Sacred Atlas logoSacred Atlas

Marina of Omura

Marina of Omura was a Japanese Dominican tertiary who provided shelter to Roman Catholic missionaries during a period of banishment. She is recognized as one of the 16 Martyrs of Japan for her faith and actions, ultimately being burned at the stake in Nagasaki in 1634. Canonized in 1987, she is venerated as the advocate of fortitude.

Feast Day
September 28
Country Or Region
Japan

Key Facts

  • Marina of Omura was a Japanese woman who joined the Dominican Third Order in 1626.
  • She took vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
  • She sheltered Catholic missionaries who were hiding due to an order banishing them from Japan.
  • In 1634, she was arrested for being a Christian who assisted missionaries.
  • She was executed by being burned at the stake in Nagasaki, Kyushu, Japan.
  • She was canonized as one of the 16 Martyrs of Japan on October 18, 1987.
Also Known As

Ōmura no Marina

Death Year
1634
Manner of Death
Venerated In
Role Type
Patronage

Fortitude

Religious Order
Canonized By
Pope John Paul II
Canonization Year
1987

About Marina of Omura

Marina of Omura, known in Japanese as Ōmura no Marina, was a Japanese woman who lived during a period of religious persecution. She is recognized as one of the 16 Martyrs of Japan and is venerated for her courage and faith.

Life and Martyrdom

Marina of Omura entered the Dominican Third Order in 1626, taking vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. During this time, Roman Catholic missionaries were banned from Japan, and she provided shelter to those in hiding. In 1634, her activities were discovered, and she was arrested for being a Christian who had assisted missionaries. She was subjected to chains, humiliation, and ultimately executed by being burned at the stake in Nagasaki, Kyushu, Japan.

Veneration and Legacy

Marina of Omura was canonized by Pope John Paul II on October 18, 1987, as part of the group known as the 16 Martyrs of Japan. This canonization marked her as one of the first Japanese female saints. She is invoked as the advocate of fortitude. Her feast day is celebrated on September 28. In recognition of her martyrdom and that of the other 16 martyrs, statues were erected in their honor in the Japanese garden of Nakamachi Church in 2015.

Source: Wikipedia ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Marina of Omura?

Marina of Omura was a Japanese Dominican tertiary who lived in the early 17th century. She is known for sheltering Catholic missionaries who were being persecuted in Japan.

Why is Marina of Omura considered a martyr?

She is recognized as a martyr because she was arrested, tortured, and executed by burning at the stake in 1634 for her Christian faith and for assisting Catholic missionaries.

When was Marina of Omura canonized?

Marina of Omura was canonized by Pope John Paul II on October 18, 1987, as one of the 16 Martyrs of Japan.

What is Marina of Omura venerated as?

She is venerated as the advocate of fortitude, symbolizing strength and resilience in faith.

When is Marina of Omura's feast day?

Her feast day is celebrated on September 28.