San Roque Gonzalez

Saint Roque González de Santa Cruz was a Jesuit priest born in Asunción, Paraguay, in 1576. Son of Spanish parents, he had a childhood and adolescence marked by virtue and religious devotion. From an early age, he demonstrated leadership among his companions, standing out for his courage and commitment to faith and religion.

Despite his noble origin, São Roque González was always concerned about the situation of the Indians, whose language he mastered. His life was dedicated to getting to know the Guarani soul in depth and fighting against the exploitation to which the indigenous people were subjected by the Spanish. He studied with the Jesuits and was ordained a priest in Asunción at the age of 22.

Soon after his ordination, São Roque González was sent on a mission to the herbal Indians in the Maracaju mountain range, north of Asunción. There, he faced the conditions of slavery in which the Indians lived and dedicated himself to helping them with all their needs. However, by order from above, he had to return to Asunción and was appointed curate of the cathedral.

Unfortunately, São Roque González was not accepted by everyone, especially the Spanish and “encomenderos”, due to his excessive concern for the Indians. Some considered him illiterate, as he had studied only in Asunción and not at the great universities of Alcalá and Salamanca. However, his reputation as a virtuous, dedicated and prudent priest spread.

Despite criticism and lack of acceptance, Saint Roque González refused honors and important positions in the diocese, seeking to join the Society of Jesus. On May 9, 1609, he entered the Jesuit order, recognizing his true vocation there. From that moment on, he decided to dedicate himself entirely to the religious life of the Society of Jesus.

Soon after joining the order, Saint Roque González was assigned, together with Father Vicente Griffi, to the difficult and dangerous mission of pacifying the Guaicurus of Chaco, a warlike and brave people. His performance was so significant that he became known as “the second founder” and “Santo Inácio Guaçu”.

In 1611, São Roque González received a painting of the Virgin Mary, known as “conqueror”, which became his great symbol in the missions that would follow. He faced pestilence, famine, disease, in addition to dedicating himself to catechesis and the education of the Indians. His charity and fervor were admired by all, and many young missionaries were sent to learn from him.

On May 3, 1626, São Roque González celebrated the first mass on Brazilian Gaucho soil, naming the foundation “São Nicolau”. From this seed of the Gospel, faith and civilization, four other reductions were founded: Candelária, Caaçapá-Mirim, Caaró and Assunção do Ijuí or Pirapó.

Unfortunately, his missionary work attracted the hostility of sorcerers and evil Indians, and on November 15, 1628, São Roque González was murdered along with Father Afonso Rodrigues. Two days later, Father João de Castilho was also killed. Despite his martyrdom, Saint Roque González stated that his soul was in heaven and that his children would come to punish his killers and continue his work.

In 1988, Pope John Paul II canonized Saint Roque González, Saint Alfonso Rodríguez and Saint John del Castillo, the first three South American martyrs. The heart of Saint Roque González is preserved in a reliquary.

The life and work of São Roque González inspire us to fight for justice and the dignity of native peoples, just as he did. Your courage, dedication and love for the Indians are examples that we should follow. May Saint Roque González intercede for us and help us walk the paths of the Gospel, faith and charity.