The Cause for Beatification: The Martyrs of La Florida

By Kanobia Russell-Blackmon  |  The Catholic Compass  |  Jan/Feb 2024
 

Oct. 12 marked a historic moment for the Church in Northwest Florida. Bishop William A. Wack, CSC closed the diocesan phase of the Cause for Beatification for Servants of God Antonio Inija and 57 Companions with a celebration of the Eucharist with more than 650 people. Much excitement could be felt in the air as it has taken centuries to get to this point. 

The liturgy and closing ceremony were held on the planned site of the future Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Martyrs in Tallahassee. According to historical documents, the site is considered sacred because one of the martyrdoms took place on or near the site. Bishop Wack, who served as principal celebrant and homilist, was joined by Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski of Miami, Bishop Gregory L. Parkes of St. Petersburg, Bishop Erik T. Pohlmeier of St. Augustine, Bishop Emeritus Robert J. Baker of Birmingham, members of the Tribunal, priests, deacons, consecrated religious and laity. Other concelebrants included Monsignor Ramon Polcari, chancellor of the Archdiocese of Havana, and Father Alberto Rodriguez of Medina de Rioseco, Spain. The indigenous people represented included Deacon Andrew Orosco, Ipai-Kumeyaay, San Pasqual Band, Sister Kateri Mitchell SSA, Mohawk Nation, and Father Henry Sands of the Anishinaabe and director of the Black and Indian Mission Office.

Popularly known as the Martyrs of La Florida, the martyrs are representative of missionaries from religious orders — Dominicans, Jesuits, Franciscans and St. John of God; indigenous people from the Apalachee, Aypaja, Guale and Timucua tribes; people from Spain and people of Spanish descent from Cuba and Florida; lay men, women, and children (with one unborn child); chiefs and governors; and altar boys and sacristans. Bishop Wack expressed hope that Antonio Inija and companions “will be raised to the altars of heaven and will be officially recognized as martyrs of the Church.” These Indigenous people and missionaries enjoyed a deep relationship with God and were martyred because of their faith between 1549 and 1712. In addition to the martyrdoms that had taken place in Pensacola-Tallahassee, martyrdoms also were reported in what is now the dioceses of St. Petersburg, St. Augustine, Richmond, Orlando, Palm Beach, Venice, Savannah and Mobile. 

In his homily, Bishop Wack expressed the importance of honoring these martyrs — those who crossed the site in Tallahassee and those who spilled their blood there, saying, “They are our martyrs and we are very proud of that. We’re proud that we can lift them up and make them known to the whole world.” The bishop went on to say, “We want the whole world to be inspired by them and to receive their intercession.”

Thanks to eyewitness accounts and great record keeping by the Spaniards, there is much known about what happened to the Martyrs of La Florida. The lead martyr, Apalachee native Antonio Inija, was martyred in 1704, having received a vision of the Virgin Mary before he died. According to Dr. Mary Soha, the vice postulator for the canonization of the Martyrs of La Florida, Antonio and two of his sub-chiefs were hung on a cross with a fire lit under their feet for about seven hours. Even in the midst of being tortured, Antonio continued to evangelize among the people.

“The whole time [Antonio] is there, he is encouraging his fellow warriors to be strong and have courage — that they came here to defend Jesus Christ,” said Soha. “(Antonio’s) preaching to his captors and he’s begging them to recant their sins because what they’re doing is endangering their immortal life.”