ST. BERARD AND 5 COMPANIONS (d Morocco, 1220), First Franciscan Martyrs
Berard was personally received into the Franciscan Order by St. francis in 1213. By 1219, Francis decided the time
had come to spread the Gospel to the Muslim countries of North Africa. He chose Berard, who spoke Arabic and was
an eloquent preacher, with two other priests and three brothers to go to Morocco. They first spent some time preaching
in Spain and Portugal before crossing to Morocco. Their preaching and denunciation of Islam immediately drew the ire
of local rulers who cast them into prison. When they steadfastly refused to renounce the faith, the king himself
beheaded them. When their remains were brought to Portugal, their story inspired a young Augustinian canon to join
the Franciscan order, going on to gain enormous fame as Anthony of Padua, the greatest preacher of his day. Berard
and his companions were canonized in 1481.