Blessed Thomas Tsuji was born in 1570 near Omura, Japan. He was educated by the Jesuits and entered the Society of Jesus. Thomas traveled Japan and became very popular and persuasive preacher. When the edict of 1614 ordered all Catholic priests be banished, Father Tsuji went to Macao and remained there for four years. He left the Jesuits for one dark day but then repented and gave himself utterly to the Christian cause in the islands. Seized by authorities, he was burned alive at Nagaski with several companions after refusing to allow his family to buy his freedom. He died in 1627 and was beatified in 1867 along with 205 martyrs of Japan.
