remains a major pilgrimage center, where thousands of devotees visit each year to honor his memory.
Key Lessons from St. John de Britto’s Life
✔ Faith and Courage – He remained strong even in the face of death.
✔ Sacrifice – He gave up wealth, comfort, and even his life for his mission.
✔ Adaptability – He embraced local customs to better connect with the people.
✔ Equality – He stood against social discrimination and promoted unity.
St. John de Britto’s life continues to inspire Christians worldwide, especially in Tamil Nadu, where his legacy remains strong.
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