Farewell, Father and Son…John Goto 2

They were John Goto who entrusted to his father salvation of lost souls and missionary work at the hour he himself was going to martyr, and his father who accepted and answered unwaveringly. Both of them were considering about missionary work.  The father was quite content and glad to know the faith of his son, who was mentioning about salvation to lost souls before he would be martyred. The faith of his son, who had been glad with prayer and love until that moment, came out in troubles, martyrdom God gave.  It was a wonderful blessing.

Farewell, Father and Son…John Goto 1

 At that precise moment, the father of John Goto had come to bid him last farewell.
He said to his father.
"Look well to it, sir my father, there is nothing more important than salvation. I wish that you never get careless or neglect."
"My son, you're right. I never neglect. See that you have much courage and get filled with strength at this hour and die joyfully, for you die in the service of God. We will be happy to watch you're going to die. Both I and your mother are also prepared to give up our lives to Christ for the love of Our Lord, if it is necessary."

Martyrdom

First, Paul Miki ,a friar, made a confession, and then James Kisai and John Goto ( also called Joan Soan) made confession. When these two finished their confession, Priest Pasio permitted them to be formal members of the Jesuit.

Martyrdom

On the way, they had a break for a while at the hospital for leprosy in Urakami, where Father Pasio, the Jesuit, was waiting. He was there to hear confession of three members of Jesuit.

Martyrdom

Their journey which started from Kyoto would be over soon. Leaving Togitsu they spent their last night on the earth, they started to walk as soon as the day broke. They were on and on walking toward the hill of Nishizaka, the place of execution.

Martyrdom

Wednesday, February 5th, 1597, the day 26 Saints of Martyrs were supposed to be martyred was finally here.  

Last Wish 10

Last Wish 10

But twenty-six martyrs had nothing they had lost. They returned with glorious victory on the hill of Nishizaka to meet Jesus Christ Himself.

Last Wish 9

Last Wish 9

Like Pilatus who let people dominate Jesus with fear of people and purpose to keep his position,  Hanzaburo got afraid of Hideyoshi and refused wishes of martyrs to keep his own position.

Last Wish 8

Last Wish 8

Their last wishes weren't granted at all.

Last Wish 7

Last Wish 7

"But, only three of the Jesuit,Paul Miki, James Kisai, and Joan Soan, are given permission to make a cofession. A priest is to come to the hospital for leprosy in Urakami for that purpose."

Last Wish 6

Last Wish 6

"The permission to attend Mass and take Communion can't be given."

Last Wish5

Last Wish5

However, Hanzaburo, who was always afraid of reproof from Hideyoshi, countermanded the promise he did after they reached here, "We can't stay execution until Friday, February 7th. The execution would be put in effect immediately on Wednesday 5th, today."

Last Wish 4

Last Wish 4

When Paul Miki asked Hanzaburo Terazawa with these wishes in Karatsu, Hanzaburo willingly permitted. He agreed since Hanzaburo and Paul Miki were old friends.

Last Wish3

Last Wish3

"We wish to have a time we make a confession before a priest in Nagasaki" "We wish all of us would attend Mass to take Communion."