By 1597, the Franciscans had learned the local language of the Guale people and began to convert them, without military presence.

Before being executed on September 16, 1597,[5] he was allowed to celebrate a final Mass and preach: My sons, for me it is not difficult to die.

His ordination date in unknown and he was sent to the colony of Puerto Rico (and later to Florida) on July 14, 1595, with Francisco de Verascola.

He was then assigned to Santa Catalina de Guale, which was originally a Jesuit mission site.

He left from San Lúcar on July 14, 1595, alongside Miguel and was assigned to Asao, modern-day St. Simons Island.

He left his assignment at Santo Domingo de Asao on canoe for St. Augustine to resupply the mission.

A sixth friar, Francisco de Avila, survived but was tortured until his liberation months later.

The story of these friars was first communicated by Luis Gerónimo de Oré to King Philip III of Spain.

Their work culminated with Raymond W. Lessard, Bishop of the Diocese of Savannah, approving the investigation of their lives and the manner of their deaths.

In March 2007, the resulting documents were submitted to Rome for approval by Conrad Harkins, O.F.M., the Promoter of their cause, on behalf of the diocese.

[3] On January 27, 2025, the Holy See confirmed their deaths as acts of martyrdom "in hatred of the faith", officially granting them the title of Venerable, and authorizing their beatification.