Blessed Thomas Tsuji

Memorial

• 6 September

Profile

Born to the Japanese nobility. Educated by Jesuits at Arima, he joined the Society in 1587. Thomas traveled Japan and became known for his eloquent, persuasive preaching. His vocation was cut short when he was arrested and exiled to Macao because of his religion. Thomas returned to Japan in disguise and resumed his missionary work. He was soon recaptured and imprisoned for a year. Sentenced to death for his faith, he refused to use his family connections to gain his freedom. Martyr.

Born

• c.1571 in Sonogi, Nagasaki, Japan

Died

• burned at the stake on 7 September 1627 at Nagasaki, Japan

Beatified

• 7 July 1867 by Pope Pius IX

Canonized

• if you have information relevant to the canonization of Blessed Thomas, 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

Readings

Praise the Lord of All Nations! - Blessed Thomas’ dying words