Martyrs of Kyoto

Biography

The Martyrs of Kyoto, also known collectively as the "Fifty-two Japanese lay people," were a group of devout individuals who were martyred together during one of the government-sponsored persecutions of Christians in Japan. Their courageous witness to their faith and their unwavering commitment to Christ earned them the title of "martyrs." The names of these blessed individuals are as follows: Blessed Agatha of Kyoto, Blessed Anna Kajiya, Blessed Antonius Domi, Blessed Benedictus of Kyoto, Blessed Catharina Hashimoto, Blessed Cosmas of Kyoto, Blessed Didacus Tsuzu, Blessed Emmanuel Kosaburo, Blessed Franciscus Hashimoto, Blessed Franciscus of Kyoto, Blessed Franciscus Shizaburo, Blessed Gabriel of Kyoto, Blessed Hieronimus Soroku, Blessed Ioachim Ogawa, Blessed Ioannes Hashimoto Tahyoe, Blessed Ioannes Kyusaku, Blessed Ioannes Sakurai, Blessed Leo Kyusuke, Blessed Linus Rihyoe, Blessed Lucia of Kyoto, Blessed Lucia Soroku, Blessed Lucia Toemon, Blessed Ludovica Hashimoto, Blessed Ludovicus Matagoro, Blessed Magdalena Kyusaku, Blessed Magdalena of Kyoto, Blessed Mancius Kyujiro, Blessed Maria Chujo, Blessed Maria Koshima Shinshiro, Blessed Maria of Kyoto (four individuals with the same name), Blessed Martha Kyusuke, Blessed Martha of Kyoto (two individuals with the same name), Blessed Mencia of Kyoto, Blessed Monica of Kyoto (three individuals with the same name), Blessed Petrus Hashimoto, Blessed Regina Kyusaku, Blessed Rufina of Kyoto, Blessed Sixtus of Kyoto, Blessed Thecla Hashimoto, Blessed Thomas Hashimoto, Blessed Thomas Ikegami, Blessed Thomas Kajiya Yoemon, Blessed Thomas Kian, and Blessed Thomas Koshima Shinshiro. These martyrs came from diverse backgrounds, some were single, some were married, and some were parents or children. However, they were all united in their love for Christ and their refusal to renounce their faith, even in the face of intense persecution and the threat of death. During the time of their martyrdom, Christianity was perceived as a foreign threat to the established order in Japan. The government, fearing the influence of the faith, launched a series of persecutions aimed at eradicating Christianity from the country. It was in this context that the Martyrs of Kyoto met their untimely deaths. On October 6, 1619, in Kyoto (Miyako), Japan, these fifty-two lay people were executed for their refusal to renounce their Christian beliefs. They remained steadfast in their conviction, even in the face of torture and persecution. Their bravery and devout faith became an inspiration to many others who witnessed their martyrdom. The Martyrs of Kyoto's faithful witness did not go unnoticed, and their sacrifice was recognized by the Catholic Church. On June 1, 2007, Pope Benedict XVI decreed their martyrdom, acknowledging their heroic virtue and sacrifice for the sake of their faith. They were subsequently beatified by Pope Benedict XVI on November 24, 2008. While the Martyrs of Kyoto do not have a specific patronage designation, their witness serves as a source of inspiration and intercession for all persecuted Christians, as well as those who strive to live their faith courageously in challenging circumstances. The Feast Day of the Martyrs of Kyoto is celebrated on October 6th each year, commemorating the day they were executed for their faith. Their story continues to be a reminder of the enduring power of faith and the sacrifices made by those who refuse to abandon their beliefs, even in the face of great adversity.