The Catholic Diocese of Savannah expects approximately 10,000 people on Saturday for the beatification of five Franciscan friars killed in 1597. The ceremony will take place during a special Mass at the city's convention centre, bringing the missionaries one step closer to sainthood.
Violence erupted after Friar Pedro de Corpa objected to a planned polygamous marriage involving a Guale chieftain's nephew. Warriors subsequently attacked missions, killing de Corpa and fellow missionaries Blas Rodriguez and Miguel de Anon.
After decades of research and Vatican review, the missionaries were recognized as martyrs for defending Christian values. Pope Francis signed the official decree in January 2025.
The friars would need an authenticated miracle attributed to their intercession to advance to sainthood.
Related Tweet:
Killed almost 430 years ago, 5 Catholic friars will soon be one step from sainthood https://t.co/lYifGKTKtA
— O.C. Register (@ocregister) October 30, 2026
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