February 6: Saints Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs—Memorial

Read entire reflection online >>>February 6: Saints Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs—MemorialMartyred February 5, 1597Patron Saints of JapanCanonized by Pope Pius IX on June 8, 1862Liturgical Color: RedQuote: Our brother, Paul Miki, saw himself standing now in the noblest pulpit he had ever filled. To his “congregation” he began by proclaiming himself a Japanese and a Jesuit. He was dying for the Gospel he preached. He gave thanks to God for this wonderful blessing and he ended his “sermon” with these words: “As I come to this supreme moment of my life, I am sure none of you would suppose I want to deceive you. And so I tell you plainly: there is no way to be saved except the Christian way. My religion teaches me to pardon my enemies and all who have offended me. I do gladly pardon the Emperor and all who have sought my death. I beg them to seek baptism and be Christians themselves.” ~Office of ReadingsPrayer:Holy Martyrs of Nagasaki, you and countless others gave your lives in witness to the faith that God planted in your hearts. Please pray for me, that I will have the same faith and courage that each one of you had, so that I will be a witness to Christ in all that I do. Holy martyrs of God, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: mycatholic.lifeCopyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Wolfgang Kilian, via Wikimedia Commons