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Feast Day: September 16
Death: September 1, 16
Blessed Dominic Shobyoye, also known as Dominic Shibioge or Dominicus, was a Dominican lay tertiary born in Nagasaki, Japan. Although specific details about his early life and background remain unknown, his remarkable contributions during a time of severe persecution make him a revered figure in Catholicism.
During the 17th century, Japan was undergoing a period of intense persecution against Christians. Despite the risks involved, Blessed Dominic Shobyoye bravely chose to shelter and support missionaries who were targeted by authorities for spreading the Catholic faith.
With unwavering courage and deep conviction, Blessed Dominic opened his home to these missionaries, providing them with sanctuary and necessary assistance. At great personal risk, he supplied them with basic necessities, shelter, and encouragement, ensuring their safety in a hostile environment. His selfless dedication to protecting and supporting these men of the cloth highlights his exceptional faith and commitment to the Christian cause.
Sadly, as the authorities continued to crack down on Christians, Blessed Dominic Shobyoye eventually fell victim to the wave of persecution. On 16 September 1628, he was brutally beheaded in his hometown of Nagasaki for his refusal to renounce his faith. His martyrdom serves as a poignant testament to his unyielding devotion to Christ and the Church.
Blessed Dominic Shobyoye's martyrdom did not go unnoticed, and his virtuous life and heroic sacrifice came to be venerated by the Catholic Church. On 26 February 1866, Pope Pius IX declared him a martyr through a formal decree. He was later beatified on 7 May 1867, firmly establishing his status as a blessed within the Catholic Church.
While specific details regarding Blessed Dominic Shobyoye's personal life and other aspects of his biography may be scarce, his unwavering commitment to his faith and the sheltering of missionaries during a time of persecution have made him a source of inspiration and devotion for Catholics around the world.