Feb 6 Paul Miki SJ and companions b. 1562 d. 1597 c. 1882

John and Thommy
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i love you

February 6 Paul Miki, s.j. and Companions b. 1562 d. 1597 c. 1882

Companions include
Thomas Danki
Thomas Kozaki [and his father Michael]



Paul Miki was a native Japanese who became a Jesuit - in 16th c. Japan! i wish i had the story of the Jesuit missionaries who were instrumental in his conversion - i’m sure the story exists in great detail in the Jesuit library - that’s what Jesuits do, keep great records of their activities....

Paul Miki’s father was a military leader. the Jesuits must have felt like an easy fit - Ignatius having been a military leader before his Manrissa experience brought that mentality and organization and purpose to the Jesuits.

Paul Miki was born in Tounucumada - haven’t a clue where that is or what that was like in the 16th c.... He went to the Jesuit college of Anziquiama. so, in 16th c. Japan, in this locale, the Catholic faith, church, and our religious orders were not only tolerated western presences, they were accepted as part of the community... ???

Paul Miki became a Jesuit brother in 1580. Crucified in the persecution of Christians under the Taiko, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, ruler of Japan in the name of the Emperor. So the emperor changed his mind – no longer tolerate, not certainly accept, but persecute. Were the Christians too adamant about being anti the native religions [and, thus, power structure]? Were the Christians being too righteous about the rulers’ practices? Was it simply an anti foreigners (Philippinos) , self preservation move? Or easier, a patsy target to demonstrate the emperor’s divinity? Worth a bit of study. Might help you in your questions to your emperors who might tolerate your Catholicism but not your proselytizing to them…. [I found the reason - - In 1593, while negotiations were pending between the Emperor of Japan and the Governor of the Philippine Islands, the latter sent Peter Baptist and several other Franciscans as his ambassadors to Japan. They were well received by the emperor, and were able to establish convents, schools, and hospitals, and effect many conversions. When on 20 Oct., 1596, a Spanish vessel of war, the "San Felipe", was stranded on the isle of Tosa, it became, according to Japanese custom, the property of the emperor. The captain was foolish enough to extol the power of the king, and said that the missionaries had been sent to prepare for the conquest of the country. The emperor became furious, and on 9 Dec., 1596, ordered the missionaries to be imprisoned. So they killed the native Japanese Catholics why?]


From the cross, this courageous brother preached to his persecutors: “I am a true Japanese. The only reason for my being killed is that I have taught the doctrine of Christ. I certainly did teach the doctrine of Christ. I thank God it is for this reason I die. I believe that I am telling only 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 to 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.”

[You know, I wish I had the strength and gumption to forgive my persecutors – especially those I [alone?] perceive as persecutors.]

Among the martyrs were Japanese laymen who suffered the same fate were: Francis, a carpenter who was arrested while watching the executions and then crucified; Gabriel, the nineteen year old son of the Franciscan's porter; Leo Kinuya, a twenty-eight year old carpenter from Miyako; Diego Kisai (or Kizayemon), temporal coadjutor of the Jesuits; Joachim Sakakibara, cook for the Franciscans at Osaka; Peter Sukejiro, sent by a Jesuit priest to help the prisoners, who was then arrested; Cosmas Takeya from Owari, who had preached in Osaka; and Ventura from Miyako, who had been baptized by the Jesuits, gave up his Catholicism on the death of his father, became a bonze, and was brought back to the Church by the Franciscans. Among them were priests, brothers and laymen, Franciscans, Jesuits and members of the Secular Franciscan Order; there were catechists, doctors, simple artisans and servants, old men and innocent children—all united in a common faith and love for Jesus and his Church.
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Paul Miki and companions were martyred on the hills overlooking Nagasaki. In the 1860’s, a hundred years later, missionaries returned to Japan. Initially the new missionaries did not find any trace of Christianity. Until they discovered the thousands of Catholics around Nagasaki who had secretly preserved the faith – not unlike how the Chinese Catholics survived early [present day?] communism or lived in pockets of North Carolina in early 20th c. …. ?



St. Thomas Danki d. 1597

Thomas Danki was a native Japanese layman. He entered the Franciscans as a tertiary and served as an interpreter for the Franciscan missionaries in Japan until arrested by authorities and crucified at Nagasaki.

We have so many ways to more deeply assimilate our faith or role in our church and our place in the community. Becoming a Tertiary Franciscan is but one of them – it so happens there is a vibrant tertiary community in Greensboro.


St. Thomas Kozaki d. 1597

This Japanese was a boy of fifteen who aided the Franciscan missionaries and was crucified at Nagasaki with twenty-five other companions, including his father. Fifteen – what were you doing when you were fifteen? This boy was learning and living his faith – and got swept up in the conflict between the emperor and a Philippino sea captain. And he kept his faith, he stuck by his father, he persisted in his service to and with his church. When you were fifteen and your emperor attacked your faith, how did you do? How are you doing now under the continuing persecution of your faith? Paul Miki and his companions, including Thomas Kozaki can/will help! As will your father, like Michael Kozaki must have helped his son….

St. Michael Kozaki d. 1597

Michael Kozaki was a native Japanese catechist who served as a hospital nurse and was arrested for being a Christian.

There are so many ways to serve our family, church, and community – to live our faith. Michael Kozaki was a catechist [teaching the faith to others, children and adults – it’s a rewarding vocation to follow. Academically teaching. Teaching by our way of life.] living our faith in our ‘work’ – like Michael Kozaki did as a nurse.

Wherever and with whomever, be the Catholic you are confirmed to be…. Oro pro vobis.



I love you
dad