“My confidence is placed in God who does not need our help for accomplishing His design.”

Isaac was born in 1607 in Orleans, France, into a good bourgeois family. At the age of 17, he entered the Jesuit novitiate school at Rouen.

He later studied at the royal college of La Fleche, and gained a lot of interest in the New World after hearing stories about it. He continued his education at the University of Paris, was ordained a priest, and was accepted for missionary service.

At 29, he embarked for Canada with several companions. They joined an established outpost on the peninsula of Lake Huron, to minister the local tribe.

They traversed 900 miles through rough terrain and when he arrived, he collapsed and fell ill. Sickness spread throughout the tribes, causing much friction. Upon hearing the message of the missionaries, the medicine men grew hostile and it took much effort to reconcile.

Isaac labored and learned the languages while developing trade skills and stamina, which impressed the Huron tribe. He then ventured, traversing uncharted lands, spreading the Gospel to other tribes.

The Jesuits established Ste. Marie, which included a church, living quarters, hospital and fort. The tribes came in times of sickness and trouble, as well on Sunday’s and Feast Days. 1642 had a poor harvest and illness spread once again. When supplies were needed, Isaac led the expedition to Quebec. Upon their return, they were sighted by enemy Mohawk scouts.

Several of their 40-man party were killed or escaped. The rest were taken prisoner, including Isaac. They were tortured, with the converts enduring greater punishment, almost to the point of death, and then taken to a Mohawk fortress. Isaac lost 2 fingers and was left with mangled hands. After the French discovered their whereabouts location the Mohawks hoped to ransom them.

Isaac’s slavery lasted more than a year under cruel conditions, but the Mohawks respected his endurance. During his time he cared for others spiritually, gaining friends and enemies.

The Dutch were successful in rescuing him with a ransom under hostile conditions. He was hidden, taken to New Amsterdam, and then to France. He was welcomed as a celebrity but detested it, and instead longed to return, which he did the following year. He repaid his ransom and returned to his capturers who were impressed with his courage. He offered gifts in exchange for the prisoners and established a peace pact amongst tribes and settlers. It was short after illness and famine broke out and Christians were blamed.

He was captured again and brought to the Chief, but a small faction took matters into their own hands and beheaded him and the others. Troubling times caused war to breakout but Isaac’s bravery was always remembered and admired.

His reputation made for an easier reception of 3 new Jesuit priests and the Mohawk and Huron conversion spread quickly.

For God’s Glory.