Saint John de Britto: The Portuguese Missionary Who Became India's John the Baptist

Today, on February 4th, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast day of Saint John de Britto, a Portuguese Jesuit missionary who dedicated his life to spreading Christianity in Southern India. Often called the “Portuguese St. Francis Xavier,” Britto embraced local Indian customs, lived as an ascetic, and ultimately sacrificed his life for his faith.

Early Life and Missionary Work

Born on March 1, 1647, in Lisbon, Portugal, John de Britto came from an aristocratic family. His father, Salvador de Britto Pereira, was the Viceroy of Brazil but died in office. At the age of eleven, Britto fell gravely ill. His mother prayed to St. Francis Xavier for his recovery, promising to dress him in a Jesuit cassock for a year if he survived. Upon his miraculous recovery, Britto wore the cassock for a year, which inspired him to join the Jesuits in 1662.

In 1673, he set sail for India as a missionary, arriving in Tamil Nadu's Madurai region. Adopting local culture, he dressed in yellow cotton attire like a Tamil Sannyasi (Thuravi) and preached Christianity under the name Arul Anandar, meaning ‘God’s Bliss.’ His deep understanding of Indian traditions allowed him to spread Christianity effectively.

His success, however, drew the attention of local rulers, leading to his imprisonment in 1684. Expelled from India, he returned to Lisbon in 1687. However, his strong missionary zeal resulted in him returning to Tamil Nadu in 1690 with 24 new missionaries.

Martyrdom and Legacy

Saint John de Britto’s missionary work led to the conversion of Thadiyathevan, a Maravar prince. However, the prince’s conversion came at a cost—he was required to dismiss his multiple wives, one of whom was the niece of Raghunatha Kilavan Sethupathi, the King of Ramnad. Angered by this, the king initiated a crackdown on Christians.

Britto and his catechists were arrested by the king's men and taken to Orur, located 450 km southeast of Chennai. On February 4, 1693, he was executed by beheading, marking the end of his earthly journey. He was beatified by Pope Pius IX in 1853 and canonized by Pope Pius XII in 1947.

The Orur Pilgrimage

Located in Orur, 450 km southeast of Chennai, the Britto Shrine (popularly known as the Red Sand Shrine) stands on the site where St. John De Britto was executed. The shrine attracts thousands of pilgrims seeking blessings, healing, and family unity.

Tradition holds that the soil at his execution site turned red, symbolizing his martyrdom. The red sand dune stored in this shrine where the blood of Britto was spilled has great significance.

Numerous incurable diseases are said to have been cured by the application of the red sand on the respective body parts. Couples are believed to have been blessed with children on visiting the shrine and praying to the departed soul. Hindus, Muslims, and Christians alike visit the shrine, demonstrating St. John De Britto's widespread reverence.

Conclusion

Saint John de Britto’s legacy of faith, sacrifice, and cultural harmony continues to inspire millions. His courage, adaptation to Indian traditions, and unwavering devotion make him a beacon of Christian history. As his feast day is celebrated, his story remains a testament to faith transcending boundaries of caste, creed, and nationality.

Source: www.johndebrittoshrine.com