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Blessed Justo Takayama Ukon

Japan

Rich in Hope

Exiled and stripped of honor, Blessed Justo Takayama Ukon survived rich in hope. He never hesitated to show his faith in Christ and sacrificed everything for his beliefs. Faith is the only and the greatest possession that is impossible to take away from him. Ukon placed his undying hope and trust in God and walked in the footsteps of Jesus. His remarkable faith is a testament of his unique martyrdom as the Samurai of Christ.

Samurai Robes

This shows the nobility of the Daimyo and being a high-rank Samurai.

“Crucifix Katana Sword”

This signifies his fervent faith as the Samurai of Christ.

Palm Branch

This symbolizes his martyrdom – renouncing all he had and dying in exile.

Firmly holding the “Crucifix Samurai,” nobly standing

This posture exhibits his devotion to holding on to his faith, sacrificing everything to follow Christ.

Saint Alphonsa of the Immaculate Conception

India

Life in Love

Life in love with Christ is a life of embracing the Cross. The exceptional faith of Saint Alphonsa of the Immaculate Conception allowed her to love her Divine Spouse even in her sufferings. She remained faithful and steadfast in prayer and service despite pain and weakness. As Sr. Alphonsa walked in the footsteps of Jesus, human frailty did not prevent her in loving Him and His people tremendously.

Religious Habit

This presents her vocation as a religious of the Franciscan Clarists.

Bible and Rosary

These symbolize her perseverance in faith through prayer and penance even in the midst of deep suffering.

Standing freely with open arms

This expresses her fortitude and faithfulness to God allowing her to overcome every trial.

Saint Joseph Vaz

Sri Lanka

Firm in Faith

Saint Joseph Vaz remained firm in faith in the face of persecution in Sri Lanka. He proclaimed and confessed the faith, in words and deeds, with incomparable and unwavering commitment. His apostolic work includes translating into the local languages the catechism and various prayers to communicate the faith to the people. Fr. Joseph walked in the footsteps of Jesus and paved the way to baptizing 70,000 people, 15 churches, and 400 chapels until his death on January 16, 1711.

Black Cassock, Simple Surplice, and Stole

These signify his humble service as a priest and missionary

Crucifix

This signifies his missionary ardor to proclaim Christ

Bishop’s Mitre and Crozier beside him

These symbolize his apostolic zeal in the pastoral care of Ceylon while preferring to remain a simple missionary priest

Standing firmly, raising and pointing the Crucifix

This shows how he faithfully and firmly proclaimed the faith despite the danger of persecution.

Saint Lorenzo Ruiz

Philippines

Thousand Hopes

Saint Lorenzo Ruiz walked in the footsteps of Jesus and borne witness to the light of faith. His faith moved his heart to offer his life to God even a thousandfold. In the face of persecution and death, a thousand hopes bloomed in his faith. Lorenzo won the crown of martyrdom with his undying faith in God.

Barong Tagalog

This indicates his identity as a Filipino missionary.

Candle

This symbolizes the light of hope even in times of despair.

Rosary

This signifies his devotion to Our Lady of the Holy Rosary and as a member of the Dominican Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary.

Palm Branch

This symbolizes his martyrdom enduring torture and accepting death.

Barefoot, standing prayerfully, looking up to the heavens

This represents his ardent devotion and trust in God

Saint Pedro Calunsod

Philippines

Courageous Faith

Faith gave Saint Pedro Calungsod the courage to proclaim the Gospel despite his young age. His courageous faith did not waver in the piercing spear of lies and persecution. Same courage that allowed him to untiringly teach the truth and the same faith that he kept until the very end. Pedro walked in the footseps of Jesus and confess his faith with his very life.

Kamisa de Tsino

This signifies his zeal and eagerness as a young missionary to the Marianas Islands.

Doctrina Cristiana

This symbolizes his commitment as a young catechist in mission to share his faith

Spear

This instrument of his martyrdom also signifies his vitality to proclaim the Gospel despite persecution.

Palm Branch

This symbolizes his courage to be a missionary at the price of his life.

Walking bravely

This gesture exhibits the missionary zeal of the young Filipino in advancing the Kingdom of God.