Feast day: February 6
Saint Paul Miki felt called to religious life as a young man. He was educated by the Jesuits, entered their order, and became a successful preacher and evangelist. When Japan’s political climate became unfriendly to Christianity, Paul was soon arrested for continuing to preach the Good News.
He and many other captured Christians were forced to march 600 miles to their crucifixion site. Paul and his companions sang on their way and didn’t lose faith. They were crucified on a hill, known today as Holy Mountain, overlooking Nagasaki. He gave his last sermon from the cross.
Saint Paul Miki and his fellows were canonized in 1862.
(Image by Andreas Praefcke, Wikimedia Commons)