6 February • yesterday
• tomorrow
Memorial of Saint Paul Miki and Companions

The Glory of the Body, by Father Richard O'Kennedy
Daily Bread #47, by Father Richard Waldo Sibthorp
He beholds thee wherever thou art. He calls thee by name. He sees thee. He understands thee. He knows all thy own peculiar feelings and thoughts, thy weakness, thy strength. He views thee in thy day of rejoicing and thy day of sorrow. He notes thy very countenance. He hears thy voice, the beatings of thy heart, thy very breathing. Thou dost not love thyself better than He loves thee. Thou canst not shrink from pain more than He dislikes thy bearing it. And He is God." - Saint John Henry Newman

Saint Alfonso Maria Fusco

Profile

Son of Giuseppina Schiavone and Aniello Fusco, the eldest of five children in a pious peasant family. The couple had been unable to have children until a visit to the relics of Saint Alphonsus Maria d' Liguori; there they received the message that they would have a son, name him Alfonso, and that he would led the life of a beati. Confirmed and received his first Communion at age seven, and at eleven he announced his intent to become a priest. Entered the seminary of Nocera dei Pagani on 5 November 1850. Ordained 29 September 1863.

Noted for his devotion to the liturgy, and as a gentle, paternal confessor. In September of 1878, he, Maddalena Caputo of Angri (Sister Crocifissa), and three young women formed what would become the Congregation of the Baptistine Sisters of the Nazarene (Baptistine Sisters), devoted to the care and education of poor orphans, abandoned children, and youth at risk; their first house was soon known as the Little House of Providence.

Along with the usual problems of more needs than resources, the new congregation faced serveral internal trials. False accusations were made about Father Alfonso, and Bishop Vitagliano tried to remove him as the congregation's director. The daughter house in Rome tried to break away from the congregation, even locking the doors to the house when Alfonso came to see them. At one point, Cardinal Respighi, Vicar of Rome, recommended that he resign for the good of the congregation. He was, however, vindicated in the end, remained as director, and saw the congregation through it's early, difficult years. Today they work in fifteen countries around the world.

Born

23 March 1839 in Angri, Salerno, diocese of Nocera-Sarno, Italy

Died

6 February 1910 in Angri, Salerno, Italy of natural causes/p>

Beatified

• 7 October 2001 by Pope John Paul II
• the beatification miracle involved the healing of a child of "malaria infantile cerebral, with prolonged coma and status epilepticus, with pneumonia and septicaemia; with severe blood malarial parasitemia, persistent despite medical therapies" over the night of 2 to 3 February 1998 in the diocese of Ndola, Zambia through the intercession of Saint Alfonso

Canonized

• 16 October 2016 by Pope Francis in Rome, Italy
• the canonization miracle involved the healing of a Baptistine nun of "sub-arachnoid haemorrhage with tetraventricular flooding and hydrocephalus, secondary and ruptured posterior communicating artery aneurysms" on 25 October 2009 through the intercession of Saint Alfonso

Patronage

Congregation of the Baptistine Sisters of the Nazarene

Video

YouTube PlayList

Readings

From heaven I will not forget you. I will pray for you always. – Blessed Alfonso's dying words to the Sisters

The Work is God's; I am His worker; God began it. For God I shall continue it. God wanted this Work done. He obliged me to do it. God will provide. – Blessed Alfonso

My daughters, what do you think you have come to the Institute for? You have come here to form a family, a family of saints. This is the scope of our lives to sanctify ourselves through love. – Blessed Alfonso

Let us become saints, following Jesus closely. Daughters, if you live in poverty, in chastity and in obedience, you will shine like the stars up in the heavens. – Blessed Alfonso

Don't worry, my daughters. I am going to Jesus now and He will worry about us! – Blessed Alfonso when the congregation ran out of everything

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-alfonso-maria-fusco/


Saint Dorothy of Caesarea

Also known as

Dora, Dorothea

Profile

Apochryphal martyr whose story has been beautifully told, and was popular for many years. Having made a personal vow of virginity, she refused to marry, or to sacrifice to idols. She was tried, tortured, and sentenced to death for her faith by the prefect Sapricius as part of the persecutions of Diocletian. The pagan lawyer Theophilus said to her in mockery, "Bride of Christ, send me some fruits from your bridegroom's garden." Before she was executed, she sent him, by a six-year-old boy who is thought to have been an angel, her headress which had the fragrance of roses and fruits. Seeing this gift, and the miraculous messenger who brought them, Theophilus converted, and was martyred himself. This story has been variously enlarged through the years. In some places, trees are blessed on her feast day because of her connection with a blooming, fruitful miracle.

Died

beheaded with a sword on 6 February 311 in Caesarea Mazaca, Cappodocia (modern day Kayseri, Turkey)

Patronage

• brewers
• brides
• florists
• gardeners
• midwives
• newlyweds
• Pescia, Italy

Representation

• crown of flowers
• crown of roses
• crowned with flowers and surrounded by stars as she kneels before the executioner
• crowned with palm and flower basket, surrounded by stars
• crowned and carrying a flower basket
• in an orchard
• with the Christ-child in an apple tree
• leading the Christ-child by the hand
• maiden carrying a basket of fruit and flowers, especially roses
• roses
• veiled, with flowers in her lap
• veiled, holding apples from heaven on a branch
• with a basket of fruit and the Christ-child riding a hobby horse
• with an angel and wreath of flowers
• with an angel carrying a basket of flowers

Video

YouTube PlayList

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-dorothy-of-caesarea/


Saint Amand of Maastricht

Also known as

• Apostle of Belgium
• Apostle of Flanders
• Amand of Belgium
• Amand of Elnone
• Amand of France
• Amandus, Amantius, Amatius

Profile

Lived some time as a hermit, then became a monk at age 20 at the Abbey of Saint Martin at Tours, France. When he took the cowl, his family tried to kidnap him to bring him home for "deprogramming", but failed. Given a commission to wander and preach, he evangelized in France, Flanders, Carinthia, Gascony, and Germany, sometimes getting beaten by the locals for his trouble. Bishop of Maastricht, Netherlands in 649. Founded several monasteries and convents. Abbot of the monastery at Elnone-en-Pevele, France. Friend and spiritual director of Saint Humbert of Pelagius, and was assisted in his work by Saint Acharius. In his declining years he retired to Elnon Abbey, where he was the spiritual teacher of Saint Chrodobald of Marchiennes, and ended his days as a prayerful monk. His association with brewers and vintners and related fields comes from spending so much time preaching and teaching in beer-making and wine-making regions.

