Blessed Peter Paul Novarra
- Also known as
- Paul Novarro
- Memorial
- 1 November
- Profile
- Joined the Jesuits in Naples in 1578.
Ordained in Goa, India.
Missionary to Japan.
Became fluent in Japanese, and lived as much like a native as he could, wanting to show that Christianity was no threat to a Japanese lifestyle.
An imperial edict in 1614 expelled all foreigners.
Instead of leaving, Peter went into hiding so he could minister to the converts he had made.
Travelled the country disguised as a beggar, wood seller, farmer, and peddler in order to conduct covert Masses.
Wrote on the faith, and translated Christian works into Japanese.
Arrested by priest hunters in December 1621 along with two catechists, Peter Onizzuca Sandaju and Denis Fugiscima, and a layman, Clement Kuijemon.
Condemned to death by the Shogun on 27 October 1622.
Celebrated Mass and ordained his two catechists as Jesuit priests in the hours just before his execution.
- Born
- 1560 at Calabria, Italy
- Died
- burned alive on 1 November 1622 at Ximabara, Japan;
died praying the Litany of Our Lady
- Beatified
- 1867 by Pope Pius IX
- Canonized
- pending
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