Nagasaki in Japan is well known as the city on which the second atomic bomb was dropped, killing hundreds of thousands. Three and a half centuries earlier, 26 martyrs of Japan were crucified on a hill, now known as the Holy Mountain overlooking Nagasaki. Among them were priests, catechists, doctors and innocent men, women and children. All were united in a common faith and love for Jesus.


Paul Miki, a Jesuit and a native of Japan has become the best known among the martyrs of Japan. Today a new era has come for the Church in Japan. Although the number of Christians is not large, the Church is respected and has total religious freedom.

Today is their feast day and we ask their many blessings on us. Amen