Episode 103
Franciscan Father Juan de Padilla accompanied Coronado on his mission into New Mexico to search for the legendary Seven Cities of Gold. Father Padilla was looking for souls to evangelize and save. After Coronado’s search was frustrated, Fr. Padilla remained behind to evangelize natives in modern day Kansas, and became the first martyr on American soil for his efforts.
More Information
- The first martyr: Franciscan friar Juan de Padilla and his mourners passed this way 500 years ago
- CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Juan de Padilla
- Juan de Padilla – Kansas Historical Society
- Learn about our upcoming pilgrimages to important and unforgettable Catholic holy sites
- TSHA | Padilla, Juan de
- Juan Padilla | Spanish missionary | Britannica
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