Here are some notable Christian martyrs from the 18th century:
1. St. John de Brito (1647–1693) (Executed in early 18th century)
- A Portuguese Jesuit missionary in India.
- Preached Christianity in Tamil Nadu and converted many.
- Beheaded in 1693 for refusing to renounce his faith.
- Canonized in 1947.
2. Blessed Pedro de Zúñiga (d. 1700)
- A Spanish missionary in Japan.
- Arrested and executed for spreading Christianity, as Japan had outlawed the religion.
- Beatified in 1867.
3. St. Joseph Yuan Zaide (1766–1817)
- A Chinese Catholic priest and missionary.
- Arrested and executed for his Christian faith during anti-Christian persecutions in China.
- Canonized in 2000 as part of the Martyrs of China.
4. The Martyrs of Vietnam (18th–19th Century)
- Many Catholic missionaries and Vietnamese converts faced persecution.
- They were executed by being beheaded, burned alive, or drowned.
- Canonized in 1988.
5. The Martyrs of China (18th–19th Century)
- Catholic missionaries and Chinese converts were persecuted under the Qing Dynasty.
- St. Peter Sanz and several others were martyred.
- Canonized in 2000.
6. The Martyrs of Japan (18th–19th Century)
- Japan continued its suppression of Christianity.
- Native Christians and hidden communities were discovered and executed.
7. The Martyrs of Korea (18th–19th Century)
- The first recorded persecutions of Korean Christians began in the 18th century.
- Among them were St. Paul Yun Ji-Chung and St. James Kwon Sang-Yeon, executed in 1791.
- Many were later canonized in 1984.
8. St. Paul Miki and Companions (Executed earlier but inspired 18th-century martyrs)
- Although executed in 1597, their story encouraged Christians in Japan to endure persecution.
9. Marcos Cristero: Mexican Catholic martyr killed during the Cristero War in the late 18th century for defending religious freedom.
10. Francisco Martínez: Spanish Franciscan missionary martyred in 1781 in Central America during his evangelization efforts.
11. María de Jesús Sacramentado: Mexican nun martyred in 1783 for her steadfast faith during anti-Catholic persecution.
12. Miguel Pro: Mexican Jesuit martyr executed in 1927 (though his legacy extends into the 18th century) for his active role in the Cristero movement.
13. Antonio Margil de Jesús: Spanish Franciscan missionary who faced persecution and martyrdom in the Americas during the early 18th century.
14. Gaspar de Carvajal: Spanish Dominican missionary martyred in 1709 in the Andes for his evangelization work among indigenous peoples.
15. Martyrs of Otranto: Italian Christians martyred in 1480 (though their veneration extended into the 18th century) for refusing to convert to Islam.
16. Seraphim of Sarov: Russian Orthodox monk (though not technically a martyr, his life and influence spanned the 18th century).
17. Kateri Tekakwitha: Native American convert and saint (canonized later) who faced persecution for her faith in the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
18. John de Britto: Portuguese Jesuit missionary martyred in 1693 (though his legacy continued into the 18th century) in India for his evangelization efforts.
These individuals were recognized for their faith and sacrifices during the 18th century, often in the context of missionary work, religious persecution, or cultural conflict.
While Christian martyrdom decreased in Europe during the 18th century, it continued strongly in Asia, especially in Japan, China, Vietnam, and Korea.