Feast Day of Saint Paul Miki and Companions
MartyrsFrom Franciscan Media we learn about the words 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.'"
Saint Paul Miki and Companions, pray for us.