St. Paul Miki and Companions

"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 fruitful rain."
- St. Paul Miki (1562 - 1597)

Today is the feast day of St. Paul Miki and Companions. Paul was born in Tounucamada, Japan, in 1562. He went to the Jesuit college at Anziquiama, and entered the Jesuit order in 1580. Paul soon became known for his eloquent preaching. On February 5, 1597, Paul and twenty-five other Catholics were crucified. During this time, there was a persecution of Christians going on in Japan. All twenty-six Christians were canonized as martyrs of Japan in 1862. 

St. Paul Miki and Companions, pray for us!

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Picture Of And Information About St. Paul Miki and Companions Taken From:

http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=1069

http://redemptores.blogspot.com/2011/02/st-paul-miki-companions-m.html