December 11
Martin of Saint Nicholas and Melchior of Saint Augustine, priests and martyrs (+1632)
Martyrs
Augustinian Recollect missionaries and martyrs in Japan, Martin of Saint Nicholas and Melchior of Saint Augustine together brought the Gospel to a persecuted community.
Biography
Both Spaniards had worked in the Philippines: Martín as a novice teacher and Melchior in difficult missions in Mindanao. Moved by the desire to support the Japanese Christians, they set sail from Manila in August 1632. As soon as they arrived in Nagasaki they were denounced, arrested and locked in a dark cell. They refused to abandon the faith and were burned alive on December 11, encouraging each other until the end.
Practical advice
Support a colleague today in a difficult task and prevent him from having to face the hardest moment alone.
Example of
FortitudeFaithfulnessSacrifice