"The Lord blesses their memories and calls upon us to commemorate their sacrifices." --Monsignor William Kerr 9/22/1940-3/13/2009 Catholic historian, assisted Bishop Gracida’s efforts to honor the martyrs
The Martyrs of la Florida Missions organization is a 501c3 ministry, included in the Official Catholic Directory, whose mission is to honor and spread devotion to the martyrs by promoting their canonization, establishing a shrine and engaging regional, national and international communities for recognition.
The Martyrs of la Florida serves as the Petitioner in the beatification effort and is based in Tallahassee. The organization works with the Competent Bishop, Bishop Bill Wack; the Postulator in Rome, Dr. Waldery Hilgeman; the Tribunal, three priests who are canon lawyers; the Historic Commission, six scholars; Vice-Postulators, two priests and two lay persons; and numerous people assisting and spreading the word about the faith in our colonial lands once called la Florida.
Board President Christopher Stavres and Secretary Heather Jordan sign the Appointment of Postulator and the Notarial Act
The Martyrs of la Florida also hosts events to share the history, the vision for the shrine, and to raise funds. While actively promoting the beatification cause and the historic research, the Martyrs of la Florida is spearheading two books, curriculum lesson plans and books for students K – 12, and mission artwork. Further, the ministry spreads devotion and distributes prayer cards in English and Spanish. The Martyrs of la Florida is always happy to set up a speaker to share the blessed history of the intrepid courage of the men, women and children, who would shed their blood, that we may enjoy the blessings of Faith in our lands today.