Featured Saint of St. Rene Goupil Parish Community

  St. Rene Goupil

St. René Goupil, honored on October 19, is remembered as the first canonized martyr of North America. At St. Rene Parish in Sterling Heights, our outdoor statue beautifully depicts him blessing an Iroquois family, symbolizing his mission of faith, healing, and reconciliation.

Life of St. René Goupil

Born: May 15, 1608, in Saint-Martin-du-Bois, France

Missionary Work: Trained as a surgeon, René joined the Jesuits as a lay brother and volunteered to serve in New France (Canada).

Service: He cared for the sick and wounded at missions near Quebec, offering both medical skill and spiritual compassion.

Martyrdom: In 1642, while traveling with Jesuit Father Isaac Jogues and Huron Christians, René was captured by the Mohawk. He was killed on September 29, 1642, after teaching a child the Sign of the Cross, dying with the name of Jesus on his lips.

Memorial Date

The United States celebrates his memorial on October 19, together with the other North American Martyrs.

Canada honors him on September 26, reflecting his deep ties to missions there.

Legacy and Patronage

St. René is remembered as the first canonized Catholic martyr in North America.

He was canonized in 1930 by Pope Pius XI, alongside the other North American Martyrs.

He is the patron saint of anesthetists, reflecting his medical background and care for the suffering.

The Statue at St. Rene Parish

Outside St. Rene Goupil Parish in Sterling Heights, Michigan, a striking statue shows St. René blessing an Iroquois family.

This image captures the spirit of reconciliation and healing that defined his mission.  

It reminds parishioners that his sacrifice was not only an act of faith but also a gesture of love toward the Indigenous peoples he served. The statue stands as a living catechesis, teaching that holiness is found in service, compassion, and courage.

St. René Goupil, humble servant and faithful witness,  

you gave your life for Christ among the peoples of this land.  

Teach us to live with courage and compassion,  

to bless others with the love of Jesus,  

and to bring healing and peace wherever we go.  

Intercede for our parish family,  

that we may grow in faith and unity,  

and one day share in the joy of heaven.  

Amen.

St. René Goupil’s life reminds us that faith is lived through action.

This week, let’s honor his memory by doing something concrete:

• Visit the parish statue of St. René and pray for peace and healing in our families.

• Teach a child the Sign of the Cross, just as St. René did, passing on the gift of faith.

• Offer a blessing or kind word to someone in need, becoming a living witness of Christ’s love.

  Christ the Redeemer

Christ the Redeemer is the title given to Jesus Christ as the One who saves, restores, and reconciles humanity to God. Throughout Christian history, this image of Christ—with open arms and a welcoming embrace—has been a powerful reminder that no matter where we come from, the Lord’s mercy is always extended to us. The Redeemer invites all people to forgiveness, peace, and a renewed relationship with God.

In Scripture, Christ’s redeeming love is shown most clearly in His Passion, Death, and Resurrection. By His sacrifice, He opened the way to eternal life and demonstrated the depth of God’s compassion for the world. As Christians, we look to Christ the Redeemer as a model of self-giving love, hope in suffering, and the source of salvation. His image calls us to welcome others, forgive freely, and share God’s love generously.

On the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the founding of St. Rene Goupil Parish 

(October 15, 1985), a memorial statue of Christ the Redeemer was erected on the front lawn of the church property. Standing an impressive 24 feet tall, this statue was created to symbolize the deep faith of the parish community and to serve as a sign of hospitality and welcome to all who pass by.

The statue was crafted by artist Mr. William Boyle, whose work beautifully expresses Christ’s gesture of blessing and invitation. Its 24-foot-wide base, constructed from Indiana limestone, forms a solid foundation for the powerful image that has become a spiritual landmark for the parish. For decades, this statue has greeted parishioners, visitors, and neighbors—reminding everyone of Christ’s enduring presence at St. Rene.

O Christ our Redeemer,
You open Your arms to all who seek You.
With mercy and love You heal our hearts,
guide our steps,
and lead us toward the Father’s embrace.

Redeem what is wounded within us,
strengthen what is weak,
and renew our hope in Your saving grace.
May Your presence at St. Rene Parish
remind us always to welcome others as You welcome us.

Stay with us, Lord,
and make our hearts reflect Your love.
Amen.

Take a quiet moment to reflect:

What is Christ the Redeemer inviting you to surrender, heal, or allow Him to renew in your life this month?