Just de Bretenières

Saint Just de Bretenières (1838–1866) was a French Catholic priest and missionary, born in Chalon-sur-Saône. Drawn to serve Christ beyond his homeland, he devoted his life to the work of the Gospel, offering his priesthood in mission with a generous and faithful heart. His witness was sealed in martyrdom in 1866, and the Church venerates him as a saint and a Christian martyr—one who remained steadfast in love for Christ even unto death. Remembered each year on September 20, Saint Just de Bretenières invites the faithful to pray for courage in discipleship and for missionaries who carry the hope of Christ to the ends of the earth.