#St. Paul Miki and Companions

[thepastisalreadywritten]

SAINTS OF THE DAY (February 6)

On February 6, the Catholic Church honors the 26 Martyrs of Nagasaki, a group of native Japanese Catholics and foreign missionaries who suffered death for their faith in the year 1597.

During the 16th century, the Catholic faith reached Japan by the efforts of the Jesuit missionary Saint Francis Xavier (1506-1552).

Jesuit outreach to the Japanese continued after his death and around 200,000 Japanese had entered the Church by 1587.

Religious tensions led to a period of persecution that year, during which many churches were destroyed and missionaries forced to work in secret.

But few episodes of martyrdom took place during this time, and within a decade, 100,000 more Japanese became Catholic despite the restrictions.

During 1593, Franciscan missionaries came to Japan from the Philippines by order of Spain's King Philip II.

These new arrivals gave themselves zealously to the work of charity and evangelism, but their presence disturbed a delicate situation between the Church and Japanese authorities.

Suspicion against Catholic missionaries grew when a Spanish ship was seized off the Japanese coast and found to be carrying artillery.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a powerful imperial minister, responded by sentencing 26 Catholics to death.

The group was comprised of three native Jesuits, six foreign Franciscans, and several lay Catholics including some children.

Sentenced to die by crucifixion and lancing, they first marched 600 miles to the city of Nagasaki.

During the journey, they underwent public torture meant to terrorize other Japanese believers in Christ.

But all of the 26 held out courageously, even singing the hymn of praise “Te Deum” when they arrived at the hill where they would be crucified.

Three of the best-known martyrs of Nagaki are Saints Paul Miki, John of Goto, and James Kisai.

Though none were priests, all were associated with the Jesuits: Miki was training for the priesthood, Kisai was a lay brother, and John of Goto was a catechist preparing to enter the order.

Paul Miki offered an especially strong witness to his faith during the group's month-long march to Nagasaki, as he joined one of the captive Franciscan priests in preaching to the crowds who came to mock the prisoners.

The son of a wealthy military leader, Miki was born in 1562 and entered the Church along with the rest of his family.

He joined the Jesuits as a young man and helped many Buddhists to embrace Christianity.

His last act of evangelism took place as he hung on his cross, preaching to the crowds.

“The only reason for my being killed is that I have taught the doctrine of Christ,” he announced. “I thank God it is for this reason that I die. I believe that I am telling the truth before I die.”

“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.”

St. Paul Miki and his 25 companions were stabbed to death with lances on 5 February 1597, at the site that became known as “Martyrs' Hill.”

The Martyrs of Nagasaki were beatified by Pope Urban VIII on 14 September 1627 and canonized by Pope Pius IX on 8 June 1862.

[ave-immaculata]

[cruger2984]

THE DESCRIPTION OF SAINT PAUL MIKI AND 26 COMPANIONS Feast Day: February 6

"I am not from the Philippines. I am a Japanese and a Jesuit Brother… Having arrived at this moment of my existence, I believe that no one of you thinks I want to hide the truth. That is why I have to declare to you that there is no other way of salvation than the one followed by Christians. Since this way teaches me to forgive my enemies and all who have offended me. I willingly forgive the king and all those who have desired my death. And I pray that they will obtain the desire of Christian baptism." -St. Paul Miki

The first martyr of Japan, Paul Miki was born to a wealthy Japanese family circa 1562 in Settsu, Osaka Prefecture in Kansai region. At a young age, he entered the Society of Jesus and preached the Gospel successfully.

The church had been implanted in Japan fifty years earlier, and counted over 200,000 Christians. In 1588, the Emperor claimed that he was 'God,' and ordered all Christian missionaries to leave the country within six months. Some of them obeyed, but Paul and many others remained secretly behind.

In 1597, Paul was discovered and arrested along with twenty-five companions. They endured tortures and derision through several towns, with their left ears cut off, before being taken to Nagasaki. After making their confession, they were fastened to their crosses, with iron collars around their necks.

Their valor and bravery were wonderful to behold. They gave thanks to God by singing Psalms 25 and repeating: 'Into your hands, Lord, I entrust my life.'

Standing in the noblest pulpit of the cross, Paul said to the people: 'I am a Japanese by birth, and a Jesuit by vocation. I am dying for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I do gladly pardon the Emperor, and all who have sought my death. I beg them to seek baptism and be Christians themselves.'

Then, four executioners unsheathed their spears and killed all of them in a short time. Their faces were serene, while they kept repeating: 'Jesus, Mary!'