Born

c.584 at Poitou, France

Died

c.679 in the monastery at Elnone-en-Pevele (modern Saint-Amand-les-Eaux), France

Patronage

• against diseases of cattle
• against fever
• against paralysis
• against rheumatism
• against seizures
• against skin diseases
• against vision problems
• Boy Scouts
• bar staff, barkeepers, bartenders
• brewers
• grocers
• hotel keepers, innkeepers
• merchants
• pharmacists, druggists
• vinegar makers
• vine growers, vintners, wine-makers
• wine merchants
• 5 cities

Representation

• holding a church
• with a dragon (the sin and evil he drove out by his work) • banner • chair • church • flag

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-amand-of-maastricht/


Saint Pedro Bautista Blásquez y Blásquez

Also known as

• Peter Baptist Blasquez
• Pietro Battista Blasquez

Profile

Born to the Castillian nobility, Pedro studied at the University of Salamanca and then joined the Franciscans in 1542. Ordained a priest, he taught philosophy and theology, and served as superior of several Franciscan communities. Feeling a call to missionary work, in 1580 he was sent to Mexico where he founded several communities, and then in 1583 he was dispatched to the Philippines.

In 1593, to replace the work of Jesuits who had been expelled from the country in 1590, he and five other friars were sent to Japan where they lived in poverty, cared for lepers, preached the faith, and built schools, churches, convents and hospitals. Father Pedro became known as a miracle worker.

A number of parties, including Buddhist bonzes, European traders, and anti-western Japanese, pushed for a government persecution of these missionaries. The emperor began to fear that missionaries were a prelude to invasion by the West, and ordered them all imprisoned. Arrested in different places, they were all transferred to Nagasaki where they were abused and executed. His last known act was praying for his persecutors. One of the Martyrs of Nagasaki.

Born

1542 in San Esteban del Valle, Avila, Castille (in modern Spain)

Died

• crucified on 5 February 1597 on a hill in Nagasaki, Japan
• his body reported incorrupt after two months exposure to the elements
• local Christians reported seeing Father Pedro celebrating Mass long after his death

Canonized

8 June 1862 by Pope Pius IX

Patronage

• Caceres, Philippines, archdiocese of
• Japan

Video

YouTube PlayList

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-pedro-bautista-blasquez-y-blasquez/


Saint Felipe de Jesus

Also known as

• Felipe las Casas Martínez
• Philip de la Casas
• Philip of Jesus

Profile

Philip's parents had immigrated from Illescas, Spain to Mexico City, and the boy was born in the New World. It was a pious family; two of his brothers entered the Augustinians, and one was martyred.

He joined the Reformed Franciscan Convent of Santa Barbara in Pueblo, Mexico in his early teens, but left after a year. With his father's assistance, Philip sailed to Manila in the Philippines to start an overseas trading buiness. However, he continued to feel the call to religious life, and on 22 May 1594 he entered the Franciscan Convent of Our Lady of the Angels in Manila, becoming a friar, and working with the sick.

At his family's request, he was returned to Mexico in 1596 to be consecrated a bishop, but the ship was blown off course and wrecked on a reef on the coast of Japan; during the storm, Philip had a vision of a white cross hanging above Japan, a cross which became blood red. The locals impounded the ship's cargo and imprisoned the crew. In order to keep the cargo from Philip's ship, the warlord Taikosama accused Philip and his crew of piracy and spying for the king of Spain preparatory to an invasion. Philip and several other Christians were placed under house arrest at Miako for several weeks, and then condemned to death. One of the Martyrs of Nagasaki.

Born

1575 in Mexico as Philip de al Casas

Died

crucified on 5 February 1597 at Nagasaki, Japan

Canonized

8 June 1862 by Pope Pius IX

Patronage

• Mexico City, Mexico, city of
• Mexico City, Mexico, archdiocese of

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-felipe-de-jesus/


Saint Vaast of Arras

Also known as

Foster, Gaston, Gastone, Vaat, Vedast, Vedasto, Vedastus

Additional Memorial

• 2 January (discovery of relics)
• 7 February (enshrinement of relics)
• 15 July (translation of relics in Cambrai)
• 1 October (translation of relics)

Profile

Hermit. Worked with Saint Remigius to convert the Franks. Priest. Instructed King Clovis in the faith. His miraculous healing of the blind helped convince some of Clovis's pagan court of the power of God (and led to Vaast's patronage against eye trouble). First bishop of Arras, France in 499. Bishop of Cambrai, France c.510. On the night he died, the locals saw a luminous cloud ascend from his house, apparently carrying away Vaast's soul.

Born

c.453 at Limoges, France

Died

539-540 at Arras, France of natural causes

Patronage

• against eye diseases
• children
• children late learning to walk
• disabled people
• Arras, France, city of
• Arras, Boulogne and Saint-Omer, France, diocese of

Representation

• bishop raising to life a goose which a wolf has brought to him
• wolf bringing a goose to a bishop; Vaast will use it to feed the poor
• with a child or children at his feet (represents the people brought to the faith in his area)
• chasing a bear out of a church (represents replacing a rough paganism with Christianity)

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-vaast-of-arras/


Saint Mateo Correa-Magallanes

Also known as

Mateo Correa

Additional Memorial

21 May as one of the Martyrs of the Mexican Revolution

Profile

Attended the seminary at Zacatecas, Mexico on a scholarship, beginning 12 January 1881. Ordained on 20 August 1893. Parish priest, assigned to Concepcion de Oro, Mexico from 1898 to 1905. Close friend of the Pro-Juarez family, he baptized Humberto Pro, and gave First Communion to Blessed Miguel Pro. Re-assigned to Colotlan, Mexico from 1908 to 1910. Following the government's repression of the Church in 1910, he went into hiding. Assigned to Valparaiso, Mexico in 1926.

