Magdalene of Nagasaki
Magdalene of Nagasaki was a Japanese Christian who served as a translator and catechist for Augustinian Recollect missionaries. She is remembered for her steadfast faith and charitable works during times of persecution, ultimately enduring torture and martyrdom. Beatified and canonized, she is recognized as one of the Martyrs of Japan.
- Feast Day
- October 18
- Century
- 17th century
- Country Or Region
- Japan
Key Facts
- ›Born in 1611 near Nagasaki, she was the daughter of Christian parents who were martyred around 1620.
- ›She served as an interpreter for Augustinian friars and became a tertiary of the Order of Augustinian Recollects in 1625.
- ›Magdalene taught catechism, sought alms for the poor, and encouraged Christians during persecution.
- ›After her spiritual counselors were martyred, she apprenticed with other Augustinians and a Dominican.
- ›She surrendered herself to authorities and declared her faith, enduring thirteen days of torture.
- ›She was martyred by suffocation and drowning on October 15, 1634, at the age of 23.
長崎のマグダレナ, Nagasaki no Magudarena
Augustinian Recollects
About Magdalene of Nagasaki
Magdalene of Nagasaki (1611-October 15, 1634) was a Japanese Christian known for her service as a translator and catechist for the Augustine Recollect missionaries, eventually becoming a tertiary of their order. Born near Nagasaki to a Christian couple martyred around 1620, she dedicated her life to her faith amidst intense persecution.
Life and Ministry
Upon the arrival of the Augustinian Order in 1623, Magdalene became an interpreter for friars such as Francis of Jesus Terrero and Vincent of Saint Anthony Simoens. She was deeply involved in her community, teaching catechism to the young, soliciting alms for the poor, and offering encouragement during times of hardship. After her spiritual counselors were martyred in 1632, she continued her religious service, apprenticing herself to other Augustinians and later seeking guidance from a Dominican friar. She also provided refuge for other Christians and ministered to the sick and young.
Martyrdom
Magdalene of Nagasaki actively chose to present herself to the authorities, attired in her Augustinian habit, and declared her adherence to Jesus. At the age of 23, she endured thirteen days of torture, ultimately being suffocated and drowned by being suspended upside down in a pit of offal and then submerged in water. Her death occurred on October 15, 1634. Following her martyrdom, her body was cremated, and her ashes were scattered in Nagasaki Bay.
Legacy and Veneration
Magdalene of Nagasaki was beatified by Pope John Paul II on February 18, 1981, in Manila. She was subsequently canonized on October 18, 1987, at Vatican City, recognized among the "16 Martyrs of Japan." Her life and death are commemorated as a testament to Christian perseverance and faith in the face of severe opposition.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Magdalene of Nagasaki?
Magdalene of Nagasaki was a Japanese Christian who lived from 1611 to 1634. She served as a translator and catechist for Augustinian Recollect missionaries and became a tertiary of their order.
When was Magdalene of Nagasaki martyred?
Magdalene of Nagasaki died on October 15, 1634, after enduring thirteen days of torture. She was martyred at the age of 23.
How did Magdalene of Nagasaki die?
She was tortured and then suffocated to death while suspended upside down in a pit of offal on a gibbet. The pit was subsequently filled with water, leading to her drowning.
What is Magdalene of Nagasaki known for?
She is known for her unwavering faith during periods of intense Christian persecution in Japan. She actively taught catechism, cared for the poor and sick, and encouraged fellow Christians.
When was Magdalene of Nagasaki canonized?
Magdalene of Nagasaki was canonized on October 18, 1987, at Vatican City. She was canonized as one of the 16 Martyrs of Japan.
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