About Paul Miki

Saint Paul Miki On 5 February 1597 twenty-six people were crucified at , . They included three And Companions Japanese Jesuits, seventeen Japanese laymen, five European Franciscan Missionaries and one Mexican Franciscan missionary. These were the first Christian in Japan. (Martyrs) Paul Miki was born in Japan in the 1560’s. He joined the and became a 6 February renowned preacher. When the persecution of the Catholics arose, he was one of those who was arrested. They were tortured, then they were forced to walk 600 miles to Nagasaki, where they were bound to crosses and speared.

What can we learn from Saint Paul Miki and his Companions?

The persecution arose when the local Governor became threatened by the Catholics. These martyrs remained steadfast in their faith. Those of us who practice the faith in this day and age can become discouraged because of the predominance of secular values in our world. We, like Saint Paul Miki and his companions, must remain steadfast in our faith and stay focused on Christ and what he asks of us in our daily lives.

The martyrs-to-be sang the Te Deum while they walked to Nagasaki. Just as singing this hymn of praise to God was a source of encouragement to them, so too our singing and music in our worship should be a source of strength for us as we live out the faith each day of our lives.

We are often prophets of a future not our own. Saint Paul Miki and his companions would not live to see their work bear fruit. When Christian missionaries returned to Japan in the nineteenth century, they found a secret Christian community had survived by handing on their beliefs and prayers from one generation to the next. We too must hand on the faith to the next generation so that the work of Christ will bear much fruit in the future.

Collect

Saint Paul Miki O God, strength of all the , And Companions who through the Cross were pleased to call the Martyrs Saint Paul Miki and companions to life, (Martyrs) grant, we pray, that by their intercession 6 February we may hold with courage even until death to the faith that we profess. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Gospel Matthew 28:16-20 Go and make disciples of all nations

The eleven disciples set out for Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had arranged to meet them. When they saw him they fell down before him, though some hesitated. Jesus came up and spoke to them. He said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, make disciples of all the nations; baptise them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you. And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.’

Antiphon

It is you who have stood by me in my trials; and I confer a kingdom on you, says the Lord, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom.

Hymn for the Memorial of Saint Paul Miki and Companions Saint Paul Miki When the Good News was brought Though they were crucified And Companions to people in Japan, the faith would still endure, a small community till missionaries (Martyrs) to spread the faith began. returned again to that shore. 6 February These faithful ones These faithful ones would bear the Cross would bear the Cross and become martyrs for the faith. and become martyrs for the faith.

Saint Paul Miki was one Like Paul Miki and friends, of this community; may we too faithful be, a preacher who to spread the Good News alarmed those in authority. throughout our community. These faithful ones These faithful ones would bear the Cross would bear the Cross and become martyrs for the faith. and become martyrs for the faith.

For six hundred long miles Text: Chris deSilva and Alessio Loiacono they walked and sang God’s praise Tune: Darwall’s 148th to Nagasaki where they ended all their days. Other Music Suggestion These faithful ones Lift High the Cross would bear the Cross and become martyrs for the faith.

SCRIPTURE READINGS: Jerusalem Bible Translation of Scripture used in Australian Lectionary for Mass, Vols I, II and III (London: Collins Liturgical, 1981). All rights reserved. COLLECT and ANTIPHON: Roman Missal 2010 © International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. REFERENCES: Sourcebook 2019: © Liturgy Training Publications 2019 Universalis App: 6 February 2021