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June 1 ~ Venerable Martyr of the War for Jamaica
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The Venerable Father Fray Nicholas de Rivera; a native of Cholula [in
Mexico]; son of Vicente Lopez Pinto and Isabel Gomes, natives of Malaga and
Mexico, respectively; professed in the Convent of Puebla, on the 8th of
September, the year 1631.
The Lord Duke of Albuquerque wished to send a Division of the Spanish Civil
Guard for the restoration of Xamayca [Jamaica]; and, seeking a Chaplain to
accompany the Soldiers, selected the Venerable Father, as a person in whom
were joined discretion and learning.
In the City of Veracruz, he blessed the Flag (which was decorated on one
side with the Crucified Christ, and on the other with an Image of the
Immaculate Conception); and he preached with such fervor as to animate all
the Soldiers.
He passed on to Jamaica with a love for the ministry, to join the battle
with Christ in his hands. He preached to the Heretics [the English] with
Catholic spirit; they came at him with derision and ridicule and said,
“Miserable Papist! Do you think this Christ is worth dying for?” They
pierced him with a lance, and he gave his soul to the Creator on June 1st,
1658; his body lay unburied among the rest.
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"Menologio Franciscano" 1698
Fr. Agustin de Vetancurt
tr. Magister Levitatorum
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