While that may seem old compared to many other parishes in the diocese, it pales in comparison to the 500-year history of the Catholic faith in Florida.

Last year, Christ the King completed a significant expansion that included the construction of a new two-story youth center, theater, nursery and cafeteria, named the Bailey Center. As part of this project, the main parking lot was also reconfigured. “We chose to dedicate this redesigned entrance to the Florida Martyrs as a way of recognizing and honoring those men and women who died for the faith so many years ago,” said Fr. Len Plazewski, pastor of Christ the King. When entering the parking lot off Dale Mabry Highway, visitors are now greeted by signage identifying the new driveway as the Avenue of the Florida Martyrs, along with eight solid granite pillars honoring these heroic witnesses of the Catholic faith during Florida’s Spanish period.

The cause of the Florida Martyrs, officially known as the Servants of God Antonio Inija and Companions, includes 58 individuals who were martyred for the Catholic faith between 1549 and 1715. At Christ the King, the base of each marker is etched on all four sides with the year of martyrdom in vertical numbers. On the face of each marker are the names of the martyrs from that particular year, along with the location of their deaths.

Recently, Fr. Len led the fourth-grade students from Christ the King School—who are currently studying Florida history—on a “Martyrs Walk,” sharing the stories of the Martyrs of La Florida. He hopes these markers will stand as silent witnesses to the tremendous Catholic faith of the men and women, including native peoples, who were present in our nation long before the United States ever existed.  

“I loved learning from Fr. Len about the martyrs because I learned that there were so many different people that came here to Florida and died for Jesus Christ,” said Rosie R. a fourth grader at Christ the King School.  Her classmate Cora C. said, “I think all the martyrs are great examples of how to live your life for others.” Garner C. said it this way, 

“I learned that it is super important to keep your faith just like the martyrs because it will keep you close to God.”

Currently, the Cause for the Florida Martyrs is in Rome with the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. As the cause enters its final phase—under review by theological and historical commissions and the dicastery’s members—it is hoped that Pope Leo XIV will approve their beatification within the next few years.

Fr. Len, who also serves as a Vice-Postulator for the Cause, reflected “Not only are their lives heroic and inspiring, but their prayers for us are so powerful.  I invite everyone, especially those who live in Florida today, to pray to Our Lord through the intercession of the Florida Martyrs.” Perhaps Emilia M. summed it up the best, after learning about the martyrs, “Never give up your faith in God even when others persecute you for your faith.”