St. John de Brito

St. John de Brito was born in Lisbon in 1647 in a noble family. At the age of fifteen he entered the Society of Jesus and was ordained a priest at the age of 26. In 1673 he began his missionary work, and from then on he would achieve his life’s goal: to die in India proclaiming the Gospel. In January 1693, after facing severe torments, he was arrested and martyred. He was canonized by Pope Pius XII on June 22, 1947. His feast day coincides with the day of his martyrdom, February 4.

Staff and cross

As an unparalleled missionary to the Indies, this Jesuit patron carried with him the staff that marked the rhythm of his mission and the cross that Christianized the people with fervor. 

Prayer

Lord, 
who strengthened with invincible constancy 
the martyr St. João de Brito to preach the faith among the peoples of India, 
grant us, through his merits and intercession that, 
celebrating the memory of his triumph, 
we may imitate his examples of faith 
and that WYD Lisbon 2023 may be a sign of hope for all. 
Through Christ our Lord. 
Amen.   

See here all the Patrons of WYD Lisbon 2023.