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Blessed Petrus Kasui Kibe

Blessed

Martyr

Feast Day: July 4

Death: July 1, 4

Biography

Blessed Petrus Kasui Kibe, also known as the Japanese Marco Polo, was born around 1587 in Kibe, Oita, Japan, into a devout Christian family. From a young age, he felt a calling to the priesthood and began his studies at seminary when he was only 13 years old. At the age of 19, he started studying Jesuit spirituality in 1606, immersing himself in the teachings and practices of the Society of Jesus.

However, the Christian community in Japan faced tremendous persecution during this time. In 1614, the Japanese government issued a decree ordering the deportation of Christians, aiming to eradicate the faith from the country. As a result, Blessed Petrus Kibe was forcibly exiled to the Portuguese colony of Macau. During his time in Macau, he dedicated himself to studying Latin and theology, deepening his understanding of the Catholic faith.

Though separated from his homeland, Blessed Petrus Kibe's resolve to become a priest remained unshaken. In 1616, he embarked on a remarkable journey to Rome, Italy, to complete his studies for the priesthood. This arduous undertaking took three years, covering thousands of miles on land and sea. Along the way, he became the first Japanese Christian to visit Jerusalem, leaving a significant mark in the history of Japanese Catholicism.

Arriving in Rome, Blessed Petrus Kibe faced initial resistance from the Jesuits due to a negative recommendation they had received from Macau. However, upon meeting him and assessing his education and suitability for the priesthood, they found him to be an exceptional candidate. On 15 November 1620, Petrus Kibe was ordained a priest at the prestigious Basilica of Saint John Lateran.

After his ordination, Blessed Petrus Kibe continued his studies with the Jesuits in Rome and took his vows as a Jesuit in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1622. The following year, he embarked on a journey to India with a group of fellow Jesuits, reaching the Portuguese enclave of Goa in 1624. Despite his desire to return to Japan and serve his fellow Christians, Japan had closed its doors to foreign missionaries, strictly forbidding their entry.

In 1630, after numerous attempts to find a means to return to Japan, Blessed Petrus Kibe succeeded in securing passage on a ship from Manila, Philippines, to Kagoshima, Japan. Upon his arrival, he embarked on an arduous journey, hiding from authorities and ministering to covert Christians in northeast Japan for the next nine years.

During his clandestine work, Blessed Petrus Kibe faced constant threats and dangers, as the Japanese authorities were actively seeking to eliminate Christianity from the country. However, despite the risks, he remained steadfast in his mission, encouraging and supporting the persecuted Christians he encountered.

Tragically, on 4 July 1639, Blessed Petrus Kibe was captured and imprisoned in Edo, modern-day Tokyo. It was during his imprisonment that he had the opportunity to meet with Cristóvão Ferreira, a former Jesuit missionary who had renounced Christianity under torture. Ferreira attempted to persuade Petrus Kibe to abandon his faith, but the brave priest remained resolute, offering prayers and support to his fellow prisoners instead.

For his refusal to renounce Christianity and his unwavering dedication to his beliefs, Blessed Petrus Kibe faced severe torture at the hands of his captors. Despite the physical agony, he never wavered in his commitment and continued to inspire his fellow prisoners to hold on to their faith.

Finally, on that fateful day, Blessed Petrus Kibe was martyred, run through with a spear on 4 July 1639. His ultimate sacrifice and steadfast faith became a powerful symbol of courage and resilience in the face of persecution.

Recognizing the extraordinary devotion and martyrdom of Blessed Petrus Kasui Kibe, Pope Benedict XVI declared him venerable on 1 June 2007, acknowledging his heroic virtue. Later, on 24 November 2008, Pope Benedict XVI beatified him, bestowing upon him the title of "Blessed." The beatification recognition ceremony was conducted at the Nagasaki Prefectural Baseball Park in Nagasaki, Japan, presided over by Cardinal José Saraiva Martins.

Blessed Petrus Kasui Kibe's life and martyrdom are a testament to his unwavering faith, exemplary courage, and sacrificial love for his fellow believers. His indomitable determination to bring the light of Christ to the people of Japan continues to inspire Christians worldwide, especially those facing adversity and persecution.