This week in Christian history: Jesuit founder canonized, martyr killed, dozens massacred

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, March 07, 2021

Silhouette of a cross against the sky during sunset. | Getty images

Throughout the extensive history of the Church, there have been numerous events of lasting significance.

Each week brings anniversaries of impressive milestones, unforgettable tragedies, amazing triumphs, memorable births, notable deaths and everything in between.

Some of the events drawn from over 2,000 years of history might be familiar, while other happenings may be previously unknown by most people.

The following pages highlight events that happened this week — March 7 through March 13 — in Church history. They include the martyr of an early church saint, the canonization of the founder of the Jesuits and a massacre of Native Americans at a Moravian mission settlement.