Arrested while en route to a sick call; when he saw the soldiers approaching, he quickly swallowed the host to prevent desecration. Accused of being part of the armed Cristero rebellion, he was jailed in Zacatecas, and then in Durango, Mexico. While in jail, he heard confessions from other prisoners. When the jail's commander, General Ortiz, demanded to know what the condemned men had said, Father Mateo refused. Martyred for being a priest, and for refusing to break the seal of the confessional.

Born

23 July 1866 at Tepechitlán, Zacatecas, Mexico

Died

shot on 6 February 1927 on the outskirts of Durango City, Durango, Mexico

Canonized

21 May 2000 by Pope John Paul II during the Jubilee of Mexico

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-mateo-correa-magallanes/


Saint Paul Miki

Profile

Born wealthy, the son of the military leader Miki Handayu. Paul felt a call to religous life from his youth. Jesuit in 1580, educated at the Jesuit college at Azuchi and Takatsuki. 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. His last sermon was delivered from the cross. One of the Martyrs of Nagasaki.

Born

1562 at Tsunokuni, Japan

Died

crucified on 5 February 1597 at Nagasaki, Japan

Canonized

8 June 1862 by Pope Pius IX

Video

YouTube PlayList

Readings

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. – Saint Paul Miki

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-paul-miki/


Blessed Mary Teresa Bonzel

Also known as

• Aline Bonzel
• Maria Theresia
• Regina Christine Wilhelmine Bonzel

Profile

Franciscan tertiary by age 20. She wanted to enter religious life, but her family strongly opposed it. With eight other women she took the veil as part of the new community of Sisters of Saint Francis of Perpetual Adoration, and became its director, taking the name Mother Mary Teresa. By the time of her death the order had sisters all over the world, and had established schools, hospitals, and orphanages.

Born

17 September 1830 at Olpe, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany as Aline Bonzel

Died

6 February 1905 at Olpe, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany of natural causes

Beatified

• 10 November 2013 by Pope Francis
• the beatification recognition was celebrated at the cathedral of Paderborn, Germany with Cardinal Angelo Amato presiding
• her beatification miracle involved the cure of a four-year-old boy in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Readings

To become all to all. - Mother Mary's personal motto

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-mary-teresa-bonzel/


Saint Gundisalvus Garcia

Also known as

Gonsalo, Gonsalvo, Gonzalo, Gonçalo

Profile

His father was a Portugese soldier and immigrant to India, his mother an Indian convert. Gundisalvus grew up a Christian, and served as a lay catechist, working for the Jesuits. Successful businessman in Japan and Macao. Became an Alcantarine Franciscan lay brother in Manila in the Philippines in 1591. Returned to Japan with Saint Peter Baptist to act as interpreter. He stuttered when speaking Portuguese, but when arrested for his faith, he was flawless in Japanese when facing his judges. One of the Martyrs of Nagasaki.

Born

1556 at Bassein, Maharashtra, India

Died

crucified on 5 February 1597 at Nagasaki, Japan

Canonized

8 June 1862 by Pope Pius IX

Patronage

• Bombay, India, archdiocese of
• Bombay, India, city of
• East Indians
• Indian Catholic Youth Movement

Video

YouTube PlayList

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-gundisalvus-garcia/


Saint Elian of Emesa

Also known as

• Elian of Homs
• Ellien, Julian

Additional Memorial

• 7 February (Syrian Orthodox calendar)
• 7 March (Syrian Orthodox calendar)
• 29 December (Armenian Orthodox calendar)

Profile

The son of a senior officer in the imperial Roman army, Elian trained as a physician. He was a convert to Christianity, baptized by Saint Silvanus of Emesa. He developed a reputation of healing by prayer as much as by medicine, and treated the poor sick for free. Caught ministering to Christians awaiting execution, Elian was ordered to renounce the faith; he refused. To change his mind, Elian was imprisoned and tortured for several months; when he still refused, he was executed by his father. Martyr.

Born

Emesa, Phoenicia (modern Homs, Syria)

Died

• nails driven into his hands, feet and head c.312
• in 432 a church was built on the site of his execution
• relics enshrined in a small chapel to the the right of the crypt in the church

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-elian-of-emesa/


Saint Mel of Ardagh

Also known as

Mael, Melchno, Melis

Profile

Son of Conis and Saint Darerca, one of their nineteen children. Brother of Saint Melchu. Nephew of Saint Patrick. Travelled with Patrick and helped evangelize Ireland. Ordained bishop of Ardagh, Ireland by Patrick. Reputed to have professed Saint Brigid of Ireland as a nun. He supported himself by working with his hands, and gave to the poor anything beyond the bare minimum.

Because Mel lived with his aunt, Lupait, and helped on her farm, slanderous gossip developed about their relationship. Patrick came to investigate. To prove that God was on their side, Mel and Lupait each prayed for help and then performed a miracle - Mel plowed up a live fish from the farm land, and Lupait packed around a live coal without being burned.

Born

British Isles

Died

c.489 of natural causes

Patronage

• Ardagh, Ireland, city of
• Ardagh, Ireland, diocese of
• Ardagh and Clonmacnois, Ireland, diocese of

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-mel-of-ardagh/


Saint Francesco Spinelli

Profile

As a child, Francesco would put on puppet shows for other kids. With his mother, he would visit and help the poor and sick in his city. Francesco studied in Bergamo, Italy, and ordained as a priest in 1875. Later that year, while in Rome, Italy to celebate the Jubilee, he had a vision of women continually adoring the Blessed Sacrament. Back in Bergamo he began teaching in the seminary by day, running an evening school for the poor of his parish by night. On 15 December 1882 he realized the fulfillment of his vision when he helped found the Sisters Adorers of the Blessed Sacrament in Bergamo. Transferred to the diocese of Cremona, Italy on 4 April 1889 where the Sisters cotninue their work of adoring Christ in the Eucharist and in their care for their poor.

