From
The Liturgy of the Hours:
"Today is the memorial of St. Paul Miki and his Companions.
St. Paul Miki was born in 1580 in Japan. He was a Jesuit brother known for his ability to inspire people to authentic conversion. At the time, many disparate cultures were present in nearby Southeast Asia; vying for spices, resources, influence and territory. Many of these cultures were traveling northwards into Japan. In 1587, when approximately 200,000 Christians were identified, Japan issued an edict of persecution to all those faithful to the Bible.
St. Paul and his Companions were a group of Franciscans, Jesuits, and Japanese Christians identified through the edict. The 26 individuals were arrested, mutilated, and martyred, in 1597, at the hill of Nagasaki. They are remembered for their courage, dedication, and joy despite the religious persecution they endured."
PRAYER: "
O God, strength of all the Saints, who through the Cross were pleased to call the Martyrs Saint Paul Miki and companions to life, grant, we pray, that by their intercession we may hold with courage even until death to the faith that we profess. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
