BL. SEBASTIAN KIMURA, PRIEST AND MARTYR

BL. SEBASTIAN KIMURA, PRIEST AND MARTYR - 10 SEPTEMBER

BLESSED SEBASTIAN KIMURA, PRIEST AND MARTYR

Sebastian Kimura's martyrdom
alongside Carlo Spinola and Companions

Sebastian (Sebastianus) Kimura, of the Society of Jesus, was burned alive in a slow fire with Carolus Spinola and seven other companions on 10th September 1622 in Nagasaki. He was the first Christian priest of the Japanese nation.

(Information from Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints, Volume 5, Augsburg, 1882, p. 232)

Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints - Sources and Abbreviations

Sources of these articles (in the original German): books.google.co.uk, de-academic.com, zeno.org, openlibrary.org

Sebastian Kimura was born into a Christian family in 1565. His grandfather was the very first Japanese convert baptised by the missionary Francis Xavier.

Drawn to a life of religious service, Sebastian Kimura entered the Society of Jesus in 1582. He undertook his studies in Japan at institutions run by the Jesuits before traveling to Macau for theological studies. In 1601, Sebastian Kimura was ordained a priest in Nagasaki as the first Japanese Catholic priest.

Father Sebastian Kimura's fluency in Japanese and cultural understanding made him adept at navigating the challenges faced by Christians during the period of persecution under Tokugawa Hidetada. He could effectively disguise himself as a soldier, merchant, laborer, or even a physician to visit Christian households and deliver the sacraments to those imprisoned for their faith. This clandestine ministry earned him the attention of the authorities, who actively sought his capture.

Eventually Father Sebastian Kimura was betrayed by a servant and apprehended in 1621 alongside his companions. Imprisoned in Suzuta Prison, he found himself reunited with fellow Christians, including Father Carlo Spinola. Ultimately, Father Kimura was sentenced to death by burning at the stake. He was executed during the Great Genna Martyrdom on September 10, 1622.

On May 7, 1867, he was beatified by Pope Pius IX as one of the 205 Martyrs of Japan.

Source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sebastian_Kimura

PRAYER:

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that we who know how courageously your holy martyr Sebastian confessed the faith, may experience his goodness as he intercedes for us with you. 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.

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