Born

14 April 1853 in Milan, Italy

Died

6 February 1913 in Rivolta d'Adda, Cremona, Italy of natural causes

Canonized

14 October 2018 by Pope Francis at Saint Peter’s Basilica, Rome, Italy

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-francesco-spinelli/


Blessed Angelus of Furci

Profile

Born to wealthy parents; they were childless for many years but conceived Angelus after a pilgrimage and prayers for the intercession of Michael the Archangel. Educated by his uncle, the Benedictine abbot of Cornaclano at Furci, Italy. Entered the Augustinian hermits at Vasto, Italy in 1266. Priest. Studied at the Sorbonne in Paris, France for five years. Taught theology at the Augustinian school in Naples, Italy. Noted theologian and preacher, known for his great learning. Provincial superior of the Augustinians in 1287. Refused the bishoprics of Acerra and Melfi in Italy.

Born

1246 at Furci, in the Abruzzi region, diocese of Chieti, Italy

Died

• 6 February 1327 at the Augustinian convent in Naples, Italy of natural causes
• re-interred in Furci, Italy in August 1808

Beatified

20 December 1888 by Pope Leo XIII (cult confirmed)

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-angelus-of-furci/


Saint Brinolfo Algotsson

Also known as

Brynolf

Profile

Born to the nobility, the son of Algot Brynolfsson. Educated at the cathedral of Skara, Sweden, and in Paris, France where he heard lectures by Saint Thomas Aquinas; Brinolfo was noted all his life for his learning. Had an extensive background in theology and canon law. Dean of the Linköping chapter and bishop of Skara in 1278; he served for over 38 years. Active in the political life of the country, Brinolfo worked to ensure that the needs and teachings of the Church became part of public policy. He supported missionaries in Sweden. When his work ran afoul of the absolutist King Magnus Ladulas c.1288, Brinolfo was forced briefly into exile. Wrote on theology, church administration, and poetry for feasts and holy days.

Died

6 February 1317 in Skara, Sweden of natural causes

Canonized

• Saint Bridget of Sweden received a vision that revealed the holiness of Brinolfo
• c.1498 by Pope Alexander VI

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-brinolfo-algotsson/


Saint Liminius of Auvergne

Also known as

Limin, Liminéè, Limineo, Limiunius, Linguin

Additional Memorial

Sunday after 13 May

Profile

Companion of Saint Antholian of Auvergne. Martyred by pagan Alamanni under the leadership of Chrocus during their invasion of the Auvergne region of Gaul. Saint Gregory of Tours wrote about him in his history of the time.

Died

• c.265 in Auvergne, France
• buried in the basilica of Saint Vénérand in Clermont-Ferrand, France
• some relics enshrined in the church of the St-Allyre Abbey in Clermont, France in 1311 by order of Bishop Albert Aycelin, Archdiocese of Clermont
• some relics enshrined in a reliquary bust in the priory of Thuret, France in 1311 by order of Bishop Albert Aycelin, Archdiocese of Clermont, France
• relics destroyed in 1793 as part of the anti–Christian persecutions of the French Revolution

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-liminius-of-auvergne/


Saint James Kisai

Also known as

• James Kizayemon
• Ichikawa Kizaemon
• Didacus, Diego, Diogo

Profile

Raised Buddhist. Convert to Christianity. Married layman, and father of one son. His wife returned to her Buddhist roots; the two separated, and placed their child with a Christian family. Worked as a layman with the Jesuits in Osaka, Japan, caring for guests in their residence. Catechist in Osaka. Arrested with Paul Miki. Jesuit novice co-adjutor brother, joining the Society while imprisoned. One of the Martyrs of Nagasaki.

Born

1533 in Okayama, Japan

Died

crucified on 5 February 1597 at Nagasaki, Japan

Canonized

8 June 1862 by Pope Pius IX

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-james-kisai/


Saint Peter of Saint Dionysius

Also known as

Pietro di San Dionigi

Profile

Mercedarian priest. In 1247, he and Blessed Bernard de Prades were sent to Tunis, Tunisia to ransom Christians held in slavery and prison by the Moors under King Mohammed Alicur. They rescued 209 Christians. Bernard led them back to Spain, and planned to return with more money to rescue more slaves; Saint Peter stayed in north Africa to served the spiritual needs of those slaves. His preaching and zeal for the faith kept the prisoners from converting to Islam. This brought him to the attention of King Mohammed who had him arrested, beaten and executed. Martyr.

Born

France

Died

• beheaded outside the city walls of Tunis, Tunisia in 1247
• body burned and ashes scattered

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-peter-of-saint-dionysius/


Saint John Soan de Goto

Also known as

• John Soan of Goto
• John Soan
• John of Goto
• Juan de Soan de Gotó

Profile

Raised Christian. He and his family fled to Nagasaki, Japan to escape persecution on the Goto Islands. Studied with the Jesuits at Nagasaki and Shiki. Jesuits temporal-coadjutor. Catechist at Osaka, Japan. One of the Martyrs of Nagasaki.

Born

c.1578 in the Goto Islands, Japan

Died

crucified on 5 February 1597 at Nagasaki, Japan

Canonized

8 June 1862 by Pope Pius IX

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-john-soan-de-goto/


Saint Francis of Nagasaki

Also known as

• Francis of Miyako
• Francis of Miako
• Franciscus...

Profile

Physician. Adult convert to Catholicism by Franciscan missionaries. Even before his conversion he carried a set of rosary beads. Franciscan tertiary. Catechist and preacher. Worked with the sick, treating them for free, and bringing religious teaching to those who were interested. One of the Martyrs of Nagasaki.

Born

1548 at Miyako, Japan

Died

crucified on 5 February 1597 at Tateyama (Hill of Wheat), Nishizaka, Nagasaki, Japan

Canonized

8 June 1862 by Pope Pius IX

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-francis-of-nagasaki/


Saint Michael Kozaki

Also known as

• Michael Cozaki
• Michael Kasaki

Profile

Married lay man. Father of Saint Thomas Kozaki. Bow maker and carpenter. Already a Christian with the Franciscans started their missionary work in his area, he joined as a Secular Franciscan, and worked with them as a catechist, and as a nurse in their hospital. Helped to build convents and churches in Kyoto and Osaka. One of the Martyrs of Nagasaki.

