Leonardo Kimura
Male·November 18·Japan·16th century
Leonardo Kimura was a Japanese Catholic evangelist and teacher who was a member of the Society of Jesus. He was arrested and imprisoned for his faith, where he continued his apostolate and converted many people. He was martyred by burning at the stake and was later beatified by Pope Pius IX.
Key Facts
- ›Leonardo Kimura came from a noble Christian family whose grandfather was baptized by St. Francis Xavier.
- ›He worked as a catechist from 1588 and joined the Society of Jesus in November 1602.
- ›Kimura chose to remain a religious brother, serving as a cook, tailor, and catechist.
- ›He was arrested in December 1616 on false allegations of murder.
- ›During his imprisonment, he converted 96 people and was recognized as a spiritual leader by fellow prisoners.
- ›Leonardo Kimura was burned at the stake on November 18, 1619, in Nagasaki, along with four other Christians.
レオナルド 木村, レオナルド
About Leonardo Kimura
Leonardo Kimura (1575 – 18 November 1619)
Leonardo Kimura, SJ, was a Japanese Catholic evangelist and teacher who was a member of the Society of Jesus. He is recognized as one of the Martyrs of Japan and was beatified for his faith.
Life and Historical Context
Christianity in Japan faced increasing challenges after its introduction by St. Francis Xavier in 1549. Growing numbers of followers led to fear among authorities, and conflicts between merchants and missionaries further complicated the situation, resulting in periods of intense persecution. By 1613, an estimated 400,000 people in Japan had converted to Catholicism. In that same year, Shogun Tokugawa Hidetada issued a decree requiring all missionaries to leave the country and forbidding the practice and teaching of Christianity under penalty of death.
Leonardo Kimura hailed from a noble Christian family; his grandfather had been baptized by St. Francis Xavier. He received his education at the local Jesuit school and began his service as a catechist in 1588. He entered the Society of Jesus in November 1602, choosing to remain a religious brother. He served in various capacities, including as a cook, tailor, and catechist.
Martyrdom and Beatification
In December 1616, Leonardo Kimura was arrested under false accusations of murder. During his trial, he revealed his religious affiliation, leading to his imprisonment. Within prison, he continued his evangelization efforts, converting 96 individuals and earning the respect of his fellow prisoners as a spiritual leader. On November 18, 1619, when questioned by a governor about his continued presence and affiliation with the Society of Jesus, Kimura declared his unwavering commitment to preaching the faith in Jesus Christ until his last breath. Later that same day, he was martyred by being burned at the stake on Nishizaka hill in Nagasaki, alongside four other Christians. His death anniversary, known as his dies natalis, is the day he is commemorated in the Catholic Church. Leonardo Kimura was among the 205 Martyrs of Japan who were beatified by Pope Pius IX on May 7, 1867.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Leonardo Kimura?
Leonardo Kimura was a Japanese Catholic evangelist and teacher who belonged to the Society of Jesus. He was a victim of anti-Catholic persecution in Japan.
When and how did Leonardo Kimura die?
Leonardo Kimura died on November 18, 1619. He was burned at the stake in Nagasaki along with four other Christians.
What was Leonardo Kimura's role within the Society of Jesus?
Leonardo Kimura joined the Society of Jesus in November 1602. He chose to remain a religious brother, serving in roles such as a cook, tailor, and catechist.
What significant actions did Leonardo Kimura take during his imprisonment?
While imprisoned on false allegations, Leonardo Kimura continued his apostolate and successfully converted 96 people. His steadfastness led his fellow prisoners to recognize him as a spiritual leader.
When and by whom was Leonardo Kimura beatified?
Leonardo Kimura was beatified on May 7, 1867, by Pope Pius IX. He was recognized as one of the 205 Martyrs of Japan.
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