Blessed Apolinar Franco

Memorial

• 12 September

Profile

Franciscan Friars Minor (Observants) priest. Missionary to Japan during the 17th century when Christianity was a capital offense. Imprisoned soon after his arrival, Apollinar spent over five years on death row during which he converted his jailers, ministered to other prisoners, and spread the Word of God.

Born

• 1575 in Aguilar del Campo, Palencia, Spain

Died

• burned alive on 12 September 1622 at Omura, Nagasaki, Japan

Beatified

• decree of martyrdom promulgated on 26 February 1866 by Pope Pius IX
• beatificiation celebrated on 7 May 1867 by Pope Pius IX

Canonized

• if you have information relevant to the canonization of Blessed Apolinar, contact
     Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Japan
     2-10-10 Shiomi Koto-ku
     Tokyo 135-8585, JAPAN
        - or -
     Causa de Canonização dos Mártires do Japão
     na Estrada da Torre
     26 – 1750-296 Lisboa, PORTUGAL