Philip of Jesus
Philip of Jesus, OFM, was a Spanish Franciscan missionary and one of the Twenty-six Martyrs of Japan. He holds the distinction of being the first Mexican Catholic saint and is the patron saint of Mexico City. His martyrdom occurred in 1597 after a shipwreck led to his arrest and execution in Japan.
- Feast Day
- February 5
- Century
- 16th century
- Country Or Region
- Mexico
Key Facts
- ›Philip of Jesus was born Felipe de las Casas Ruiz in Mexico City in 1572 to parents who had emigrated from Spain.
- ›He initially joined the Reformed Franciscans but left to pursue a mercantile career in the Philippines before rejoining the order in Manila in 1590.
- ›While en route to Mexico for ordination due to a vacant episcopal see in Manila, his ship, the San Felipe, was driven by a storm to the coast of Japan.
- ›The discovery of weapons on board led to suspicion of an intended conquest of Japan, enraging the Japanese Taikō, Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
- ›Philip was arrested along with other Franciscans, Japanese Franciscan tertiaries, and a Japanese Jesuit with his servants.
- ›He was martyred in Nagasaki on February 5, 1597, bound upon a cross and pierced with spears.
Felipe de Jesús, Felipe de las Casas Ruiz
About Philip of Jesus
Philip of Jesus, born Felipe de las Casas Ruiz in Mexico City in 1572, was a Spanish Franciscan missionary who became one of the Twenty-six Martyrs of Japan. His parents had recently emigrated from Spain. He initially joined the Reformed Franciscans of the Province of St. Didacus but later left to pursue a mercantile career in the Philippines, a Spanish colony. He was readmitted to the Franciscans in Manila in 1590.
Life and Martyrdom
Philip was sent to Mexico for ordination due to the vacancy of the episcopal see in Manila. While sailing on the ship San Felipe on July 12, 1596, a storm forced the vessel onto the coast of Japan. The ship and its passengers, including Philip and several other friars, were seized by the governor. Suspicion of invasion arose due to the discovery of soldiers and ammunition on board, which enraged the Japanese Taikō, Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
Consequently, on December 8, 1596, the arrest of Franciscans in Miako (now Kyoto) was commanded. The friars were imprisoned until December 30, when they were moved to the city prison. This group included six Franciscan friars, seventeen Japanese Franciscan tertiaries, and the Japanese Jesuit Paul Miki with his servants. Their ears were cropped on January 3, 1597, followed by a parade through Kyoto. On January 21, they were transported to Osaka, and then to Nagasaki, arriving on February 5, 1597. They were taken to a mountain near Nagasaki, known as the "Mount of the Martyrs," where they were bound upon crosses and pierced with spears.
Veneration and Legacy
The bones of Philip of Jesus were brought to Mexico City in 1598. He was beatified by Pope Urban VIII in 1627 and canonized by Pope Pius IX on June 8, 1862, along with his companions. Philip of Jesus is recognized as the first Mexican Catholic saint and is the patron saint of Mexico City. His life and death were portrayed in the 1949 Mexican film "Philip of Jesus."
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Philip of Jesus?
Philip of Jesus, born Felipe de las Casas Ruiz in Mexico City, was a Spanish Franciscan missionary. He became one of the Twenty-six Martyrs of Japan and is recognized as the first Mexican Catholic saint.
Why is Philip of Jesus significant?
He is significant as the first Mexican Catholic saint and the patron saint of Mexico City. His martyrdom in Japan highlights the early spread of Christianity and the risks faced by missionaries.
How did Philip of Jesus become a martyr?
His ship, the San Felipe, was driven ashore in Japan, leading to the arrest of its passengers and crew due to suspicions of an intended invasion. Philip, along with other friars, was subsequently arrested and executed by crucifixion and spearing.
When was Philip of Jesus canonized?
Philip of Jesus was beatified in 1627 by Urban VIII and canonized on June 8, 1862, by Pius IX along with his companions.
What is Philip of Jesus's connection to Mexico?
Philip of Jesus was born in Mexico City, making him the first Mexican Catholic saint. His bones were brought back to Mexico City in 1598, and he is the patron saint of the city.
Related Saints
Cassian of Imola
Saint Cassian of Imola was a 4th-century Christian schoolmaster martyred by his own students. He is remembered for his staunch refusal to sacrifice to Roman gods, leading to his brutal death by stabbing with styli. His feast day is celebrated on August 13th.
James Kisai
James Kisai, also known as Diego Kisai or Jacobo Kisai, was a Japanese Jesuit lay brother and one of the 26 Martyrs of Japan. He is remembered for his martyrdom in Nagasaki, where he was crucified and lanced to death on February 5, 1597, alongside Paul Miki and John Soan de Goto.
Paul Miki
Paul Miki was a Japanese Catholic evangelist and Jesuit known for his martyrdom during a 16th-century anti-Catholic uprising. He is recognized as one of the Twenty-six Martyrs of Japan and was canonized by Pope Pius IX in 1862. Miki is remembered for his unwavering faith and forgiveness of his executioners.