On June 8, 1862, Pope Pius IX canonized him and his twenty-five companions.

[holystormfire]

Mark 7:1-13

Feast of Saint Paul Miki & Companions

The Joyful Martyrs of Nagasaki,

by an unknown hand,

Late 18th/early 19th century

Oil on canvas

© Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture, Japan

Gospel Reading

The Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered round Jesus, and they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with unclean hands, that is, without washing them. For the Pharisees, and the Jews in general, follow the tradition of the elders and never eat without washing their arms as far as the elbow; and on returning from the market place they never eat without first sprinkling themselves. There are also many other observances which have been handed down to them concerning the washing of cups and pots and bronze dishes. So these Pharisees and scribes asked him, ‘Why do your disciples not respect the tradition of the elders but eat their food with unclean hands?’ He answered, ‘It was of you hypocrites that Isaiah so rightly prophesied in this passage of scripture:

This people honours me only with lip-service, while their hearts are far from me.

The worship they offer me is worthless, the doctrines they teach are only human regulations.

You put aside the commandment of God to cling to human traditions.’ And he said to them, ‘How ingeniously you get round the commandment of God in order to preserve your own tradition! For Moses said: Do your duty to your father and your mother, and, Anyone who curses father or mother must be put to death. But you say, “If a man says to his father or mother: Anything I have that I might have used to help you is Corban (that is, dedicated to God), then he is forbidden from that moment to do anything for his father or mother.” In this way you make God’s word null and void for the sake of your tradition which you have handed down. And you do many other things like this.’

Reflection on the Painting

St. Paul Miki was born into a wealthy Japanese family, and was educated by the Jesuits in Azuchi and Takatsuki.  Being drawn to the religious life and having a deep love for Jesus, he joined the Society of Jesus.  He became a well-known and successful preacher.  He was responsible for gaining large numbers of converts to Catholicism.

The Japanese leader Toyotomi Hideyoshi was fearful of the Jesuit’s influence and intentions.  He began to persecute Catholics to curb the growth and success of the Jesuit’s work.  Paul Miki was jailed along with many others.  He and his fellow Catholics were forced to march 600 miles from Kyoto to Nagasaki.   All the while marching, he and the others sang the Te Deum, “Thee, O God, We Praise”.

On arriving in Nagasaki, the city with the largest Catholic population in Japan, Paul Miki was crucified on February 5, 1597.  He preached his last sermon from the Cross, and it is maintained that he forgave his executioners, stating that he himself was Japanese.  Crucified along with St. Paul Miki were Joan Soan de Goto’ and Santiago Kisai.  They were both from the Society of Jesus.  As well as the three mentioned, twenty-three other Clergy and laity were crucified that day.  Pope Pius IX canonized all of them as saints of the Church in 1862.  St. Paul Miki is the Patron saint of Japan and his Feast Day is celebrated on February 6th.

We don't know exactly who painted our late 18th century painting. It is a rare depiction of Saint Paul Miki and his companions. Naively painted, it yet holds a very honest feel to it. The Church has always embraced all forms and all levels of art, from the magnificent to the naive and simple. Our canvas may be a more simple painting, yet it conveys as much poignancy and power as some of the more well known artists.

Article by Father Patrick van der Vorst

[urbanhermit]

St Paul Miki and Companions

[seekfirst-community]

The following reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager © 2023. Don's website is located at Dailyscripture.net

Meditation: Do you recognize the Lord's presence in your life? The Gospel records that when Jesus disembarked from the boat the people immediately recognized him. What did they recognize in Jesus? A prophet, a healer, the Messiah, the Son of God? For sure they recognized that Jesus had power from God to heal and to make whole bodies, limbs, minds, and hearts that were beset with disease, affliction, and sin. What happened when they pressed upon him and touched the fringe of his garment? They were made well. The Lord Jesus is ever ready to meet our needs as well. Do you approach him with expectant faith?

Do you recognize the Lord's presence with you and the power of his word for your life?

Faith is an entirely free gift which God makes to us through the power of the Holy Spirit. Believing and trusting in God to act in our lives is only possible by the grace and help of the Holy Spirit who moves the heart and converts it to God. The Holy Spirit opens the eyes of the mind and helps us to understand, accept, and believe God's word. How do we grow in faith? By listening to God's word with trust and submission. Faith also grows through testing and perseverance. The Lord wants to teach us how to pray in faith for his will for our lives and for the things he wishes to give us to enable us to follow him faithfully and serve him generously.

Do you seek the Lord Jesus and put his kingdom first?

