Blessed Leonard Kimura was also referred to as Leonardo or Leonardus Chimurra.
He was a Jesuit Lay Catechist born in 1575 in Nagasaki, Japan.
He died as a martyr on November 18 1619 at the age of 44 at Nishizaka hill, Nagasaki, Japan.
We celebrate his feast day on November 18 every year in the Catholic Church.
Blessed Leonard Kimura Biography | |
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Date of Birth | 1575 AD |
Place of Birth | Nagasaki, Japan |
Profession | Jesuit Lay Catechist |
Place of Work | Nagasaki |
Date of Death | November 18 1619 |
Place of Death | Nishizaka hill, Nagasaki, Japan |
Feast Day | November 18 |
Beatification | By Pope Pius IX on May 7 1867 in Rome, Italy |
Patron Saint of |
Blessed Leonard Kimura Life History
Blessed Leonard Kimura, born around 1575 in Nagasaki, Japan, came from a Christian background.
His grandfather, who was the first Japanese person to be baptized by Saint Francis Xavier, introduced Leonard to the Christian faith. In his early years, Leonard attended the Jesuit school in Nagasaki and grew to be a devout Christian.
He was also related to Blessed Anthony Kimura. Leonard actively served as a lay catechist and joined Jesuit priests on their missionary journeys.
As a Jesuit Co-adjutor Brother, he took on various responsibilities, including working as a cook and tailor.
When the Jesuits were expelled from Japan in 1614, Leonard chose to remain in the country, living as a fugitive for many years, resolutely adhering to his faith.
In 1619, he was captured along with a small group of fellow Christians. At his trial, he was offered 200 pieces of silver if he would reveal the whereabouts of a Jesuit priest. Leonard’s response was courageous; he stated, “I know one Jesuit; he is a Co-adjutor Brother and not a priest, and I am that Brother.”
His honesty led to his imprisonment, where he continued his mission as a catechist, converting both jailers and fellow prisoners.
Within the confines of the prison, he established a Christian community with set times for prayer and meditation.
Leonard’s unwavering commitment to his faith ultimately led to his martyrdom. He was burned alive and died as a martyr before a crowd of 20,000 people at Nishizaka, Nagasaki, Japan, on November 18, 1619.
His sacrifice was recognized, and he was beatified on May 7, 1867, by Pope Pius IX.
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