Skip to main content

St.John De Britto

Let us reflect on the life of a great missionary saint often called the “John the Baptist of India” — St. John de Britto. Like John the Baptist, who gave his life for proclaiming the truth, St. John de Britto chose truth over comfort, courage over fear, and faith over popularity. His life speaks powerfully to young people who desire to live authentically as Christians in a challenging world.


A Call Planted in Childhood


St. John de Britto was born on 1st March 1647 into a wealthy and noble Portuguese family. As a young boy, he fell seriously ill and nearly died. In distress, his mother prayed fervently and made a vow to God: if her son recovered, he would wear the Jesuit cassock for one year. John recovered, and his mother faithfully fulfilled her promise.

Even while living at the royal court, young John dressed like a Jesuit. What may have seemed like a simple outward act became a powerful interior seed. Through this experience, John began to sense a deep call to give his life entirely to God. At the age of fifteen, he entered the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), committing himself to prayer, discipline, and missionary service.


A Missionary to India


In obedience to God’s call, St. John de Britto was sent as a missionary to India. Arriving in Tamil Nadu, he chose not to impose foreign customs. Instead, he learned the local language, respected the culture, and embraced the people among whom he lived. He even took an Indian name, Arul Anandar, meaning “Joy of Grace.”


Through humility, sacrifice, and love, he preached the Gospel courageously. Many people embraced the Christ through his witness, including Thadiyathevan, a Maravar prince. After his conversion, the prince was guided by St. John de Britto to live according to the Christian understanding of marriage — faithful to one wife. This required renouncing polygamy, a decision that demanded courage and obedience to the Gospel. Though the prince accepted this teaching, it led to severe consequences. One of the dismissed wives was related to Raghunatha Kilavan Sethupathi, the powerful king of Ramnad. Viewing this as an insult to royal authority and family honour, the king initiated harsh persecution against Christians.



Martyrdom for the Truth


St. John de Britto and his catechists were arrested, chained, and dragged to the capital. After enduring imprisonment and suffering, he was exiled to Oriyur, where he was tortured and finally beheaded on 4 February 1693.


Tradition holds that the ground where his blood fell turned red, and even today it remains so. Through his intercession, many have experienced healing, hope, and renewed faith. His life reminds us that truth may be costly, but it is never wasted.

Like John the Baptist, St. John de Britto paid the ultimate price for calling people to live according to God’s will. His witness teaches us that standing for God’s values is not easy — but it is always meaningful.


Conclusion


Let us draw inspiration from St. John de Britto, who surrendered himself entirely to God’s will and fulfilled his mission with courage, sacrifice, and unwavering faith. May we ask for his intercession, that we too may glorify Christ through our lives and remain faithful to God’s plan — no matter the cost.