Google Preferred SourcesComments
ForumsShare

This week in Christian history: Constantinople falls, Sojourner Truth becomes a preacher

By Michael Gryboski, Editor Twitter

Christian daimyo baptized – June 1, 1563

Justo Ukon Takayama (1552-1615) was a Japanese Christian daimyo who was expelled from Japan for his religious beliefs.
Justo Ukon Takayama (1552-1615) was a Japanese Christian daimyo who was expelled from Japan for his religious beliefs. | Public Domain

This week marks the anniversary of when Justo Ukon Takayama, a Japanese military leader and political figure exiled from his homeland due to his Christian beliefs, was baptized.

Baptized at the age of 11 and taking the name “Justo” in honor of Saint Justin Martyr, Takayama was later pressured by Chancellor Toyotomi Hideyoshi to renounce his beliefs; eventually, he was exiled for his faith to the Philippines.  

In 2017, Takayama was beatified at a mass held in Osaka, Japan, that was presided over by Cardinal Angelo Amato, prefect of the Vatican's ‎Congregation for the Causes of Saints. Beatification is the first step to sainthood in the Catholic tradition.

"Since Takayama died in exile because of the weaknesses caused by the maltreatments he suffered in his homeland, the process for beatification is that of a martyr," noted Fr. Anton Witwer, a general postulator of the Society of Jesus, as reported by The Catholic News Agency at the time.

Follow Michael Gryboski on Twitter or Facebook

Was this article helpful?

Become a CP Insider.
Help keep The Christian Post free for everyone.

The truth has a cost, and Insiders help carry it.
A dollar from an Insider comes with no strings attached. It keeps our reporters on the story, keeps our journalism open to everyone, and keeps every editorial decision in the newsroom, where it belongs.

Become a CP Insider and choose the amount you want to pay. You can change, pause or cancel anytime. As a thank-you, you’ll get:

  • The Insider Newsletter, a members-only monthly letter from our newsroom

  • Ad-free reading across christianpost.com


From as low as $8.25/month
Prefer to give once?

We’re sorry to hear that.

Hope you’ll give us another try and check out some other articles.
Return to homepage.

Most Popular

More Articles