St Paul Miki

Paul's father was a leader in the Japanese army.  When he grew up he attended college to become a Jesuit priest. When he became a priest he taught the Good News of Jesus to many Japanese people.  In 1587 there were many Catholic Christians in Japan thanks to the work of Fr. Paul Miki and other missionaries. Ten years later, a Japanese ruler became convinced that the Catholic missionaries in the country were working with the countries of Portugal and Spain to take over Japan. Out of fear that the Catholic people would fight for his country he had 26 Catholic missionaries and lay people arrested; Fr. Paul was one of the people arrested.   Each of the 26 Catholic people were put on a cross and died as martyrs for their faith in Jesus.