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Pedro de Corpa and four friars beatified for defending marriage
In Savannah on Oct. 31, Cardinal Frank Leo declared the five Franciscan martyrs “blessed,” renewing the Church’s witness to marriage and family.
Five Franciscan friars murdered in 1597 because they would not bend the Church's teaching on marriage are now officially "blessed." Cardinal Frank Leo of Toronto beatified Pedro de Corpa, Blas Rodríguez, Miguel de Añon, Antonio de Badajoz and Francisco de Veráscola on Oct. 31 in Savannah, EWTN News reports1.
“the Christian doctrine of marriage and held to that divine truth to the shedding of their own blood”
With that declaration, the Georgia Martyrs became the first American martyrs for marriage and the first martyrs beatified in the southern United States. Pope Leo XIV recently said protecting marriage and family "is more urgent than ever before1."
The friars died over one man's marriage. According to the Franciscans' account, Juanillo, a baptized Guale heir who was already married, wanted a second wife, and Friar Pedro de Corpa opposed it. Pedro also opposed Juanillo's succession as chief. Juanillo and his allies killed Pedro on Sept. 14, 15972.
Cardinal Leo said the martyrs bore witness to "the Christian doctrine of marriage and held to that divine truth to the shedding of their own blood." Savannah Bishop Stephen Parkes prayed that their witness would "inspire fidelity between spouses" and renew commitment to "faith-filled families1."
EWTN News reported that approximately 9,000 people streamed through the Savannah Convention Center, breaking the city’s indoor-event attendance record. OSV News reported that around 10,000 people attended the beatification Mass. Father Pablo Migone of the Savannah Diocese said organizers had projected 2,000 "tops1."
Bishop Parkes was scheduled to celebrate a Mass of thanksgiving at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 1 at Savannah's Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist3.