As we prepare to celebrate and honor the saints on the Solemnity of All Saint’s, it is noteworthy that there is an effort to recognize clergy and lay Catholics who were martyred for their faith, some with connections to the Diocese of Venice.
The cause for Martyrs of La Florida Missions, Antonio Inija and 57 companions, has been researched as a part of Florida’s Catholic history dating back more than three centuries. The eight volumes of research have been presented to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints in Rome and is under consideration.
Lynn Mangan, Vice Postulator for the Cause for La Florida Martyrs, was a guest of Bishop Frank J. Dewane this month on Relevant Radio show “Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane,” which premiered on Oct. 31, 2025.
Mangan explained the comprehensive process which formally began with a Diocesan phase on Oct. 12, 2015, under the guidance of Bishop Gregory Parkes, then-Bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee, and completed Oct. 12, 2023, under Bishop William Wack, CSC, now-Bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee.
“The 58 individuals are the brightest stars among many holy souls that were part of the beautiful mission story of La Florida and across the Southeast,” Mangan said. “It covers a period from 1549 to 1715 and includes nine Dioceses united in the cause. The martyrdom of the 58 individuals spanned 14 different events. Most were lay people, most Native Americans – as well as priests and brothers from different religious orders.”
The nine Dioceses included in the beatification cause are six in Florida, as well as the Archdiocese of Mobile, and the Dioceses of Richmond and Savannah.
Mangan said the Diocese of Venice was a special part of the whole mission story. The first Jesuit mission in the New World was established as Fort San Anton de Calros, in 1567 on Mound Key, a small island in Estero Bay, near Fort Myers. This was the cultural center of the Calusa (or Calos) people, who lived in the area for more than 2,000 years.
“The Jesuits had great respect for the native leaders and even engaged in theological debates,” Mangan said. “The original mission was burned to the ground, but the story was never lost. Most don’t know the amazing story of martyrdom in Florida.”
Thanks to the support of spiritual leaders, such as Bishop Dewane, Mangan is spreading the word about the martyrs. She hopes the Holy Spirit inspires people with the stories and that they ask for a miracle. “Pray to the martyrs. Be friends with them.”
The timing of Mangan’s appearance on “Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane,” comes as there is a unified effort to spread the word about developing a devotion to the martyrs, promoting their beatification, and ultimately building a shrine near Tallahassee.
On All Souls Day, Nov. 2, Bishop Wack is celebrating a “Mass with the Martyrs” in Tallahassee, at the site of the future Shrine of Mary, Queen of Martyrs. The outdoor event will include Mass, praying of the “Hopeful Mysteries” of the Rosary, a presentation about the martyrs, an update on the beatification process, and plans for the future shrine.
To learn more about the Martyrs of La Florida Missions, Antonio Inija and the 57 companions, please visit https://www.martyrsoflafloridamissions.org/.
“Witnessing Faith with Bishop Dewane” can be heard on Relevant Radio on 1410 AM and 106.7 FM in Fort Myers and 1660 AM and 93.3 FM in Naples at 8:30 a.m. on the last Friday of every month (Oct. 31), or anytime at https://dioceseofvenice.org/our-bishop/.
Prayer to the Martyrs of La Florida Missions
O God, Father of many nations,
Who through the grace of baptism have chosen us
to be citizens of Your one Kingdom:
You called Antonio Inija and Companions
to accept Your gift of faith,
professing their hope in Your Only Begotten Son.
Help us with Your grace to imitate their courage and humility
in the face of suffering and death.
May the blood of the martyrs of La Florida
inspire our hearts to follow You without delay.
And, if it be Your Holy Will,
grant the Beatification of
Antonio Inija and Companions, and through their intercession,
grant the request we hereby make (state your intention),
in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
With ecclesiastical approval
William A. Wack, CSC
Bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee
