The sun., 1900-07-25
The First Christian Martyr in japan.

To THE EDITOR or The SUN-SiE IL may be
news 10 most Of the readers OF THE SCN. that
the first martyr who shed his blood for Christ
In Japan was one OF the much vilifed Filipino
frars. and also native OF North America
Those who have visited Mexico lately have
doubtless seen the beautiful Church OF st.
Philip built in his honor. which was opened
on Feb. s, 1897 the third centenary OF his mar
tyrdom. All the priests OF the United States
on Feb. S. say the mass and the divine ONCE
Of 81. Philip OF Jesus. as he is called. A short
sketch OF his life is given In the Roman Breviary
and a more extended account in the Messenger
Of the Sacred Heart for August.
On the baptlsma font in the Cathedral OF the
City Of Mexico ia the following inscription:
In this font was baptized the glorious japanese
martyr ST. Philip OF Jesus. native Of this City Of
Mexico. and its patron.
Felipe las Casas was born in 1872. His early
life was not edfyins, Many we're the tears
and prayers OF his mother for his conversion
Hoping that he would do better II he were
removed from his evil companions, hts father
men! % nsIe s In Ife Se Phppne. oHm
was no better than II had been In Mexico. He
sQuandered his fortune, almost ruined his
straits as was the prodiaal Of the Gospel Then
like another Augustine he gave up his wicked
life, turned TO tOd and resolved to serve him
with his whole heart and soul for the rest Of his
life, and he did. He became a Franciscan
fIiar, entering their convent in the city OF
Manila and by word and example he encour-
aged all he came in contact with to be true
followers Of Jesus Christ
After an absence OF several years he left
Cavte TO visit Mexico TO see his parents but
port Of CrandO for repairs. The arrival OF
himself and some fellow friars was Interpreted
Is an attempt or the missionaries 10 prepare
japan for future Nbtugation by spain, II
served the Emperor Taicosams with pretext
frars at Ozaca and Meaco. The tips Of the
ears OF the misstonari ies were cut Of and they
were started on their journey, lasting month,
TO the place OF execution. When they reached
the hill where they were TO die and saw the
twenty-six crosses prepared for them. and the
executioners with their spears and iron bands,
and the crowds OF Japanese waiting for the
execution, the martyrs astOnished the pagans
by tremendous shout OF JOY. Philip could
be heard above the rest as he stretched out his
hand toward the cross on which he was to die,
and cried:
Hail precious cross on which the Redeemsr OF the
world died for me: bessed ,ehfaring, o fortunate
vessel whose shipwreck has been for the cause OF
such great gain
One Of the iron bands with which Philip was
fastened to his cross became displaced caught
him about the neck, aud he was slowly suang-
ling, murmurinE all the while as well as he
could jesus Jesus; one OF the executioners
put an end 10 his spfferipgs by driving a spear
through his body, thus giving him the martyrs
crown ahead OF his twenty-five companions
About quarter of 4 century before the
before the colonies threw on the British yoke the
New World gave the Old Christian martyr
j. F. SHEHAN
Poc.Sr1co HILLS. N. Y. July rs