St. Felipe de Jesús
First Mexican-born saint, a Franciscan friar shipwrecked in Japan en route from Manila to Mexico for ordination. Caught up in the persecution unleashed by the shogun Toyotomi Hideyoshi, he was crucified at Nagasaki on February 5, 1597, alongside St. Paul Miki and the twenty-four other Martyrs of Japan. He is celebrated each year in his native Mexico City as the city's special heavenly patron.
Life & Times
Also known as: Philip of Jesus; Felipe de las Casas · Born: May 1, 1572 · Died: February 5, 1597 · From: Mexico City, New Spain; Manila; Nagasaki, Japan.
Patronage
St. Felipe de Jesús is invoked as the patron of mexico city, mexico, the indigenous peoples of the americas. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.”— His final words while crucified at Nagasaki, February 5, 1597
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Felipe de Jesús, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.