Saint John Kisaka

John Kinuya was a member of the Third Order of St. Francis who died as a martyr in Japan in 1597. When persecution against Catholics intensified, he and 25 companions—8 priests and religious and 17 laypeople—were arrested, insulted, and severely tortured. They were eventually crucified in Nagasaki on February 5, 1597, while rejoicing in the grace of dying in the same manner as Jesus. He is honored by the Catholic Church as a saint and martyr. His feast day and that of his fellow martyrs is celebrated annually on February 6.