Blessed Martín Lumbreras Peralta

Biography

Blessed Martín Lumbreras Peralta, also known as Father Martín of Saint Nicholas, was a Spanish Augustinian Recollect priest and martyr. He was born on December 8, 1598, in Zaragoza, Spain.

Father Martín joined the Augustinian Recollects, a religious order known for its commitment to a contemplative and apostolic life. He dedicated himself to the service of God and others, embodying the teachings of Christ in his daily life. Known for his deep spirituality, humility, and kindness, Father Martín became a beloved member of his religious community.

In the early 17th century, when the Catholic Church faced persecution in Japan, Father Martín volunteered to join a mission to the Far East. He felt a strong calling to spread the Good News and support the Christian community in Japan, despite the great risks involved.

Upon his arrival in Japan, Father Martín began preaching and ministering to the Catholic faithful. However, the Tokugawa Shogunate, in an effort to eliminate Christianity from the country, intensified its persecution of Catholics and foreign missionaries.

Despite the constant danger, Father Martín firmly believed in his mission and continued to serve the Japanese converts, offering them spiritual guidance and celebrating the sacraments. His tireless efforts and courage in the face of persecution gained him great respect and admiration among the local Christian community.

Unfortunately, on December 11, 1632, Father Martín's mission came to a tragic end. He was captured by the authorities in Nagasaki and ultimately sentenced to death. On that fateful day, he was burned alive for his unwavering faith and refusal to renounce his Catholic beliefs.

Father Martín Lumbreras Peralta was recognized for his bravery and martyrdom, and his cause for beatification was eventually opened. On November 28, 1988, Pope John Paul II acknowledged his heroic virtue and issued a decree of martyrdom, thus officially recognizing him as a martyr of the Catholic Church.

Less than a year later, on April 23, 1989, Pope John Paul II beatified Father Martín Lumbreras Peralta, declaring him blessed. His life and sacrifice serve as an enduring inspiration for believers, reminding them of the price that some faithful have paid for the sake of their faith.

Though details about his personal life remain scarce, the spiritual legacy of Blessed Martín Lumbreras Peralta is marked by his unwavering commitment to Christ and his ultimate sacrifice for the Church. His example continues to inspire and strengthen the faith of Catholic believers, especially in Japan and among the Augustinian Recollect community.