Rene Goupil Saint of the Roman Catholic Church, surgeon Date of Birth: 15.05.1608

Content:

1. René Goupil: Saint and Martyr
2. Medical Work in Canada
3. Capture and Martyrdom
4. Canonization

René Goupil: Saint and Martyr

Early Life and Vocation

Born in Angers, France, René Goupil joined the Jesuit novitiate in Chantilly on March 16, 1639. Due to health issues, he left the Jesuit novitiate but continued to volunteer as a medic, assisting monks in caring for the sick.

Medical Work in Canada

In 1640, Goupil traveled to the Jesuit mission in Canada, where he served as a surgeon in hospitals in Quebec City for two years. During an expedition in 1642, he took his missionary vows in the presence of Jesuit Isaac Jogues.

Capture and Martyrdom

While on the expedition, Goupil and Jogues were captured by Iroquois Native Americans. Despite an opportunity to escape, Goupil refused to abandon Jogues. Both men faced torture and were eventually killed by the Iroquois.

Canonization

Recognizing their unwavering faith and sacrifice, Pope Pius XI beatified René Goupil in 1922. In 1930, he was canonized along with other Canadian martyrs, becoming a symbol of religious devotion and resilience in the face of adversity.

Sacred

Anna Wan	Brigitta Irlandskaya	Teresa Neumann
John of the Cross	Matrona Anemnyasevskaya	Gemma Galgani