Jesus gave his disciples the perfect prayer which acknowledges God as our Father who provides generously for his children. The Lord's prayer teaches us to seek first the kingdom of God and to pray that God's will be accomplished in our lives. The Lord in turn, gives us what we need to live each day for his glory. The Lord is never too distant nor too busy to meet us and to give his blessing. Do you pray to the Father with confidence that he will show you his will and give you what you need to follow him? Ask the Lord to increase your faith and gratitude for his merciful love and provision for your life.

"Lord Jesus, let my heart sing for joy in your presence. Give me eyes of faith to recognize your presence and fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may walk in your way of love and peace."

The following reflection is from One Bread, One Body courtesy of Presentation Ministries © 2023.

new creations (part 1)

“God created the heavens and the earth.” —Genesis 1:1

Do you want God to create something new in your life? Do you want Him to create friendship, freedom, ministry, a job, peace, or hope? God creates the same today as He did yesterday (see Heb 13:8).

He begins creation with the mighty wind of the Spirit sweeping over the waters (Gn 1:2). If you want new creations, stir into flame the gift of the Spirit in your life (2 Tm 1:6-7).

The next movement of creation is God’s Word. God spoke and it was made (see Gn 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 24, 26). Nothing was created except through God’s Word (Jn 1:3; cf Heb 11:3), “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made” (Ps 33:6). If you’re not even trying to know God’s Word through His Church and her Bible, don’t be surprised if God isn’t creating much in your life.

The first thing God created was light (Gn 1:3). Just as plants need light for the creation of foliage and fruit, so we need God’s light for our lives to become beautiful, fruitful gardens. Renew your Baptism, in which you first received the light of Christ. Then the created and creative light will shine even more brightly.

The Spirit, the Word, and the light are the first three movements of God’s new creations in your life. (See tomorrow’s teaching for more.)

Prayer:  Father, “a clean heart create for me” (Ps 51:12).

Promise:  “All who touched Him got well.” —Mk 6:56

Praise:  St. Paul Miki & Companions resisted ungodliness, trusted God completely, and were privileged to die as martyrs.

Reference:  (For a related teaching on Lent and the Renewal of Our Baptismal Promises, view, download or order our leaflet or listen to, download or order our CD 83-1, CD 83-3, CD 84-1 and CD 84-3 or our DVD 83 and DVD 84 on our website.)

Rescript:  "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2023 through March 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 15, 2022"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements

[rustykev]

Today we celebrate the Blessed Memorial of St. Paul Miki and Companions. Pray for us! Read up on these Holy men of God and listen to the Mass readings and Psalm for today, drawing closer to Our Lord's Most Divine Merciful Heart. God love you.

Also, listen and pray along with the Morning Prayer of the Church.

[carfleo]

February 2023

February Black History Month Resources Family Formation: February Dedicated to the Holy Family OCSTA  Catholic Education Week Advance Kit:  February Prayer Service “WHEN WE REFLECT” ↳Powerpoint Version Presentation of the Lord or Candlemas (Feb. 2) St. Blaise OM(Feb 3) St. Paul Miki and Companions (Feb. 6) St. Josephine Bakhita OM(Feb 8) St. Scholastica (Feb. 10) World Day of the…

[foreverpraying]

February 6 is the feast day of St. Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs

Source of picture: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com

Life of St. Paul Miki

Brother Paul Miki, a Jesuit and a native of Japan, has become the best known among the martyrs of Japan. While hanging upon a cross, Paul Miki preached to the people gathered for the execution: “The sentence of judgment says these men came to Japan from the Philippines, but I did not come from any other country. 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.”

Source: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-paul-miki-and-companions/

 Prayer to St. Paul Miki for Courage

God our Father, source of strength for all your saints, you led Paul Miki and his companions through the suffering of the cross to the joy of eternal life. May their prayers give us courage to be loyal until death in professing our faith. Through Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Source: https://prayers4reparation.wordpress.com

[anastpaul]

Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany, “Sedes Sapientia” – Heilige Maagd Maria van Leuven / Our Lady of Louvain, Belgium (1444) and Memorials of the Saints - 6 February

Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany, “Sedes Sapientia” – Heilige Maagd Maria van Leuven / Our Lady of Louvain, Belgium (1444) and Memorials of the Saints – 6 February

The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany “Sedes Sapientia” – Heilige Maagd Maria van Leuven / Our Lady of Louvain, Belgium (1444) – 6 February:HERE:https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/06/our-lady-of-louvain-belgium-1444-sedes-sapientia-and-memorials-of-the-saints-6-february/ St Paul Miki SJ (1564/65-1597) & Companions/Martyrs of Nagasaki – 26 saints (Memorial)Their…

[thepastisalreadywritten]

SAINTS OF THE DAY (February 6)

On February 6, the Catholic Church honors the 26 Martyrs of Nagasaki, a group of native Japanese Catholics and foreign missionaries who suffered death for their faith in the year 1597.