Born

c.1551 at Ise, Mie, Japan

Died

crucified on 5 February 1597 at Tateyama (Hill of Wheat), Nagasaki, Japan

Canonized

8 June 1862 by Pope Pius IX

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-michael-kozaki/


Saint Leo Karasumaru

Also known as

Leo Carasuma

Profile

Younger brother of Saint Paul Ibaraki. Uncle of Saint Louis Ibaraki. A Buddhist bonze in his youth. Convert to Christianity, baptized by Japanese Jesuits in 1589. First Korean Franciscan tertiary. Chief catechist for the Franciscan friars, and threw himself into any task they gave him. One of the Martyrs of Nagasaki.

Born

in Owari, Korea

Died

crucified on 5 February 1597 at Tateyama (Hill of Wheat), Nagasaki, Japan

Canonized

8 June 1862 by Pope Pius IX

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-leo-karasumaru/


Saint Guethenoc

Also known as

Guéhénec, Guéhenneuc, Guéhenocus, Guéneuc, Guennec, Guénoc, Guethenoc, Guéthénoc, Guéthnec, Gueveneux, Guézennec, Guinau, Guinnous, Guinou, Guithénoc, Guithern, Gwezheneg, Hinec, Ithizieux, Izinieux, Venec, Veneuc, Vennec, Venoc, Vinec, Wéthénoc, Wihenoc

Profile

Son of Saint Fragan and Saint Gwen; brother of Saint Jacut and Saint Gwenaloe. Spiritual student of Saint Budoc. With Jacut, he was driven from Britain to Brittany in the 5th century by invading Saxons.

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-guethenoc/


Saint Antolian of Clermont

Also known as

Antoliano

Profile

Martyred in the invasion of Crocus, king of the Alemanni, who invaded Gaul in the mid-3rd century.

Died

• c.255 in Clermont-Ferrand, Aquitaine (in modern France)
• a basilica was constructed over the tomb of Saint Antolian c.475
• relics transferred to the church of Saint Gall in Clermont when the basilica collapsed in the 6th century
• when that church was destroyed, the relics were transferred to the church of Saint-Allyre
• relics destroyed when the Saint-Allyre church was sacked during the French Revolution

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-antolian-of-clermont/


Saint Paul Ibaraki

Also known as

• Paulus Ibaraki
• Yuanki, Yauniqui

Profile

Member of a noble samuri family. Brother of Saint Leo Karasumaru. Ran a small sake brewery to support his family. Convert, brought to the faith by Jesuit missionaries. Franciscan lay tertiary. Worked with the missionaries in Kyoto as an interpreter, catechist and lay preacher near the Franciscan convent of Our Lady of the Angels. Always charitable to those even poorer than himself.

Born

in Owari, Japan

Died

crucified on 5 February 1597 at Tateyama (Hill of Wheat), Nagasaki, Japan

Canonized

8 June 1862 by Pope Pius IX

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-paul-ibaraki/


Saint Martin of the Ascension

Also known as

• Martin Loynaz de Aguirre
• Martin de Aguirre
• Martin Loynaz of the Ascension

Profile

Studied in Alcala, Spain. Joined the Franciscans in 1586. Priest. Loved to sing. Missionary to Mexico. Missionary to Manila in the Philippines. Briefly served as missionary in Osaka, Japan. One of the Martyrs of Nagasaki.

Born

c.1567 at Guipuzcoa, Spain

Died

crucified on 5 February 1597 at Tateyama (Hill of Wheat), Nagasaki, Japan

Canonized

8 June 1862 by Pope Pius IX

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-martin-of-the-ascension/


Saint Thomas Xico

Also known as

• Thomas Dauki
• Thomas Dangi
• Thomas Danki

Profile

Pharmacist with a violent disposition. Prayer and faith eventually mellowed him, and he became a kind-hearted Franciscan tertiary. When the Franciscans opened the convent of Our Lady of the Angels, Thomas moved his drug store next door to it. Catechist. Interpreter for the Franciscan missionaries. One of the Martyrs of Nagasaki.

Born

Japan

Died

crucified on 5 February 1597 at Nagasaki, Japan

Canonized

8 June 1862 by Pope Pius IX

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-thomas-xico/


Saint Matthias of Miyako

Also known as

Matthias of Meako

Profile

Franciscan tertiary. When soldiers arrived to arrest Christians during an official persecution, they were looking for another Matthias who was not there. This Matthias offered himself, both to stand for his faith and to save the other Matthias. The soldiers were happy to take him. One of the Martyrs of Nagasaki.

Born

Japanese

Died

crucified on 5 February 1597 at Tateyama (Hill of Wheat), Nagasaki, Japan

Canonized

8 June 1862 by Pope Pius IX

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-matthias-of-miyako/


Saint Bonaventure of Miyako

Also known as

• Bonaventure of Maeco
• Bonaventure of Miako

Profile

Baptized as an infant, his mother died when he was a baby, and his step-mother sent him to be raised in a Buddhist monastery. When he was judged old enough, he was told about his background. To learn more, he visited the Franciscan convent at Kyoto. There he found a peace he had been looking for, and stayed to become a Franciscan tertiary. Catechist. One of the Martyrs of Nagasaki.

Born

at Kyoto, Japan

Died

crucified on 5 February 1597 at Nagasaki, Japan

Canonized

8 June 1862 by Pope Pius IX


Saint Louis Ibaraki

Also known as

Louis Ibarki

Profile

Nephew of Saint Paul Ibaraki and Saint Leo Karasumaru. Altar boy for the Franciscan missionaries. One of the Martyrs of Nagasaki. Noted for maintaining his high spirits and encouraging all around him during the torture and forced march to Nagasaki.

Born

c.1585 in Owari, Japan

Died

crucified on 5 February 1597 at Tateyama (Hill of Wheat), Nagasaki, Japan

Canonized

8 June 1862 by Pope Pius IX

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-louis-ibaraki/


Saint Cosmas Takeya

Also known as

Zaquira Tachegia

Profile

Sword maker. Convert to Christianity, brought into the faith by Jesuit missionaries. Lay Franciscan tertiary. Interpreter for the missionaries. Catechist for the Franciscans. Preached in Osaka. One of the Martyrs of Nagasaki.

Born

at Owari, Japan

Died

crucified on 5 February 1597 at Nishizaka, Nagasaki, Japan

Canonized

8 June 1862 by Pope Pius IX

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-cosmas-takeya/


Saint Thomas Kozaki

Also known as

• Thomas Cozaki
• Thomas Kasaki

Profile

Son of Saint Michael Kozaki. Altar boy. Helped his father with his carpentry for the Franciscan missionaries, and then stayed at the convent they had built. His farewell letter to his mother, written from prison, has survived. One of the Martyrs of Nagasaki.

