Blessed Rudolf Acquaviva

Life story

Rudolf Acquaviva was born on 2 October 1550 at Atri in Abruzzo, Italy, the son of Giangirolamo Acquaviva, 10th Duke of Atri. His uncle Claudio Acquaviva later became the fifth Superior General of the Jesuits. In April 1568 he entered the Society of Jesus and began his novitiate in Rome, alongside Stanislaus Kostka.

After his ordination he sailed for India and reached Portuguese Goa on 13 September 1578. There he taught at St Paul's College, then led a mission to the court of the Mughal emperor Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri, from 1580 to 1583. He left after about three years, judging the efforts fruitless. His companions there were Antonio de Monserrate, a fellow Jesuit, and Francisco Henriques, a young Persian-speaking translator.

On his return he was made superior of the mission in Salcette. On 25 July 1583 he was killed at Cuncolim, Goa, aged 32, during the Cuncolim revolt. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, the martyrs also included the priests Alphonsus Pacheco, Peter Berno and Anthony Francis, and the lay brother Francis Aranha.

He was beatified by Leo XIII together with his four companions on 16 April 1893. His feast is kept on 27 July, and the Jesuits also remember the Cuncolim martyrs on 4 February.

Works and witness

• Joined the Jesuits in April 1568
• Sailed for Goa in 1578 and taught at St Paul's College
• Led a mission to Akbar's court at Fatehpur Sikri (1580-1583)
• Killed at Cuncolim on 25 July 1583

Saints from the same country

Saint Agnes, Saint Lawrence, Saint Cecilia, Saint Sebastian

References

• Encyclopedia.com, "Rudolf Acquaviva and Companions, Bb."
• Jesuits of Singapore, "July 25th: Blessed Rudolph Aquaviva, SJ" (jesuit.org.sg)

Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.