Biography
João Martins
About João Martins
João Martins is named among the Catholic lay martyrs killed at Uruaçu on October 3, 1645.
The recognition list associates seven unnamed young companions with João Martins, while preserving him as a named member of the group.
Natal’s Catholics sought refuge after the attack at Cunhaú, but were captured with their priest, Ambrósio Francisco Ferro. The martyrs were canonized in 2017 and are commemorated on October 3.
A modern historical study places the surviving account within the colonial conflict and cautions that its hostile portrayals of Indigenous people and Dutch opponents reflect the narrator’s religious and political purposes.
Wondering how to weigh the stories and sources? Learn how to read a saint biography.