Career
Chiwatenhwa himself fell sick. After his recovery, however, he was baptized, on August 16, 1637, by Father Jean de Brébeuf, and given the Christian name Joseph. Their marriage was blessed on the same day.
This was the first Catholic wedding in Huronia.
He helped the Jesuits translate hymns and prayers from French into Huron. He was impressed with the teachings of Saint Ignatius and the Spiritual Exercises.
During his eight-day silent retreat, he composed a prayer that reveals his profound experience with Jesus: "You love us so deeply that all I can do in return is to offer myself to you. I chose you as my elder and chief
Joseph Chiwatenhwa sensed that he might eventually be killed for his faith and love for Jesus Christ.
He was martyred on 2 August 1640, aged 38. Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe." (CCCB 2010)*.