During the 16th century, the Catholic faith reached Japan by the efforts of the Jesuit missionary Saint Francis Xavier (1506-1552).

Jesuit outreach to the Japanese continued after his death and around 200,000 Japanese had entered the Church by 1587.

Religious tensions led to a period of persecution during that year, to which many churches were destroyed and missionaries forced to work in secret.

But few episodes of martyrdom took place during this time, and within a decade, 100,000 more Japanese became Catholic despite the restrictions.

During 1593, Franciscan missionaries came to Japan from the Philippines by order of Spain's King Philip II.

These new arrivals gave themselves zealously to the work of charity and evangelism, but their presence disturbed a delicate situation between the Church and Japanese authorities.

Suspicion against Catholic missionaries grew when a Spanish ship was seized off the Japanese coast and found to be carrying artillery.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a powerful imperial minister, responded by sentencing 26 Catholics to death.

The group was comprised of three native Jesuits, six foreign Franciscans, and several lay Catholics including some children.

Sentenced to die by crucifixion and lancing, they were first marched 600 miles to the city of Nagasaki.

During the journey, they underwent public torture meant to terrorize other Japanese believers in Christ.

However, all of the 26 held out courageously, even singing the hymn of praise, “Te Deum,” when they arrived at the hill where they would be crucified.

Three of the best-known martyrs of Nagaki are Saints Paul Miki, John of Goto, and James Kisai.

Though none were priests, all were associated with the Jesuits:

Miki was training for the priesthood, while Kisai was a lay brother and John of Goto was a catechist preparing to enter the order.

Paul Miki offered an especially strong witness to his faith during the group's month-long march to Nagasaki, as he joined one of the captive Franciscan priests in preaching to the crowds who came to mock the prisoners.

The son of a wealthy military leader, Miki was born in 1562 and entered the Church along with the rest of his family.

He joined the Jesuits as a young man and helped many Buddhists to embrace Christianity.

His last act of evangelism took place as he hung on his cross, preaching to the crowds.

“The only reason for my being killed is that I have taught the doctrine of Christ,” he announced.

“I thank God it is for this reason that I die. I believe that I am telling the truth before I die.”

“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.”

Paul Miki and his 25 companions were stabbed to death with lances on 5 February 1597 at the site that became known as “Martyrs' Hill.”

Pope Pius IX canonized the Martyrs of Nagasaki in 1862.

[tertiumkid]

Monument in Nagasaki to the 26 Martyrs of Japan

[canonizedandotherwise]

Litany of the Saints and Blessed of the Society of Jesus

(in an expanded form of that used first by Jesuits in the concentration camp at Dachau)

Lord, have mercy, Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy, Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy, Lord, have mercy. Christ, hear us, Christ, graciously hear us.

God, our Father in heaven, Have mercy on us. God the Son, Redeemer of the World, Have mercy on us. God the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us. Holy Trinity, one God, Have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, Mother of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Pray for us. Holy Mary, Mother and Queen of our Society, Pray for us. Holy Virgin of Montserrat, Pray for us. Our Lady of the Way, Pray for us.

Holy Father Ignatius, Pray for us. St. Francis Xavier, first companion and missionary, Pray for us. St. Francis Borgia, model of renunciation, Pray for us. St. Stanislaus Kostka, model and patron of novices, Pray for us. Sts. Edmund Campion, Robert Southwell and companions, martyrs of Christ in England, Pray for us. St. Aloysius Gonzaga and St. John Berchmans, models and patrons of our scholastics, Pray for us. Sts. Paul Miki, James Kisai and John Soan de Goto, martyrs of Christ in Japan, Pray for us. St. Peter Canisius and St. Robert Bellarmine, doctors of the church, Pray for us. St. John Ogilvie, martyr of Christ in Scotland, Pray for us. Sts. Bernardine Realino, John Francis Regis and Francis Jerome, missioners to people in town and country, Pray for us. St. Alphonsus Rodriguez, model and patron of our brothers, Pray for us. Sts. Melchior Grodziecki and Stephen Pongrácz, martyrs of Christ in Košice, Pray for us. Sts. Roch Gonzalez, Alphonsus Rodriguez and John del Castillo, martyrs of Christ in Paraguay, Pray for us. Sts. John de Brébeuf, Isaac Jogues and companions, martyrs of Christ in North America, Pray for us. St. Peter Claver, defender of the slaves in South America, Pray for us. St. Andrew Bobola, martyr of Christ in Poland, Pray for us. St. John de Brito, martyr of Christ in India, Pray for us. St. Claude La Columbière, faithful friend and apostle of the Sacred Heart, Pray for us. St. Joseph Pignatelli, hallowed link of the old and the restored Society, Pray for us. Sts. Leo Mangin and companions, martyrs of Christ in China, Pray for us. St. Joseph Rubio, apostle of Madrid, Pray for us. St. Peter Faber, first companion and apostle of the Spiritual Exercises, Pray for us. St. Joseph de Anchieta, apostle of Brazil, Pray for us. St. James Berthieu, martyr of Christ in Madagascar, Pray for us. St. Alberto Hurtado, agent of social change in Chile, Pray for us.