Born

c.1582 at Ise, Japan

Died

crucified on 5 February 1597 at Nagasaki, Japan

Canonized

8 June 1862 by Pope Pius IX

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-thomas-kozaki/


Saint Francisco of Saint Michael

Also known as

• Francisco Andrade Arco
• Francis...

Profile

Franciscan lay brother, joining the Order in 1566. Missionary to Phillipines and Japan. Arrested in Osaka with Saint Peter Baptist in 1596. One of the Martyrs of Nagasaki.

Born

c.1544 at La Parilla, Spain (near Valladolid)

Died

crucified on 5 February 1597 at Tateyama (Hill of Wheat), Nagasaki, Japan

Canonized

8 June 1862 by Pope Pius IX

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-francisco-of-saint-michael/


Saint Ina of Wessex

Also known as

Ine, Ini, Im

Profile

King of Wessex (in modern England) from 688 to 726. Known as a great warrior, lawgiver and justice, he restored Glastonbury Abbey. Married to Saint Ethelburga of Wessex who helped shift his focus from earthly to spiritual concerns. In 726, Ina abdicated his throne, he and Ethelburga moved to Rome, Italy where he spent his remaining days as a penitential monk and prayful pilgrim to the tombs of the martyrs.

Born

in Wessex, England

Died

727 at Rome, Italy of natural causes

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-ina-of-wessex/


Saint Francis Blanco

Also known as

Francisco Blanco

Profile

Studied at Salamanca, Spain. Alcantarine Franciscan monk. Evangelist in Mexico, Philippines, and Japan. One of the Martyrs of Nagasaki.

Born

c.1567 at Monterey, Spanish Galacia

Died

crucified on 5 February 1597 at Nishizaka, Nagasaki, Japan

Canonized

8 June 1862 by Pope Pius IX

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-francis-blanco/


Saint Hildegund

Also known as

Hilda, Hildegundis, Ildegonda

Profile

Born to the 12th-century German nobility, the daughter of Count Herman of Lidtberg. Countess, married to Count Lothair. Mother of three, one of whom died in his youth; the other two were Blessed Herman Joseph and Blessed Hadewych. Widowed, in 1178 she turned her castle at Meer, Germany, a former fortress, into a Premonstratensian convent. Against strong family opposition, she and her daughter joined the Order. Prioress of the convent.

Died

6 February 1183 of natural causes

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-hildegund/


Saint Joachim Sakakibara

Also known as

• Joachim Sakachibara
• Joachim Saccachibara
• Ioachim...

Profile

Physician who treated the poor for free. Franciscan tertiary. Sometime cook for the Franciscan missionaries at Osaka, Japan. Catechist. One of the Martyrs of Nagasaki.

Born

1556 at Osaka, Japan

Died

crucified on 5 February 1597 at Tateyama (Hill of Wheat), Nagasaki, Japan

Canonized

8 June 1862 by Pope Pius IX

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-joachim-sakakibara/


Saint Peter Sukejiroo

Also known as

• Peter Sukejiro
• Peter Xukexico
• Peter Shukeshiko

Profile

Franciscan tertiary. Catechist. House servant and sacristan to the Franciscan missionaries. Arrested for his faith in Kyoto while ministering to imprisoned fellow Christians. One of the Martyrs of Nagasaki.

Born

Japan

Died

crucified on 5 February 1597 at Nagasaki, Japan

Canonized

8 June 1862 by Pope Pius IX

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-peter-sukejiroo/


Saint Guarinus of Palestrina

Profile

Born to the Italian nobility. Priest. Canon of the catehdral of Bologna, Italy. Augustinian canon c.1104. Chosen bishop of Pavia, Italy c.1139, but adamantly refused the appointment, citing his inadequacy to the task. Elevated to cardinal-bishop of Palestrina in 1144 by Pope Lucius II.

Born

c.1080 in Bologna, Italy

Died

1159 of natural causes

Canonized

by Pope Alexander III

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-guarinus/


Saint Kichi Franciscus

Also known as

• Caius Francis
• Gaius Francis

Profile

Layman soldier. Convert. Franciscan tertiary. When soldiers came to arrest the Franciscan friars, he insisted he was a Christian, too; they took him, and he shared their fate. One of the Martyrs of Nagasaki.

Born

Kyoto, Japan

Died

crucified on 5 February 1597 at Nagasaki, Japan

Canonized

8 June 1862 by Pope Pius IX

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-kichi-franciscus/


Blessed Biagio of Cento

Profile

15th-century Franciscan priest. After preaching a Lenten sermon in Castelluccio, Italy, he let the parishioners know that he going to die very soon; he did a little later in the day. He was buried at the parish church until the Franciscans could send people to take the body home. However, miracles began occurring at his grave, and the locals would not let them take him away.

Died

1462 in Castelluccio, Calabria, Italy of natural causes

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-biagio-of-cento/


Saint Antony Deynan

Also known as

• Antony Dainan
• Anthony, Antonius

Profile

Son of a Chinese father and Japanese mother. Altar boy. Educated by the Jesuits in Nagasaki and the Franciscans in Osaka. Franciscan tertiary. One of the Martyrs of Nagasaki at age 13.

Born

c.1583 at Nagasaki, Japan

Died

crucified on 5 February 1597 at Nagasaki, Japan

Canonized

8 June 1862 by Pope Pius IX

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-antony-deynan/


Saint Tanco of Werden

Also known as

Tancho, Tanchon, Tatta, Tatto

Profile

Monk. Abbot of Amalbarich Abbey in Saxony (in modern Germany). Bishop of Werden, Germany. Murdered by pagans for denouncing their customs. Martyr.

Born

Ireland

Died

808

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-tanco-of-werden/


Blessed Diego de Azevedo

Profile

Courtier to Prince Ferdinand. He was sent to escort the fiance' of the prince, but when Diego arrived he found that she had recently died. He heard Saint Dominic de Guzman preaching, and decided to give up court life for religious. He travelled with Saint Dominic and became one of the first Dominicans. Bishop of Osma, Spain in 1201.

