Vincent Shiwozuka
Saint Vincent Shiwozuka of the Cross was a Japanese Dominican martyr and one of the 16 Martyrs of Japan. He was born in Nagasaki around 1576 and began his religious studies with Jesuit missionaries. After being expelled from Japan, he continued his studies in Manila, was ordained a priest, and later joined the Dominican Order before returning to Japan where he was martyred.
- Feast Day
- September 29
- Century
- 17th century
- Country Or Region
- Japan
Key Facts
- ›Vincent Shiwozuka was born into a Catholic Japanese family in Nagasaki around 1576.
- ›He began his studies with Jesuit missionaries at age nine and later became a catechist.
- ›In 1614, he was expelled from Japan by Shogun Tokugawa.
- ›He was ordained a priest in Manila, Philippines, in 1619.
- ›He returned to Japan in 1636 and was captured by Japanese authorities.
- ›Vincent was beheaded on Nishizaka Hill on September 29, 1637.
Saint Vincent Shiwozuka of the Cross
About Vincent Shiwozuka
Vincent Shiwozuka of the Cross
Saint Vincent Shiwozuka of the Cross (1576 - September 29, 1637) was a Japanese Dominican martyr and is recognized as one of the 16 Martyrs of Japan. His life and death exemplify the profound faith and resilience of early Christians in Japan during a period of intense persecution.
Early Life and Ministry
Born into a devout Catholic family in Nagasaki around 1576, Vincent began his religious education at the age of nine with Jesuit missionaries, eventually serving as a catechist for the order. His path was irrevocably altered in 1614 when Shogun Tokugawa issued a decree expelling all missionaries from Japan, which also led to Vincent's expulsion.
Life in Exile and Return to Japan
Following his expulsion, Vincent continued his theological studies in Manila, Philippines. He was ordained a priest in 1619. Although he desired to return to his homeland, a serious illness prevented him from doing so immediately. During this time, he became a Franciscan tertiary, dedicated himself to teaching the Japanese language to missionaries preparing for service in Japan, and ministered to the Japanese community in Manila. In 1636, an opportunity arose for him to return to Japan. Before departing the Philippines, he requested admission to the Dominican Order. He then embarked on a mission to Japan with a group of Dominicans and laymen, including Lorenzo Ruiz and Lazarus of Kyoto.
Martyrdom
Upon their arrival in Okinawa at the end of June 1636, the group faced immediate and severe persecution. They were captured by Japanese authorities and held for nearly a year. On September 13, 1637, Vincent, along with two other companions, was transported to Nagasaki. There, they were offered money to renounce their faith, which they refused. Despite a moment of weakness where he declared his renunciation under duress, Vincent deeply regretted it upon returning to his cell and never wavered again. Consequently, he was sentenced to death. On September 29, 1637, Vincent was taken to Nishizaka Hill, where he endured Ana-tsurushi, crucifixion, and beatings before being beheaded.
Canonization and Legacy
Vincent Shiwozuka was beatified by Pope John Paul II on February 18, 1981, in Manila, Philippines, alongside Lorenzo Ruiz and their companions. The same group was canonized by Pope John Paul II on October 18, 1987. He is venerated as a martyr for his steadfast commitment to Christianity in the face of extreme adversity.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Saint Vincent Shiwozuka born?
Saint Vincent Shiwozuka was born into a Catholic Japanese family in Nagasaki sometime around 1576.
What was Saint Vincent Shiwozuka's early religious training?
When Vincent was nine years old, he began his studies with Jesuit missionaries and later became a catechist for the order.
Why was Vincent Shiwozuka expelled from Japan?
In 1614, Shogun Tokugawa issued an order expelling all missionaries from Japan, and Vincent was among those removed.
What happened to Vincent Shiwozuka in the Philippines?
In Manila, Vincent continued his studies, was ordained a priest in 1619, became a Franciscan tertiary, taught Japanese to missionaries, and served Japanese living in Manila. Before returning to Japan in 1636, he requested admission to the Dominican Order.
How did Saint Vincent Shiwozuka die?
On September 29, 1637, Vincent was taken to Nishizaka Hill, subjected to crucifixion and beatings, and was finally beheaded.
Related Saints
René Goupil
René Goupil was a French Jesuit lay missionary and surgeon who became a lay brother shortly before his death. He is venerated as the first North American Martyr of the Roman Catholic Church and the first canonized Catholic martyr in North America. Goupil is remembered for his martyrdom by a tomahawk blow to the head after ministering to the Huron missions.
Lorenzo Ruiz
Lorenzo Ruiz of Manila was a Filipino Catholic layman and the protomartyr of the Philippines. He is remembered for his refusal to renounce Christianity despite severe torture, leading to his death in Japan in the 17th century. He is the patron saint of the Philippines and the Filipino people.
Simón de Rojas
Simón de Rojas was a Spanish Trinitarian priest and theologian known as the "Apostle of the Ave Maria" for his profound devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He was a spiritual writer, a benefactor of the poor, and founded the Congregation of the Slaves of Mary. He is remembered for his intense Marian devotion and his efforts to spread the "Ave Maria" greeting and rosaries.