October 27
Pedro Ortiz de Zárate and Juan Antonio Solinas, priests and martyrs (+1683)
Martyrs
Missionaries in the current Argentine territory, Pedro Ortiz de Zárate and Juan Antonio Solinas gave their lives announcing the Gospel and serving the native peoples.
Biography
Pedro had been a husband, father and mayor before becoming a widow and receiving the priesthood; For twenty-four years he was parish priest of Jujuy. Juan Antonio, a Sardinian Jesuit, learned indigenous languages and traveled through extensive territories. In 1683 they undertook a mission together to the Zenta Valley with other companions, bringing catechesis, sacraments and help. On October 27, they were murdered along with eighteen lay people. They remained with the communities even knowing the danger.
Practical advice
Don't abandon those who depend on your service today just because the situation has become difficult.