CBCP: 16th-century ‘Japinoy’ samurai could be beatified in 2015

A "Japanese-Filipino" samurai who lived in the 16th and 17th centuries could be beatified by 2015, after Japanese Catholic Church officials submitted documents to the Vatican, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines said.

The CBCP said Japan’s Episcopal Conference submitted to the Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints more requirements for the sainthood of Ukon Takayama, who lived and died in the Philippines.

“First, he clung to his faith without having doubts, without being swayed by any temporary wealth. He followed Jesus Christ at all times, and he lived a Christian life, according to the Gospel,” the CBCP quoted Bishop Joseph Mitsuaki Takami of the Nagasaki diocese as telling Rome Reports.

Dubbed the “Samurai of Christ,” Takayama was born in Nara about 1552 and was raised a Catholic.

But while hostility against the “Western religion” grew at the time, Takayama’s family kept their faith.

“They ordered him to abandon his faith, but instead Takayama Ukon abandoned his social status, his wealth, his land, his castle. He left behind all his properties, and was even expelled. Many of his values are still valid for us all today,” Takami said.

With 300 others, Takayama sought refuge in the Philippines. He found sanctuary in Manila’s Dilao (Paco) district and was renamed Dom Justo.

Takayama, an “honorary Filipino,” died in 1615 in Manila. "The Spanish government gave him a burial worthy of a Christian and a samurai," the CBCP said.

A statue of Takayama in full samurai gear stands in Paco's Plaza Dilao. — Joel Locsin/BM, GMA News