Saint Paul Miki and Companions
Patron of Japan
Feast day: February 6
Saint Paul Miki (c. 1562-1597) was a Japanese Jesuit and gifted preacher who, with twenty-five companions — priests, religious, and laymen including children — was crucified at Nagasaki during the persecution under Toyotomi Hideyoshi. From his cross Paul Miki preached forgiveness of his executioners. The Martyrs of Japan were canonized in 1862.
