Bartolomé Gutierrez, priest and martyr (1580–1632)

Biography

At a very young age he entered the Order of Saint Augustine. Already a priest, he asked to be sent to the missions. In Manila he first held the position of master of novices for six years. Finally, in 1612, he embarked for Japan. In 1613, Emperor Taicosama expelled all missionaries. Bartolomé returned to Manila, but at the request of his followers, after five years he was able to return in disguise to Japan, where he worked for fifteen years. Finally, betrayed, they apprehended him, and after very cruel torture. They made him die over low heat on September 3, 1632.