On February 6, the Catholic Church commemorates St. Paul Miki and his 25 companions, collectively remembered as the Martyrs of Nagasaki, who laid down their lives for the Christian faith in 1597 in Japan.
Christianity first took root in Japan during the 16th century through the missionary efforts of St. Francis Xavier, one of the founding members of the Society of Jesus. Even after his death in 1552, Jesuit missionaries continued their evangelizing work, and by 1587, nearly 200,000 Japanese had embraced the Catholic faith.
However, the rapid spread of Christianity soon provoked suspicion and resistance from Japanese authorities. That same year marked the beginning of a severe crackdown, during which churches were demolished and missionaries were driven underground. Despite these restrictions, the faith continued to grow quietly, with nearly 100,000 more converts entering the Church within the following decade.
In 1593, a new wave of missionaries Franciscans from the Philippines, sent under the authority of Spain’s King Philip II arrived in Japan. Known for their visible works of charity and open preaching, their presence unsettled the fragile relationship between the Christian community and the ruling powers.
Tensions escalated sharply when a Spanish vessel seized near the Japanese coast was discovered to be carrying weapons. This incident fueled fears of foreign political interference. In response, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the powerful imperial regent, ordered the execution of 26 Catholics as a warning against the spread of Christianity.
The condemned group included three Japanese Jesuits, six foreign Franciscan missionaries, and several lay believers, among them young children. They were sentenced to death by crucifixion, followed by execution with lances. Before their deaths, they were forced to march nearly 600 miles to Nagasaki, enduring public humiliation and torture intended to frighten other Christians.
Instead of yielding to fear, the martyrs remained steadfast. Upon reaching the hill where they were to die, they reportedly sang the ancient hymn “Te Deum”, praising God even as they faced death.
Among the most renowned of the martyrs are St. Paul Miki, St. John of Goto, and St. James Kisai. Though none were ordained priests, all were closely connected to the Jesuit mission. Paul Miki was studying for the priesthood, James Kisai was a Jesuit lay brother, and John of Goto was a catechist preparing to join the order.
St. Paul Miki stood out for his fearless testimony. Born in 1562 to a prominent military family, he converted to Christianity along with his household and later joined the Jesuits. Gifted as a preacher, he helped many Buddhists discover the Christian faith. Even during the long march to execution, he continued to proclaim the Gospel, addressing crowds who gathered to ridicule the prisoners.
His final sermon came from the cross itself. Declaring his innocence, he said that his only crime was teaching the message of Christ. He forgave his executioners and prayed that his blood might become a source of spiritual blessing for the people of Japan.
On February 5, 1597, St. Paul Miki and his companions were killed with spears on the hillside that would later be called Martyrs’ Hill. Their witness left an enduring mark on the history of Christianity in Asia. In 1862, Pope Pius IX formally declared them saints, honoring their courage, forgiveness, and unshakable faith.
Their feast remains a powerful reminder of fidelity to conscience and faith, even in the face of persecution and death.