Saint Lucas Alonso Gorda

Biography

Saint Thomas Hioji Nishi Rokuzaemon, also known as Father Thomas of Saint Hyacinth, was a Dominican missionary priest who dedicated his life to spreading the teachings of the Catholic faith in Formosa (present-day Taiwan) and Japan during a tumultuous period of religious persecution. Saint Thomas Hioji Nishi Rokuzaemon, born in 1590 in Hirado, Nagasaki, Japan, felt a calling to the priesthood at a young age, joining the Dominican Order to pursue his religious vocation. After completing his studies, he was ordained as a priest and soon embarked on a mission to bring the Gospel to the people of Formosa. Father Thomas arrived in Formosa, an island that was primarily inhabited by indigenous tribes, around the year 1611. His arrival marked the beginning of the Dominican mission on the island. Despite facing significant language and cultural barriers, Father Thomas dedicated himself to learning the local dialects and establishing a strong foundation for the Church in Formosa. After spending several years in Formosa, Father Thomas felt a renewed calling to bring the Christian faith to his homeland of Japan. In 1622, he returned to Japan and eagerly began his missionary work, which proved to be challenging and dangerous due to the ongoing persecutions against Christians. The Tokugawa Shogunate, under the rule of Tokugawa Yemitsu, had implemented a strict policy of religious suppression targeting Christianity. Christians were subjected to persecution and forced to renounce their faith, with severe punishments awaiting those who refused. Father Thomas, undeterred by the risks, fearlessly ministered to the hidden Christian communities throughout Japan, providing them spiritual guidance, celebrating the sacraments, and offering solace in times of persecution. As the authorities intensified their efforts to crush the Christian faith, Father Thomas became a target for their relentless pursuit. In 1634, Father Thomas was betrayed by someone within the community and was apprehended by the authorities. Despite enduring brutal torture, Father Thomas remained steadfast in his faith, refusing to renounce the Catholic Church or betray his fellow believers. On November 17, 1634, he was martyred in Nishizaka, Nagasaki, Japan, joining the ranks of the countless Christians who had shed their blood for their beliefs during this era. In recognition of his sacrifice and unwavering devotion to the Catholic faith, Father Thomas Hioji Nishi Rokuzaemon was venerated as a martyr by Pope John Paul II on October 11, 1980. He was subsequently beatified on February 18, 1981, and canonized as a saint on October 18, 1987, by the same pope. Although Saint Thomas Hioji Nishi Rokuzaemon's patronage is not officially designated, his life serves as an inspiration for all those facing persecution and challenges in their own faith journeys. His courageous example of fidelity to the Church and his dedication to sharing the Gospel message continue to inspire believers throughout the world.