Georgia Martyrs: Savannah Church Moves to Canonize Five Franciscans

Five Franciscan friars killed in 1597 are now officially recognized as blessed, a status that opens the path to sainthood for the group known as the Georgia Martyrs. The Church moved these missionaries forward in the canonization process on Oct. 31, and local clergy held a Mass of thanksgiving on Nov. 1 at the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist in Savannah to mark the decision. The ceremony coincided with the solemnity of All Saints, a feast day that honors all holy people, both those on the liturgical calendar and those who have not been formally canonized.

Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer of Atlanta presided over the service. Hartmayer, who served as bishop of Savannah from 2011 until his transfer to Atlanta in 2020, noted that the cause for the friars was already active when he took the post. He described the task of advancing the case as a responsibility he carried to Atlanta. Hartmayer emphasized that the Church does not create saints but recognizes them after a period of patient investigation into whether the men died because they refused to betray their faith.

Pope Francis answered the theological questions of the case in January of last year. On Oct. 31, Cardinal Frank Leo, acting as the legate of Pope Leo XIV, proclaimed the beatification. Hartmayer stated that the faithful can now pray for the intercession of Blessed Pedro de Corpa and his four companions, Pedro, Blas, Miguel, Antonio, and Francisco. He added that the men are on their way to becoming full saints of the Church.

Bishop Stephen D. Parkes, the current bishop of Savannah, delivered the homily to a full cathedral. He compared the saints to stained glass windows, saying they allow God's light to shine through them. Parkes noted that the friars likely would have been surprised by the attention they received more than 400 years after their deaths. He expressed confidence that they are praying for the people of the diocese.

The beatification was the result of the friars' mission to the Guale people in coastal Georgia. They were killed by order of Juanillo, who was soon to become chief, after Father Pedro de Corpa defended the Church's teaching on marriage. Juanillo wanted to take a second wife, a practice the friars opposed. This historical conflict now serves as the central narrative for their legacy in the diocese.

The next step toward sainthood requires the official recognition of a miracle attributed to the intercession of the five martyrs. Bishop Parkes said the diocese will use the martyrs' witness to promote the dignity of marriage and healthy family life. The diocese plans to celebrate the martyrs on their Sept. 22 liturgical memorial and will encourage couples preparing for marriage to include an intercessory prayer for the group in their wedding Masses.

The Church asked for reports of extraordinary favors received through the intercession of the martyrs to be sent to the cause office at 2170 E. Victory Drive in Savannah or to thegeorgiamartyrs.org. On Nov. 1, Pope Leo mentioned the Georgia Martyrs after praying the Angelus in St. Peter's Square. He described them as missionaries who responded generously to the call to evangelize the Americas, even to the point of giving their lives.