Blessed Denis of the Nativity lived between 1600 till 1638 and was born in France. He became a sailor when he was 12 years old and was successful as a pilot-in-chief and cartographer in service to the Kings of France and Portugal. He was also knighted due to his bravery. He became a Carmelite friar taking the name of Dionysius or Denis of the Nativity. He was then sent on a mission to the Sultan of Aceh (Sumatra) by his superiors. However, once he reached there all the members of his party were seized at the instigation of the Dutch authorities. They were tortured and told to renounce their faith, forcing them to become Muslims. All refused and were martyred. Saint Denis was the last person to be martyred of the group as he desired to strengthen the others. He was killed by a blow to his head by a scimitar. “Jesus, Mary,” were his last words.
