As early as 1520, Spain had identified the strategic importance of the Chesapeake Bay. During a July 1561 reconnaissance of the coastline, a storm forced a Spanish ship into the Chesapeake Bay, where the sailors had a peaceful encounter with natives in the Tidewater region.
In September 1570, a small band of nine Spanish Jesuit missionaries arrived in Virginia’s Tidewater region to begin the evangelization of the indigenous people. This was the first European settlement in Virginia, 37 years before the English founded Jamestown colony in 1607. The Jesuits learned that the area had suffered from famine for several years., but despite the perilous conditions, their leader, Father Juan Baptista de Segura, insisted on staying to serve the natives. He sent a letter back to Spanish authorities in Havana begging for an immediate shipment of seed and farming equipment so that the Jesuits could help plant new crops. But five months later, the natives attacked and killed all but one of the missionary band. That survivor lived to tell of the events.
Now Father de Segura and his martyred Jesuits are being considered for canonization as saints. This presentation will tell their story.


NOTE: this will be a joint program for LLI and for parishioners of St Elizabeth Ann Seton Church.


LLI Coordinator: David Pace