Sunday, September 7, 2008

Japanese Martyr Burned At The Stake

BLESSED THOMAS TZUGI
Feast Day: SEPTEMBER 06, 2008

Born in Japan around 1571; martyred in Nagasaki, Japan, 1627; beatified by Pope Pius IX in 1867. Born to nobility and educated by the Jesuits of the Arima province, Thomas entered the Jesuit order on the completion of his schooling at around 17 years old. He quickly developed a reputation for excellent preaching and evangelical zeal. He was exiled to the island of Macao during a persecution of Christians, yet he managed to return to Japan in disguise and continue his priestly ministry. He was recaptured and sentenced to death, yet he refused to seek his freedom through his family’s political connections. He was burned to death at the stake in 1627. His final words were,"Praise the Lord of All Nations."

Link (here)

Engraving depicts the Martyrs of Japan

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