Franciscan Friars Welcome the Announcement of Georgia Martyrs’ Beatification

Author: Kerting Baldwin, Ed.D

Date Published: April 14, 2026

The Franciscan Friars of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe have received with gratitude the announcement of the beatification of the Venerable Servants of God Pedro de Corpa and his Four Companions – commonly known as the Georgia Martyrs. In 1597, five Spanish Franciscan friars died for their faith in what is now the Diocese of Savannah, Georgia.   

The Most Reverend Stephen D. Parkes, Bishop of Savannah, announced that the beatification will take place on All Hallows Eve (October 31) 2026 in Savannah, GA. Cardinal Frank Leo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto, will represent the Holy Father as Papal Legate and preside over the beatification liturgy. Franciscan friars from the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe will attend the ceremony and associated events. Details will be forthcoming.  

“The beatification of our brothers, Pedro de Corpa and Compassions, stands as a profound message to the Church in America – that the love of Christ Jesus is more powerful than hatred. In every age, the use of force and violence are the weapons used by leaders to silence the Gospel of truth and peace. Such was the result for our Friars four centuries ago in the present State of Georgia.” said Fr. Roger Lopez, OFM, Provincial Councilor of the province. “Today, the Georgia Franciscan Martyrs invite all people of America to lay aside weapons of death and division. Their blood calls us to recommit to Jesus Christ’s Gospel of peaceful dialogue, mutual respect, and forgiveness in our families, country, and world.” 

The Order of Friars Minor, to which the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe belongs, has worked with the Diocese of Savannah to promote the martyrs’ cause for canonization since the mid-20th century. The late Fr. Marion Habig, OFM, Fr. Alexander Wyse, OFM, and Fr. Conrad Harkins, OFM, served as Vice Postulators for the Cause of Canonization. Several Franciscan, diocesan and lay scholars labored to compile the Positio, or Report, used by the Vatican as it considered the cause. Among the Franciscan scholars were Fathers Conrad, Francis Muller, OFM, Cyprian Lynch, OFM, Patrick Adams, and Capistran Hanlon, OFM, as well as Fr. Francisco Morales, OFM, of Holy Gospel Province (Mexico). 

To read the announcement release from the  Dioceses of Savannah

To read the announcement release from the Archdiocese of Toronto

For more information on the Georgia Martyrs, visit  TheGeorgiaMartyrs.org.