Thursday, February 08, 2007

Arigato

"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."

- Paul Miki SJ
Martyred in Nagasaki Japan in 1597 with his companions
Beatified in 1627, the martyrs of Japan were finally canonized in 1862

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