Sacred Atlas logoSacred Atlas

Jean de Lalande

Jean de Lalande was a French Jesuit missionary who served among the Hurons and became one of the North American Martyrs. He is remembered for his martyrdom in 1646 when he was killed by Mohawk warriors after attempting to recover the body of Father Isaac Jogues.

Feast Day
October 19
Country Or Region
France

Key Facts

  • Jean de Lalande was a native of Dieppe, Normandy, France.
  • He arrived in New France at nineteen to serve as a donné with the Jesuits.
  • In September 1646, he accompanied Jesuit Isaac Jogues on a mission to the Mohawk lands.
  • He was killed at the Mohawk village of Ossernenon on October 19, 1646.
  • He was beatified by Pope Pius XI in 1925 and canonized in 1930.
  • His feast day is October 19 in the us and September 26 in Canada.
Death Year
1646
Manner of Death
Killed by warriors
Venerated In
Role Type
Patronage

Saint John Lalande Catholic Parish

Religious Order
Canonized By
Pope Pius XI
Canonization Year
1930
Beatified By
Pope Pius XI
Beatification Year
1925

About Jean de Lalande

Jean de Lalande, SJ

Jean de Lalande was a French Jesuit missionary and a member of the group known as the North American Martyrs. His life and death are significant within the history of Catholic missions in North America during the 17th century.

Life and Historical Context

Born in Dieppe, Normandy, Jean de Lalande arrived in New France at the age of nineteen. He joined the Jesuits, serving as a donné, which is a lay brother who assists the priests. In late September 1646, Lalande accompanied Jesuit Father Isaac Jogues on a diplomatic mission to the Mohawk lands. Their objective was to protect the fragile peace that existed at the time.

However, attitudes among the Mohawk people had soured during their journey. A Mohawk party attacked the envoys en route to their destination. They were taken to the Mohawk village of Ossernenon, located west of present-day Auriesville, New York. While some clans within the Mohawk nation favored their release, members of the Bear clan were angered by this prospect. On October 18, 1646, Father Isaac Jogues was killed by members of this clan. The following day, October 19, 1646, Jean de Lalande was also killed when he attempted to retrieve Father Jogues' body from the village path.

Legacy and Veneration

Jean de Lalande was beatified by Pope Pius XI on June 21, 1925, and subsequently canonized on June 29, 1930, along with other North American Martyrs. His feast day is observed on October 19 in the United States and on September 26 in Canada.

His legacy is honored in various ways. At Fordham University's Rose Hill Campus, a freshman dormitory section is named for him. The Saint John LaLande Catholic Parish in Blue Springs, Missouri, bears his name and features a limestone statue. Additionally, he holds special significance for the Catholic youth camp Camp Ondessonk, which commemorates the North American martyrs and their Native American allies.

Source: Wikipedia ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Jean de Lalande?

Jean de Lalande was a French Jesuit missionary who served in New France. He is recognized as one of the North American Martyrs and was killed in 1646.

When and where did Jean de Lalande die?

Jean de Lalande died on October 19, 1646, at the Mohawk village of Ossernenon. This village is located west of the current site of Auriesville, New York.

Why is Jean de Lalande considered a martyr?

Jean de Lalande was killed by Mohawk warriors after he attempted to recover the body of Father Isaac Jogues. His death occurred during a time of strained relations between the missionaries and the Mohawk people.

When was Jean de Lalande canonized?

Jean de Lalande was beatified by Pope Pius XI on June 21, 1925, and subsequently canonized on June 29, 1930.

What is Jean de Lalande's feast day?

His feast day is celebrated on October 19 in the United States and on September 26 in Canada.