Blessed João Fernandes

Blessed João Fernandes was born in Lisbon and was one of the 73 missionaries who, in 1570, accompanied Inácio de Azevedo in his missionary dream of evangelizing Brazil. He was then 19 years old and a Jesuit novice. On July 15, shortly after their departure for Brazil (near the Canary Islands), the ship in which they were traveling was attacked by a fleet of five Huganot pirate ships, who martyred them. Pius IX recognized the martyrdom and confirmed the devotion to Blessed Ignatius of Azevedo and his 39 companions on May 11, 1854, establishing their feast day on July 17.

Palm

Tthe symbol that distinguishes this martyred saint is the palm. The Jesuit João Fernandes, a member of the group of mission companions of St. Ignatius of Azevedo, was martyred along with the other brothers of the Society in the name of Christian evangelization. 

Prayer

Eternal and almighty God, 
who endowed the Blessed Martyr João Fernandes 
with an invincible constancy in the faith, 
grant us, strengthened by such a glorious example, 
to imitate the fire of his charity 
during the preparation and realization of WYD Lisbon 2023 
and to share in his glory in the heavenly homeland. 
May his testimony inspire all pilgrims
Through Christ our Lord. 
Amen.   

See here all the Patrons of WYD Lisbon 2023.