St. Paul Miki and Companions
A Japanese Jesuit and preacher who was crucified at Nagasaki with twenty-five companions in 1597.
Image: Anonymous Japanese Master — Public domain. Source and rights
.png){kind=link}
Feast: February 6
Patronage and associations: Japan, Japanese Catholics, Preachers and catechists
Historical period: 16th century (died 1597)
The Memorial of St. Paul Miki and Companions is celebrated on February 6 in the General Roman Calendar.
Quick facts
- Born
- Japan, around 1564
- Vocation
- Jesuit priest and preacher
- Died
- Nagasaki, February 5, 1597
- Companions
- Twenty-five other Christians
Who Was St. Paul Miki and Companions?
Paul Miki was born in Japan and entered the Society of Jesus. He became a preacher at a time when Christianity had taken root in Japanese communities but faced increasingly severe restrictions. His ministry involved explaining the faith to fellow Japanese, not simply carrying a foreign message to people unfamiliar with Christ.
In 1597, Paul and twenty-five companions—Jesuits, Franciscans, and lay Christians—were arrested and taken to Nagasaki. They were crucified. Accounts remember Paul continuing to proclaim his faith and forgiving those responsible before his death.
The Church celebrates Paul and his companions on February 6. Their group included people of different ages and vocations, Japanese and foreign-born. Their witness invites Christians to speak truthfully and forgive, without confusing martyrdom with a search for suffering or the denial of safety.
What St. Paul Miki and Companions Teaches Us Today
1. Faith takes root in local communities
Paul’s preaching grew within a Japanese Church with its own believers, leaders, and shared responsibilities.
2. Words should serve the Gospel
As a preacher, Paul used his gifts to explain Christ and encourage fellow Christians.
3. Forgiveness is not approval of violence
Remembering the martyrs’ forgiveness does not excuse persecution. It shows that hatred need not define a Christian response.
A Prayer Asking for St. Paul Miki and His Companions’ Intercession
God of every nation, you gave St. Paul Miki and his companions courage to witness to Christ in Japan. Through their intercession, strengthen Christians who face hostility, bless preachers and catechists, and help me speak about faith with clarity and respect. Keep my heart from hatred, and teach me to seek safety, justice, and peace for those in danger. St. Paul Miki and companions, pray for us. Amen.
Original prayer written by Catholic Explained.