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Feast Day: February 16
Death: February 16, 1624
Blessed Franciscus Toyama Jintaro was a young layman of the diocese of Hiroshima, Japan, and a martyr. Born around the year 1600 in Yamanashi, Japan, not much is known about his early life. However, it is evident that he lived during a time of great turmoil for Christians in Japan.
During the 17th century, Christianity faced severe persecution in Japan due to political and social changes. The ruling class became increasingly wary of the influence that the Christian faith held over its people, leading to the banning of Christianity and the subsequent persecution of its followers.
Franciscus Toyama was one of many Japanese Catholics who remained steadfast in their faith despite the risks involved. As a layman, he dedicated himself to spreading the teachings of Catholicism and supporting his fellow believers in the diocese of Hiroshima.
In 1624, when Franciscus Toyama was still a young man, he was arrested in Hiroshima for openly practicing Christianity. The authorities sought to suppress the Catholic faith, and anyone found engaging in its activities was subjected to extreme punishment, including imprisonment, torture, and death.
On February 16, 1624, Franciscus Toyama Jintaro became one of the countless martyrs who gave their lives in defense of their faith during this tumultuous period in Japanese history. He was executed for refusing to renounce his belief in the Catholic Church, choosing instead to remain true to his convictions until the very end.
Recognizing his unwavering faith and his ultimate sacrifice, Pope Benedict XVI declared Franciscus Toyama Jintaro venerable on June 1, 2007. On November 24, 2008, the same pope beatified him, a ceremony presided over by Cardinal José Saraiva Martins at the Nagasaki Prefectural Baseball Park (Big N Stadium) in Nagasaki, Japan.
Blessed Franciscus Toyama Jintaro serves as a reminder of the bravery and resilience of the Japanese Catholic community during a time of immense persecution. His memory continues to inspire and strengthen the faith of believers in Japan and around the world.