Blessed Peter Paul Navarro

Biography

Blessed Peter Paul Navarro, also known as Paul Navarro or Pietro Paolo Navarro, was born in 1560 in Laino Borgo, Cosenza, Italy. He joined the Jesuits in Naples, Italy in 1578 and was ordained in Goa, India. Inspired by a deep calling to spread the Gospel, he became a missionary to Japan, where he dedicated his life to ministering to the Japanese people and promoting the Christian faith.

Navarro quickly learned the Japanese language and immersed himself in the local culture, living as much like a native as possible. He aimed to demonstrate that Christianity was not a threat to the Japanese way of life but rather a source of spiritual enrichment and hope. His genuine pursuit of assimilation made a lasting impression on the Japanese people and contributed to the growth of Christian converts in the region.

However, in 1614, an imperial edict expelled all foreigners from Japan to isolate the country and preserve its cultural purity. Despite the danger, Navarro made the courageous decision to remain in Japan, defying the edict in order to continue his ministry to the converts he had overseen. He resorted to disguises, assuming various roles such as a beggar, wood seller, farmer, and peddler to conduct covert Masses and provide spiritual guidance to the faithful.

During this period, Navarro also dedicated himself to writing on the Christian faith and translating Christian works into Japanese, contributing to the development of local Christian literature. His writings served as a source of inspiration and education for fellow believers, nurturing their faith in the face of great danger.

Unfortunately, Navarro's extraordinary efforts to maintain his ministry in Japan eventually led to his arrest in December 1621. He was captured by priest hunters, along with two catechists named Petrus Onizuka Sadayu and Denis Fugiscima, as well as a layman named Clement Kuijemon. Following their arrest, they were condemned to death by the Shogun on 27th October 1622.

In the hours preceding his execution, Father Peter Paul celebrated Mass and ordained his two catechists as Jesuit priests, ensuring the continued spiritual leadership among the local converts. On 1st November 1622, at Ximabara, Nagasaki, Japan, Peter Paul Navarro was burned alive, martyred for his unwavering dedication to the Catholic faith and his mission of spreading God's love.

Notably, at the moment of his death, Navarro was found praying the Litany of Our Lady, displaying his deep devotion to the Virgin Mary. This act of piety emphasized his strong faith and unwavering commitment to God until his last breath.

Almost two and a half centuries later, on 26th February 1866, Pope Blessed Pius IX recognized the martyrdom of Peter Paul Navarro and declared him venerable. On 7th May 1867, the same Pope beatified him, acknowledging his extraordinary sacrifice and steadfastness in the face of persecution. Today, Blessed Peter Paul Navarro is revered as a model of faith, courage, and dedication to the Church, particularly in the midst of adversity. His example serves as an inspiration to Christians worldwide, reminding them of the preciousness of their faith and the importance of spreading God's love, even in challenging circumstances.