Blessed Magdalena Minami

Blessed

Post-Congregation

Feast Day

9 December; 1 July (Diocese of Fukuoka, Japan)

Born

C.1560 in Setsu-no-Kuni, Osaka, Japan

Died

9 December 1603 in Yatsushiro, Kumamoto, Japan

Beatified

24 November 2008 by Pope Benedict XVI; beatification celebrated at the Nagasaki Prefectural Baseball Park (Big N Stadium), Nagasaki, Japan, presided by Cardinal José Saraiva Martins

Venerated

1 June 2007 by Pope Benedict XVI (decree on martyrdom)

Biography

Blessed Magdalena Minami, a laywoman of the Diocese of Fukuoka in Japan, stands as a humble yet steadfast witness to the Christian faith. Born into the ordinary life of a Japanese family, she embraced the vocation of married life, uniting her existence with that of her husband, the Blessed Ioannes Minami Gorozaemon. Together, they lived as faithful Catholics during a period of intense persecution for the Church in Japan. Magdalena’s profound commitment to her faith became her defining witness. When confronted with the choice to renounce Christianity or face death, she chose fidelity to Christ, enduring martyrdom alongside her spouse. Her courageous

Cause for Canonization

Beatified

Beatified2008-11-24 by 24 November 2008 by Pope Benedict XVI; beatification celebrated at the Nagasaki Prefectural Baseball Park (Big N Stadium), Nagasaki, Japan, presided by Cardinal José Saraiva Martins