Saint Philip of Jesus (San Felipe de Jesús) was a Franciscan missionary who died as one of the Twenty-six Martyrs of Japan, in the early years of the ban on Christianity in that country. Philip was born in Mexico City. He joined the Franciscan Order but soon grew tired of religious life. He travelled to the Philippines, where he led a life of secular pleasures and trade. Later he re-entered the Franciscan Order at Manila. Heading back to Mexico in 1596, a storm crashed the ship into the coast of Japan. The Japanese imprisoned the crew and passengers, and they were all taken to Nagasaki. Christianity had been banned in Japan in 1587. Thus the six Franciscan friars – including Philip – along with 20 other religious men, were executed in public, by crucifixion, and then stabbed with spears.Philip was made a saint by the pope in 1862. He is the first Mexican saint and patron saint of Mexico City. Many images of him were created for churches and devotees. These works of art still exist and are often seen in churches, museums and private collection in Manila, Nagasaki, and Mexico City.
