Biography
St. Paul Miki was born in Japan between 1564 and 1566. After the early missionary efforts of Bishop John of Albuquerque and St. Francis Xavier in 1548-1549, Christianity was on the rise in Japan. In 1587, when approximately 200,000 Christians were identified, Japan issued an edict of persecution towards Christians but the missionaries who continued to serve the faithful there went into hiding and worked in secret. St. Paul and his Companions were a group of Franciscans, Jesuits, and Japanese Christians identified through the edict. The 26 individuals were arrested, mutilated, and martyred at the hill of Nagasaki in 1597 on the vigil of this day. They are remembered for their courage, dedication, and joy despite the religious persecution they endured. [1] Written by Sarah Ciotti Reviewed by Fr. Hugh Feiss, OSB, STD [1] Fr. Hugh Feiss, OSB, The Martyrology of the Monastery of the Ascension, 2008. Thank you for praying with us. If you feel called, your Lenten offering helps carry this prayer to more hearts and languages. Contribute now