All you Saints of the Society of Jesus, Pray for us. Blessed Ignatius de Azevedo and companions, martyred while sailing for Brazil, Pray for us. Bl. Thomas Woodhouse, Ralph Ashley and companions, martyrs of Christ in England, Pray for us. Bl. Rudolph Acquaviva, Francis Aranha and companions, martyrs of Christ in India, Pray for us. Bl. James Salès and William Saultemouche, martyrs of the Eucharist in France, Pray for us. Bl. Charles Spinola, Sebastian Kimura and companions, martyrs of Christ in Japan, Pray for us. Bl. Dominic Collins, martyr of Christ in Ireland, Pray for us. Bl. Diego Luis de San Vitores, martyr of Christ in Micronesia, Pray for us. Bl. Julian Maunoir and Anthony Baldinucci, zealous preachers of God’s Word, Pray for us. Bl. James Bonnaud and companions, martyrs of Christ in France, Pray for us. Bl. John Beyzym, servant of Lepers in Madagascar, Pray for us. Bl. Miguel Pro, martyr of Christ in Mexico, Pray for us. Bl. Francis Garate, humble doorkeeper who found God in all things, Pray for us. Bl. Rupert Mayer, apostle of Munich and fearless witness of truth, Pray for us. Bl. Tomás Sitjar Fortiá and companions, martyrs of Christ in Valencia, Pray for us.

All you Blessed of the Society of Jesus, Pray for us.

Jesuit saints

Fathers and Brothers, Scholastics and Novices of the Society who have preceded us in the service of the Lord, Pray for us.

Let us pray:

Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, though we are sinners, you have called us to be his companions and to engage in the crucial struggle of our time, the struggle for faith, justice and love. Bring to completion in us the work you began in Ignatius and so many of his followers. Place us with your Son, as you placed them, and take us under the banner of the Cross to serve him alone and his Church. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

[romancatholicreflections]

6th February >> “Better, Not Bitter” ~ One Bread, One Body - Daily Reflection for Roman Catholics: "See to it that...no bitter root springs up through which many may become defiled." – Hebrews 12:15.

From the context of the above Scripture, bitterness does not keep to itself. It spreads to many and can defile those whom it infects. Bitterness seems to be like the plagues of the Middle Ages, which wiped out "many" (see Heb 12:15). The author of Hebrews exhorts us to "see to it" that no bitter root springs up. How can we "see to it" that no bitter root springs up?

First, we look to ourselves. Even the faintest trace of bitterness in ourselves must be immediately uprooted. We are called to be better, not bitter. For example, Mary of Bethany chose the "better" portion (Lk 10:42) by sitting at Jesus' feet to listen to His words. Daily listening to Jesus takes discipline, yet this discipline "brings forth the fruit of peace and justice to those who are trained in its school" (Heb 12:11). Bring any bitterness to Jesus. He is able to uproot bitterness if you simply ask.

Next, we look for bitter roots in others. We are to "see to it" that no bitter root springs up, yet what action can we take when we see bitterness in another? "There is no limit to" the power of our acts of love and mercy and our persistent intercession (1 Cor 13:7). God will use them to chip away at a bitter heart.

PRAYER: Father, I renounce all roots and acts of bitterness in my life. Set me free to bring Your heart-melting love to a bitter, angry world.

PROMISE: “The Lord has compassion on those who fear Him." – Psalm 103:13.

PRAISE: St. Paul Miki and his companions prayed for those who tortured and killed them.

[silvestromedia]

https://www.indcatholicnews.com/saint/39

St Paul Miki and Companions, St Dorothy https://www.indcatholicnews.com/saint/39