Paulo Miki

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Paulo Miki

Role / Field:

Japanese Jesuit evangelist and martyr, canonized as one of the Twenty-six Martyrs of Japan.

Born:

1564

Died:

1597-02-05

Century / Era:

1564s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Paul Miki, SJ (Japanese: パウロ三木, romanized: Paulo Miki; c. 1562 – 5 February 1597) was a Japanese Catholic evangelist and Jesuit, known for his martyrdom during a 16th-century anti-Catholic uprising. Canonized by Pope Pius IX in 1862, Miki is recognized as one of the Twenty-six Martyrs of Japan. Paul Miki was born into a wealthy Japanese family. He was educated by the Jesuits in Azuchi and Takatsuki.

Career & Major Achievements

He joined the Society of Jesus and became a well known and successful preacher – gaining numerous converts to Catholicism. The ruler of Japan, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, began persecuting Catholics for fear of the Jesuits' influence and intentions, and possibly that of European visitors. Miki was arrested and jailed with his fellow Catholics, who were later forced to march 966 kilometers (600 miles) from Kyoto to Nagasaki; all the while singing the Te Deum.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

On arriving in Nagasaki – which today has the largest Catholic population in Japan – Miki had his chest pierced with a lance while tied to a cross on 5 February 1597. He preached his last sermon from the cross, and it is maintained that he forgave his executioners. Crucified alongside him were Joan Soan (de Gotó) and Santiago Kisai, also of the Society of Jesus; along with twenty-three other clergy and laity, all of whom were canonized by Pope Pius IX in 1862.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1562: 1562 Milestone — 1562 – 5 February 1597) was a Japanese Catholic evangelist and Jesuit, known for his martyrdom during a 16th-century anti-Catholic uprising.
2. 1564: Birth of Paulo Miki — Japanese Jesuit evangelist and martyr, canonized as one of the Twenty-six Martyrs of Japan.
3. 1597 (1597-02-05): Passing & Historical Legacy — Paulo Miki passed away on 1597-02-05, leaving an enduring historical legacy.
4. 1862: 1862 Milestone — Canonized by Pope Pius IX in 1862, Miki is recognized as one of the Twenty-six Martyrs of Japan.

Notable Quotes by Paulo Miki

“He preached his last sermon from the cross, and it is maintained that he forgave his executioners.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Paulo Miki

True or False: “Paul Miki was executed in Nagasaki after being forced to march 966 kilometers from Kyoto while singing the Te Deum.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The text explicitly states that Miki and his fellow Catholics were forced to march 966 kilometers from Kyoto to Nagasaki while singing the Te Deum.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Paulo Miki