Saint Paul Miki (d.1597)

Saint Paul Miki felt called to religious life as a young man. He was educated by the Jesuits and entered their order. He became a very successful preacher and evangelist. When Japan's political climate became unfriendly to Christianity, Paul was soon arrested for continuing to preach the Good News. He and many other captured Christians were forced to march 600 miles to their crucifixion site. Paul and his fellows sang on their way, and didn't lose faith. Paul and his companions were crucified on a hill, known today as Holy Mountain, overlooking Nagasaki. He gave his last sermon from the cross. Saint Paul Miki and his fellows were canonized in 1862.