As the British Colonel Moore sacked the Spanish mission of La Concepcion de Ayubale, Apalachee from the neighboring mission met them head on.
The Appalachee had occupied the area of what is now Florida, U.S. and in the mid 1500’s had a capital city of Anhaica which is present day Tallahassee. They lived in villages of various sizes between just a few homes up to about 100. They expanded into the areas of Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama when the Spanish started settlements in their area and in the early 1600s, they invited the Franciscans to establish missions among their people.
Antonio was born to Catholic Apalachee parents, Don Martin and Dona Catarina, who raised him at the Franciscan Mission of San Luis de Talimali, in La Florida.
He was educated by Spanish Franciscan priests, could read and write Spanish, Apalachee, and Latin and had a thorough understanding of theological doctrine.
When he came of age, he became 2nd in command, married another Apalachee Christian named Josefa, and together had a daughter and son. Through training at the mission, he became a carpenter.
He possessed deep piety, especially in his devotion to Saint Joseph. He often led excursions to other tribes where he would preach the Gospel with great success. As he was also a talented musician, he also evangelized through music. When asked for the secret to his achievement, he responded with “Patience and Perseverance.” He was renowned throughout and his name was recognized even by the highest ranking officials of the Spanish Empire.
Colonel James Moore, who was an English colonial administrator, serving the governor of Carolina, had led invasions against Spanish Florida during Queen Anne’s War, wiping out most of the missions. He captured and enslaved thousands of Floridian Apalachee.
The men of San Luis heard that Moore, who with 50 English troops and 1,500 Creek Indian mercenaries, attacked a nearby mission, La Concepcion de Ayubale. They quickly set out on the 20 mile run to aid and assist them, knowing they had no chance for success. 30 Spanish Cavalry and 400 Apalachee soldiers, with Antonio included, drove Moore’s forces from the Mission twice. Fray Juan de Parga, a Franciscan priest, administered the Sacraments and preached a sermon to the men, anticipating their martyrdom. Although he could have escaped, he joined them, wishing to “die with his children.”
By nightfall, the Spanish and Apalachee had run out of ammunition and surrendered. Moore still tortured and butchered them.
Father Parga was killed on the road near the mission and his severed head was brought to the council house. Those who remained were tied and hung to crosses at the mission church to mock their faith, were tortured by having the soles of their feet scorched off by fire, and their bodies impaled with burning coals. The British teased Antonio as he died but he never recanted his faith. Instead, he preached from the cross, asking God to forgive the men and begged for the salvation of their souls. He also encouraged the other men to stay steadfast to “the faith of their fathers.”
After several hours, Antonio stated that he was gazing into the eyes of the Blessed Virgin Mary who had come to console her suffering sons. He then drew his final breath and died on January 25, 1704.
It was the beginning of the end of the Florida missions. In the next several years, the British slaughtered thousands and left many more exiled from their homeland.
For God’s Glory.
