Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 84)
R. How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!
Blessed they who dwell in your house! continually they praise you.
O God, behold our shield, and look upon the face of your anointed.
R. How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020624.cfm
Saint Paul Miki (1562-1597) and the first martyrs of Japan is a fascinating chapter is the history of the missions. We should never discount the lasting impact of the enduring faith and courage of the martyrs. I remember seeing their story on the walls of the Cathedral in Cuernavaca, Mexico. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuernavaca_Cathedral. Saint Felipe de Jesús, the first Mexican saint, was one of the companion martyrs.
These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
Saint Paul Miki, presbyter & martyr, and companions, martyrs, February 6
