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Feast Day: December 9
Death: December 9, 1603
Blessed Agnes Takeda was a lay woman who lived in the diocese of Fukuoka, Japan. She was born around 1563 in Ise, Mie, Japan, during a time when Christianity was met with great opposition in the country. Agnes was married to Blessed Simon Takeda Gohyoe, a fellow devout Catholic.
As a faithful Catholic, Agnes faced numerous challenges and obstacles in practicing her faith. During this period, Christians were persecuted for their beliefs, and Agnes and her husband were no exception. Despite the risks, they continued to openly live as Christians and support their community.
Unfortunately, their commitment to their faith eventually led to their martyrdom. On December 9, 1603, Agnes Takeda and her husband were arrested for their unwavering dedication to Catholicism. They were taken to Yatsushiro, Kumamoto, where they were both executed for refusing to renounce their faith.
Blessed Agnes Takeda's courage and steadfastness in the face of adversity have made her an inspiration to many. Her life is a testament to the unwavering commitment to Catholicism, even in the most challenging circumstances. Agnes and her husband's sacrifice for their faith have been recognized by the Catholic Church, and they were beatified by Pope Benedict XVI on November 24, 2008.
Her feast days are celebrated on December 9 and July 1 specifically in the Diocese of Fukuoka, Japan, to honor her memory and martyrdom. The faithful in Japan continue to venerate her, recognizing her as a model of faith and courage.
The beatification ceremony, which celebrated her elevation to the status of blessed, took place at the Nagasaki Prefectural Baseball Park (Big N Stadium) in Nagasaki, Japan. Cardinal José Saraiva Martins presided over the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of Agnes Takeda's martyrdom and its significance for Catholicism in Japan.
Blessed Agnes Takeda continues to be venerated by the faithful as a courageous martyr and a shining example of unwavering faith, reminding Catholics around the world of the sacrifices made by early Christians in Japan. Her beatification serves as a testimony to the strength and resilience of the Catholic community in the face of adversity.