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This week in Christian history: Samurai beatified; controversial theologian born

By Michael Gryboski, Editor

Japanese Christian samurai beatified – Feb. 8, 2017 

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 beatified.

Takayama was baptized as a child and took the name "Justo" in honor of Saint Justin Martyr. As an adult, he was exiled for his faith in 1614, eventually moving to Manila, Philippines.

In the Catholic tradition, beatification is considered the first step toward attaining sainthood, took place at a Mass in ‎Osaka, Japan, and was presided over by Cardinal Angelo Amato, prefect of the Vatican's ‎Congregation for the Causes of Saints.

"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," explained Fr. Anton Witwer, a general postulator of the Society of Jesus, as reported by The Catholic News Agency in 2017.

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