St. Gonçalo Garcia
Indian-born Franciscan lay brother and the first canonized saint of the Indian subcontinent. Born of mixed Portuguese and Indian parentage in Bassein, he traveled to Japan as a merchant before joining the Franciscans in Manila. Sent on the mission to Japan, he was crucified at Nagasaki on February 5, 1597, alongside St. Paul Miki, St. Felipe de Jesús, and the twenty-three other Martyrs of Japan.
Life & Times
Also known as: Gonsalo Garcia; Gundisalvus Garcia · Born: c. 1556 · Died: February 5, 1597 · From: Bassein (Vasai), Portuguese India; Manila; Nagasaki, Japan.
Patronage
St. Gonçalo Garcia is invoked as the patron of bassein, the indo-portuguese community, the diocese of vasai. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Gonçalo Garcia, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.