Died

30 December 1207 of natural causes

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-diego-de-azevedo/


Saint Jacut

Also known as

Giacuto, Iacuto

Profile

Son of Saint Fragan and Saint Gwen; brother of Saint Guethenoc and Saint Gwenaloe. Spiritual student of Saint Budoc. Monk. With Guethenoc, he was driven from Britain to Brittany in the 5th century by invading Saxons. There he founded a monastery in Brittany near the sea and led it as abbot until his death.

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-jacut/


Saint Paul Suzuki

Profile

Convert, baptized by the Jesuits in 1584. Franciscan tertiary. Catechist. In charge of Saint Joseph’s hospital in Kyoto, Japan. One of the Martyrs of Nagasaki. He preached from the cross in his last minutes.

Born

1563 at Owari, Japan

Died

crucified on 5 February 1597 at Nagasaki, Japan

Canonized

8 June 1862 by Pope Pius IX

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-paul-suzuki/


Saint Relindis of Eyck

Also known as

• Relindis of Maaseik
• Renildis, Renula, Renule, Renilde

Profile

She and her sister Herlindis were nuns in Valenciennes in northern France. An artist, Relindis was known for her painting and embroidery. Abbess in Maaseik, Belgium.

Died

c.750 in Tongres, Brabant, Astrasia (in modern Belgium) of natural causes

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-relindis-of-eyck/


Saint John Kisaka

Also known as

• John Kimoia
• John Kinuya

Profile

Layman. Silk-weaver. Convert. Franciscan tertiary. One of the Martyrs of Nagasaki.

Born

at Miyako, Japan

Died

crucified on 5 February 1597 at Tateyama (Hill of Wheat), Nagasaki, Japan

Canonized

8 June 1862 by Pope Pius IX

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-john-kisaka/


Saint Ethelburga of Wessex

Profile

Queen of Wessex (part of modern England) from 688 to 726, married to Saint Ina of Wessex. Late in life, Ina abdicated, and the couple moved to Rome, Italy where they spent their time caring for English pilgrims, and praying at the tombs of the saints.

Born

England

Died

Rome, Italy of natural causes

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-ethelburga-of-wessex/


Saint Gabriel de Duisco

Profile

Convert, brought to the faith by Saint Gundisalvus Garcia. Franciscan tertiary. Catechist. Martyr.

Born

c.1578 at Ise, Japan

Died

crucified on 5 February 1597 at Tateyama (Hill of Wheat), Nagasaki, Japan

Canonized

8 June 1862 by Pope Pius IX

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-gabriel-de-duisco/


Saint Theophilus the Lawyer

Also known as

• Theophilus Scholasticus
• Theophilus of Caesarea

Profile

Pagan lawyer brought to the faith through a miracle received through the intervention of Saint Dorothy of Caesarea. Martyr.

Born

beheaded in 300 in Caesarea, Cappadocia (in modern Turkey)

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-theophilus-the-lawyer/


Saint Amantius of Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux

Also known as

Amanzius

Profile

10th bishop of the diocese of Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux, France.

Born

France

Died

relics burned by Calvinists in 1561

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-amantius-of-saint-paul-trois-chateaux/


Saint Gerald of Ostia

Also known as

Geraldo, Gerardo, Geroldo, Gherardo

Profile

Benedictine monk. Prior of Cluny Abbey. Bishop of Ostia, Italy. Papal legate to France, Spain and Germany. Imprisoned by the German emperor, Henry V.

Died

1077

Patronage

Velletri, Italy

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-gerald-of-ostia/


Blessed Antimo of Urbino

Also known as

• Antimo of Saltara
• Antonio

Profile

Twin brother of Blessed Giovanni of Urbino. Franciscan tertiary. Hermit. Known for his life of penance, and as a miracle worker.

Died

1438 in Saltara, Pesaro, Italy

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-antimo-of-urbino/


Blessed Teresa Fernandez

Profile

Founded and led the Mercedarian monastery of the Consolation in Lorca, Spain.

Died

Consolation monastery, Lorca, Spain of natural causes

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-teresa-fernandez/


Saint Melchu of Armagh

Profile

Son of Conis and Saint Darerca, one of their nineteen children. Brother of Saint Melchu. Nephew of Saint Patrick. Travelled with Patrick and helped evangelize Ireland. Ordained bishop of Armagh, Ireland by Patrick.

Born

British Isles

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-melchu-of-armagh/


Saint Silvanus of Emesa

Also known as

Silvano

Profile

Bishop of Emesa, Phoenicia for 40 years. Martyred in the persecutions of Maximian.

Died

thrown to wild animals c.311 in Emesa, Phoenicia (modern Homs, Syria)

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-silvanus-of-emesa-6-february/


Saint Mucius the Lector

Profile

Lector for bishop Saint Silvanus of Emesa, Phoenicia. Martyred with Silvanus during the persecutions of Maximian.

Died

thrown to wild animals c.311 in Emesa, Phoenicia (modern Homs, Syria)

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-mucius-the-lector/


Saint Luke the Deacon

Profile

Deacon for and martyred with Bishop Silvanus of Emesa, Phoenicia. Martyred in the persecutions of Maximian.

Died

thrown to wild animals c.311 in Emesa, Phoenicia (modern Homs, Syria)

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-luke-the-deacon/


Blessed Compagno of Recanati

Profile

Franciscan friar who had a reputation for piety, but about whom all information has been lost.

Died

1289 in Recanati, Italy of natural causes

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-compagno-of-recanati/


Saint Antholian of Auvergne

Also known as

Antoliano, Anatolianus

Profile

Martyred in the persecutions of Valerian and Gallienus.

Died

c.265 in Auvergne, France

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-antholian-of-auvergne/


Saint Amand of Nantes

Also known as

Amandus, Amantius, Amatius

Profile

Founder and first abbot of the monastery at Nantes, France.

Died

7th century of natural causes

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-amand-of-nantes/


Saint Amand of Moissac

Also known as

Amandus, Amantius, Amatius

Profile

Founder and first abbot of the monastery of Moissac, France.

