Long before Nagasaki became known to the world for the devastation of the atomic bomb, it was already sacred ground in the history of the Church. In 1597, twenty six Christians were crucified on a hill overlooking the city, later known as the Holy Mountain. They came from every walk of life: priests and brothers, lay men and children, missionaries and local believers, all united by their faith in Christ.

Among them was Saint Paul Miki, a Japanese Jesuit, who preached forgiveness and hope from the cross itself. He declared that he was dying for no other reason than his faith in Christ, and prayed that his blood would bring new life to his people.

Though Christianity was later driven underground, the faith did not die. When missionaries returned to Japan in the nineteenth century, they discovered thousands of Christians around Nagasaki who had secretly preserved the faith for generations.

The Martyrs of Japan stand as a powerful witness to courage, forgiveness and faith lived to the end.

Martyrs of Japan, pray for us.