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The Martyrs of La Florida
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Prayer For the Martyrs' IntercessionO God, Father of many nations,
Who through the grace of baptism have chosen us
to be citizens of Your one Kingdom:
You called Antonio Inija and Companions
to accept Your gift of faith,
professing their hope in Your Only Begotten Son.
Help us with Your grace to imitate their courage and humility
in the face of suffering and death.
May the blood of the martyrs of La Florida
inspire our hearts to follow You without delay.
And, if it be Your Holy Will,
grant the Beatification of
Antonio Inija and Companions, and through their intercession,
grant the request we hereby make (state your intention),
in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. -
The martyrs in Our Diocese
October 12, 2023 marked a historic moment for the Church in Northwest Florida as the diocesan phase of the Cause for Beatification for Servants of God Antonio Inija and 57 Companions was officially closed in anticipation of the cause's review by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. Alongside Archbishop Thomas Wenski (Miami), Bishop Gregory Parkes (St. Petersburg), Bishop Erik Pohlmeier (St. Augustine), and Bishop Emeritus Robert Baker (Bimingham, AL) Bishop Wack marked the occasion by celebrating the Mass with more than 650 people at the proposed shrine for Mary, Queen of the Martyrs.
The cause involves numerous individuals from what are now the 18 counties of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee. The most well known martyrdoms occurred around the Tallahassee area in the early 1700s during "Queen Anne's War" where longstanding Spanish missions were attacked by hostile British forces. Both indigenous and Spanish-born Catholics were killed for their refusal to renounce their faith. -
Get involvedHow can you help advance this cause for beatification?
- Pray - from the very beginning this effort has relied on the steadfast prayers of the faithful to assist the men and women who have worked to gather the immense amount of documentation needed. Please continue to pray for the successful completion of this incredible labor of love.
- Ask for the Martyrs' Intercession - the sacrifice of the martyrs has gained all the faithful a powerful set of intercessors in the Lord's Heavenly Kingdom. Don't hesitate to call up on their assistance in your various needs. If you have experienced a particular grace or perhaps even a miracle through their intercession please report this through the cause's online portal.
- Learn - those involved in promoting this cause have done an incredible job making the facts known about these holy men and women. The following resources are excellent ways to learn their stories and grow in your devotion:
- Donate - those working on this cause are in need of financial support to continue their great work. Consider supporting this effort which will benefit many generations to come.
updated September 9, 2024