Memorial door at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, New York. Photo by Bmclaughlin9. CC BY-SA 4.0

Saint Isaac Jogues was the 1st Catholic priest to come to Manhattan Island. He came sometime in October 1643: we are uncertain of the day of arrival.

The French missionaries were traveling in upstate New York with Christian Huron Indians when a Mohawk war party attacked. He was severely tortured but was rescued by Calvinist Protestants from being burned to death by the Mohawks. Reformed minister Johannes Megapolensis escorted him from upstate New York to safety in New Amsterdam in October 1643 until he could take a ship to France.

The French missionary was born at Orléans, France on January 10, 1607. He was later martyred by the Mohawk Indians on October 18, 1646, at Ossernenon, New York. For his bravery, compassion, and pure spirit, he was recognized as a Saint.

“Retro Flashes” are Journey’s quick takes on moments of history that have made New York City what it is, what New Yorkers are, and, maybe, what it will be.