Jacobo Kyushei Tomonaga
Jacobo Kyushei Tomonaga de Santa María was a Japanese Dominican friar and Catholic priest who played a role in the creation of one of the first modern Japanese dictionaries. He was martyred in 1633 during a period of intense Christian persecution in Japan.
- Feast Day
- August 17
- Century
- 17th century
- Country Or Region
- Japan
Key Facts
- ›He was born into a noble Christian family in Kuidetsu, Japan.
- ›He studied with the Jesuits and became a catechist in his youth.
- ›He joined the Dominican Order and was ordained a priest in 1626.
- ›He served as a missionary on Formosa (Taiwan) and later returned to Japan in 1632.
- ›He was arrested, tortured, and died in 1633 after being betrayed by his own catechist.
- ›He was declared Venerable by Pope John Paul II in 1980, beatified in 1981, and canonized in 1987.
Jacobo Kyushei Gorobioye Tomonaga de Santa María, ヤコボ・デ・サンタ・マリア朝長五郎兵衛, Yakobo de Santa Maria Tomonaga Gorōbyōe
About Jacobo Kyushei Tomonaga
Jacobo Kyushei Gorobioye Tomonaga de Santa María, OP, also known by his Japanese name Tomonaga Gorōbyōe, was a Japanese Dominican friar and Catholic priest who lived from approximately 1582 to 1633. He is recognized for his missionary efforts in Japan during a period of severe Christian persecution and for his eventual martyrdom.
Life and Ministry
Born into a noble Christian family in Kuidetsu, Japan, Jacobo Kyushei Tomonaga initially studied with the Jesuits and served as a catechist. After 1614, he traveled to Manila, where he became a Franciscan tertiary before joining the Dominican Order. He was ordained a priest in 1626 and subsequently sent to minister on the island of Formosa (modern-day Taiwan). He returned to Manila in 1630 and then back to Japan in 1632, dedicating himself to spreading Catholicism.
His return to Japan marked a period of extreme hardship, characterized by hunger and the need for constant hiding from authorities. In July 1633, his hiding place was discovered with the aid of a traitor, and he was imprisoned. He endured torture before being thrown into a pit on August 15, 1633, and died two days later, on August 17, 1633. His remains were cremated and cast into the sea.
Recognition and Canonization
Jacobo Kyushei Tomonaga's life and death were recognized by the Catholic Church. He was declared Venerable on October 11, 1980, by Pope John Paul II, who later beatified him on February 18, 1981, in Manila, Philippines. His canonization followed on October 18, 1987, in St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, honoring him as a saint and martyr.
Contributions
Beyond his spiritual work, Jacobo Kyushei Tomonaga was involved in scholarly endeavors. He worked on the 1630 Spanish edition of the Nippo Jisho, which was one of the first modern Japanese dictionaries. This contribution highlights his engagement with both religious and linguistic pursuits during his life.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Jacobo Kyushei Tomonaga?
Jacobo Kyushei Tomonaga de Santa María was a Japanese Dominican friar and Catholic priest. He was born into a noble Christian family and became a catechist in his youth before joining the Dominican Order.
What is Jacobo Kyushei Tomonaga known for?
He is known for his missionary work in Japan during a time of Christian persecution and for his martyrdom in 1633. He also contributed to the 1630 Spanish edition of the Nippo Jisho, an early Japanese dictionary.
When and where did he die?
He died on August 17, 1633, in Japan. He was caught, imprisoned, tortured, and ultimately died after being thrown into a pit.
How was he recognized by the Catholic Church?
Jacobo Kyushei Tomonaga was declared Venerable by Pope John Paul II in 1980, beatified in 1981, and canonized as a saint in 1987.
What challenges did he face as a missionary in Japan?
He faced severe persecution of Christians, living in hiding, experiencing hunger, and risking his life. He was eventually betrayed by his own catechist, leading to his capture and death.
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