Died

644 of natural causes

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-amand-of-moissac/


Saint Mun of Lough Ree

Profile

Fifth-century bishop in Ireland, consecrated by his uncle, Saint Patrick. In later life he retired to live as a hermit on the island of Lough Ree, Ireland.

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-mun-of-lough-ree/


Saint Renilde of Aldeneyk

Also known as

Renula

Profile

Nun. Abbess of the Aldeneyk monastery at Tongeren, Brabant, Austrasia (in modern Belgium).

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-renilde-of-aldeneyk/


Saint Victorinus of Auvergne

Profile

Martyred in the persecutions of Valerian and Gallienus.

Died

c.265 in Auvergne, France

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-victorinus-of-auvergne/


Saint Andrew of Elnone

Profile

Monk. Spiritual student of Saint Amandus of Maastricht at Elnone-en-Pevele, France. Abbot there.

Died

c.690

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-andrew-of-elnone/


Saint Dura of Drum-Cremha

Profile

Bishop in Ireland, though the date and exact location are unknown, and we have no details of his life.

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-dura-of-drum-cremha/


Saint Cassius of Auvergne

Profile

Martyred in the persecutions of Valerian and Gallienus.

Died

c.265 in Auvergne, France

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-cassius-of-auvergne/


Saint Maximus of Auvergne

Profile

Martyred in the persecutions of Valerian and Gallienus.

Died

c.265 in Auvergne, France

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-maximus-of-auvergne/


Blessed Francesca of Gubbio

Profile

Franciscan tertiary.

Died

1360 of natural causes

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-francesca-of-gubbio/


Saint Saturninus

Profile

Martyr.

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-saturninus-6-february/


Saint Theophilus

Profile

Martyr.

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-theophilus-6-february/


Saint Revocata

Profile

Martyr.

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-revocata/


Martyrs of Nagasaki

Also known as

• Nagasaki Martyrs
• Saint Paul Miki and Companions
• Saint Peter Baptist and Companions

Profile

Twenty-six Franciscan and Jesuit missionaries and Japanese converts crucified together by order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

Following their arrests, they were taken to the public square of Meako to the city's principal temple. They each had a piece of their left ear cut off, and then paraded from city to city for weeks with a man shouting their crimes and encouraging their abuse. The priests and brothers were accused of preaching the outlawed faith of Christianity, the lay people of supporting and aiding them. They were each repeatedly offered freedom if they would renounce Christianity. They each declined.

Saint Antony Deynan
Saint Bonaventure of Miyako
Saint Cosmas Takeya
Saint Felipe of Jesus
Saint Francis Blanco
Saint Francis of Nagasaki
Saint Francis of Saint Michael
Saint Gabriel de Duisco
Saint Gundisalvus Garcia
Saint James Kisai
Saint Joachim Saccachibara
Saint John Kisaka
Saint John Soan de Goto
Saint Kichi Franciscus
Saint Leo Karasumaru
Saint Louis Ibaraki
Saint Martin of the Ascension
Saint Matthias of Miyako
Saint Michael Kozaki
Saint Paul Ibaraki
Saint Paul Miki
Saint Paul Suzuki
Saint Pedro Bautista Blásquez y Blásquez
Saint Peter Sukejiroo
Saint Thomas Kozaki
Saint Thomas Xico

Died

• crucified on 5 February 1597 at Tateyama (Hill of Wheat), Nagasaki, Japan
• the Japanese style of crucifixion was to put iron clamps around the wrists, ankles and throat, a straddle piece was placed between the legs for weight support, and the person was pierced with a lance up through the left and right ribs toward the opposite shoulder

Canonized

8 June 1862 by Pope Pius IX

Videos

YouTube PlayList (Saint Peter Baptist)
YouTube PlayList (Saint Paul Miki)

Reading

Today, I want to be one of the many Pilgrims who come to the Martyrs' Hill here in Nagasaki, to the place where Christians Sealed their fidelity to Christ with the sacrifice of their lives. They triumphed over death in one unsurpassable act of praise to the Lord. In prayerful reflection before the Martyrs' monument, I would like to penetrate the mystery of their lives, to let them speak to me and to the whole Church, and to listen to their message which is still alive after hundreds of years. Like Christ, they were brought close to a place where common criminals were executed. Like Christ, they gave their lives so that we might all believe in the love of the Father, in the saving mission of the Son, in the never-failing guidance of the Holy Spirit. On Nishizaka, on 5 February 1597, twenty-six Martyrs testified to the power of the Cross; they were the first of a rich harvest of Martyrs, for many more would subsequently hallow this ground with their suffering and death.

There is no greater love than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends" (John 15:13). "Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone, but if it dies, it bears much fruit" (John 12:24). Christians died in Nagasaki, but the Church in Nagasaki did not die. She had to go underground, and the Christian message was passed from parents to Children until the Church came back into the open. Rooted in this Martyrs' Hill, the Church in Nagasaki would grow and bloom, to become an example of faith and fidelity for Christians everywhere, an expression of hope founded in the Risen Christ.

Today, I come to this place as a pilgrim to give thanks to God for the lives and the death of the Martyrs of Nagasaki - for the twenty-six and all the others that followed them - including the newly beatified heroes of Christ's grace. I thank God for the lives of all those, wherever they may be, who suffer for their faith in God, for their allegiance to Christ the Savior, for their fidelity to the Church. Every age - the past, the present and the future - produces, for the edification of all, shining examples of the power that is in Jesus Christ.

Today, I come to the Martyrs' Hill to bear witness to the primacy of love in the world. In this holy place, people of all walks of life gave proof that love is stronger than death. They embodied the essence of the Christian message, the spirit of the Beatitudes, so that all who look up to them may be inspired to let their lives be shaped by unselfish love of God and love of neighbor.

Today, I, John Paul II, Bishop of Rome and Successor of Peter, come to Nishizaka to pray that this monument may speak to modern man just as the crosses on this hill spoke to those who were eye-witnesses centuries ago. May this monument speak to the world forever about love, about Christ!

- Pope John Paul II: Message at Nagasaki, Nishizaka, Japan - 26 February 1981

https://catholicsaints.info/martyrs-of-nagasaki/


Also celebrated but no entry yet

• Deceased Parents of Dominicans
• Our Lady of Louvain


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