St. Paul Miki & Companions: A Lesson in Suffering Well

The Church commemorates the memorial of St. Paul Miki and Companions on February 6, but their story begins with the story of another great saint. 

The Jesuit St. Francis Xavier evangelized Japan in the late 1540s and 50s and paved the way for hundreds of thousands of Japanese to proclaim the faith in the following decades. 

Among these were the first martyrs of Japan, St. Paul Miki and his 25 companions. 

Born in 1562 to a Catholic family and educated by the Jesuits, Paul Miki discerned a vocation to the priesthood and began formation with the Jesuits. 

But by the late 1580s, the government had turned against the Catholics in Japan. In 1587, the government sought to eliminate Catholicism in Japan through banishment. 

Nevertheless, Paul Miki continued to work towards his vocation and became a well-known preacher. 

Soon before his ordination, the government turned violent and arrested 26 individuals, including children and elderly, Japanese and foreigners alike. Paul Miki was one of them. 

As an example to other Japanese, the officials marched the Catholics for 600 miles to Nagasaki and hung them on crosses on a hill, now called Holy Mountain, where they were speared to death. 

Before his death, Paul Miki said: “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.”

Not only did Paul Miki and his companions undoubtedly encourage each other along the way in moments of great suffering, but they also sought to be examples of the Gospel to anyone they encountered along the way.

They drew strength from those whom God placed in their lives. No matter how insignificant our sufferings seem in comparison, we can do the same.

At SENT Ventures, one of our core values is the belief that we’re not alone. The Saints lived in dependance on God and on others, and so should we.

Today, ask St. Paul Miki and his companions to intercede on your behalf and teach you how to suffer well, both for your own sanctification and for the good of others.