Blessed Apollinaris was born in Old Castile, Spain where he joined the Franciscan order. He was sent to Japan to head the Japanese Franciscan mission in 1614, the year that the new Japanese shogun had instituted a nationwide ban on Christianity and declared being a Christian a capital offense.
Friar Apollinaris Franco evangelized covertly until he was arrested in 1617 and thrown into prison in Nagasaki along with other priests and laymen, for five years to await his execution. The conditions in the prison were exceedingly harsh in an attempt to force the prisoners to reject the faith.
Apollinaris ministered to the other prisoners and converted some of the jailers through his example and teaching. On September 12, 1622, he was burned at the stake along with other Franciscans and Jesuits.
BLESSED APOLLINARIS FRANCO
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013
Featured Videos
May
18
Liturgical Calendar
May 18, 2013
Saturday of the Seventh Week of EasterAll readings:
Today »This year »
Catholic Daily
Gospel of the Day
John 21,20-25
Gospel
Date
05/18/13
05/17/13
05/16/13
Homily of the Day
John 21,20-25
Homily
Date
05/18/13
05/17/13
05/16/13
Most Popular
Ads by AdsLiveMedia.com
