Feast Day: Feburary 06
Profile
Born wealthy, the son of a military leader. Felt a call to
religous life from his youth. Jesuit in 1580, educated at the Jesuit college at
Anziquiama. Successful evangelist. When the political climate became hostile to
Christianity, he decided to continue his ministry, was soon arrested. On his way to
martydom, he and other imprisoned Christians were marched 600 miles so they could be
abused by, and be a lesson to, their countrymen; they sang the Te Deum on the way. One of
the Martyrs of Nagasaki. His last sermon was delivered from the cross.
Born
1562 @ Tounucumada Japan
Died
martyred by being stabbed with a lance while crucified @
Nagasaki, Japan
Canonized
1862 by Pope Pius IX
Reading
The only reason for my being killed is that I have taught
the doctrine of Christ. I thank God it is for this reason that I die. I believe that I am
telling the truth before I die. I know you believe me and I want to say to you all once
again: Ask Christ to help you become happy. I obey Christ. After Christ's example, I
forgive my persecutors. I do not hate them. I ask God to have pity on all, and I hope my
blood will fall on my fellow men as a fruitful rain.
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