Blessed Matthias Shobara Ichizaemon

Blessed

Post-Congregation

Feast Day

17 February; 1 July (Diocese of Hiroshima, Japan)

Born

C.1587 in Aki (part of modern Hiroshima), Japan

Died

17 February 1624 in Hiroshima, 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 Matthias Shobara Ichizaemon was a layman in the diocese of Hiroshima, Japan. He was born around 1587 in Aki, which is now part of modern-day Hiroshima, Japan. As a devout Catholic during a time when the persecution of Christians was rampant in Japan, Blessed Matthias Shobara Ichizaemon lived a life dedicated to his faith.

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