Paul Miki

Bamberg St Martin Figur Paul Miki

Paul Miki (1562 – 5 February 1597) was a Japanese Roman Catholic martyr who lived during the Azuchi-Momoyama period of Japan. He is a saint in the Roman Catholic Church and celebrated in the Liturgy of the Hours among the Companions of Saint Paul Miki. Paul Miki was born into a wealthy Japanese family and was educated by the Jesuits in Azuchi-Momoyama Japan. He joined the Society of Jesus and became a well-known and eloquent preacher. Miki was crucified on 5 February 1597, at Nagasaki along with twenty-five others, who are collectively known as the Twenty-Six Martyrs of Japan.

Early Life

Paul Miki was born in 1562, in the Tosa Province of Japan, into a noble family. His parents were devout Christians, a relatively rare faith in Japan at the time, which had been introduced by Francis Xavier, a co-founder of the Society of Jesus, in 1549. Miki was educated by the Jesuits, showing early on a talent for preaching and a deep commitment to his faith.

Ministry

After joining the Society of Jesus, Paul Miki quickly became known for his eloquent sermons that combined elements of Japanese culture and Christian teaching. His ministry was part of a broader Jesuit effort to spread Christianity in Japan, which saw some success despite the growing suspicion and persecution of Christians by Japanese authorities.

Persecution and Martyrdom

The political climate in Japan began to change as the unification of Japan under a central authority saw Christianity as a threat to the stability and the indigenous religious practices of the country. In 1596, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the ruler of Japan, issued an edict that led to the arrest of many Christians, including Paul Miki and his companions.

On 5 February 1597, Paul Miki and his companions were crucified on a hill, now known as Nishizaka Hill, in Nagasaki. Before his death, Paul Miki preached from the cross, forgiving his executioners and affirming his faith in Christ. This act of martyrdom had a profound impact on the Christian community in Japan and is commemorated by the Roman Catholic Church.

Canonization

Paul Miki was beatified in 1627 by Pope Urban VIII and canonized saints by Pope Pius IX on 8 June 1862. His feast day is celebrated on 6 February, along with the other twenty-five martyrs of Japan. The story of Paul Miki and his companions has been a source of inspiration for Christians worldwide and serves as a testament to the strength of faith in the face of persecution.

Legacy

The martyrdom of Paul Miki and his companions is a significant event in the history of Christianity in Japan. It highlights the challenges faced by early Christians in Japan and the enduring legacy of those who remained steadfast in their faith despite persecution. Today, Paul Miki is venerated as a patron saint of Japan, and his life and martyrdom are remembered as a powerful example of faith and forgiveness.