St. Philip of Jesus (1572–1597) holds a unique place in history as the protomartyr of Mexico, the first native-born Mexican to be canonized. He began as a restless youth in Mexico City but ended as a missionary in the Far East and ultimately a martyr in Japan.
He is one of the martyrs celebrated as the companions of Japanese Jesuit priest St. Paul Miki. These “Martyrs of Nagasaki” were canonized in 1861 and are honored on February 6 as the “protomartyrs” of the Far East and as the patron saints of Japan. St. Philip of Jesus is also celebrated the day before, on February 5.
From Mexico to the East
Philip de las Casas was born in 1572 in Mexico City, then the capital of New Spain, to a wealthy and deeply religious Spanish family. His parents, Alfonso de las Casas and María del Rincon, ensured that he received a strong Catholic upbringing. However, despite his family’s devotion, Philip was known for his impulsive and restless nature.
At a young age, he was sent to study with the Franciscans in Mexico City, but his lack of discipline made religious life difficult for him. He left the seminary and pursued a secular life for a time, indulging in worldly pleasures. His family, recognizing his lack of direction, decided to send him to the Philippines, where they hoped he would mature and take up a respectable trade.
In 1589, Philip traveled to Manila, where he initially pursued a commercial career. However, despite his earlier resistance to religious life, he eventually felt a renewed calling to serve God. In an unexpected turn of events, he joined the Franciscan Order as a novice.
Before ordination, he first needed to return to Mexico to complete his studies. He boarded a ship bound for Acapulco in 1596, joining a group of Franciscan missionaries. However, divine providence had other plans for him.
Captured in Japan
The ship carrying Philip and his fellow missionaries encountered a violent storm and was wrecked off the coast of Japan. At the time, Japan was undergoing a period of religious tension. Christianity had been introduced by St. Francis Xavier in 1549 and had initially gained many converts. However, by the late 16th century, Japanese rulers viewed Christianity as a threat to their authority and cultural traditions.
Philip and his companions were captured by the Japanese authorities under orders from Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the powerful warlord who had recently begun persecuting Christians. Along with 25 others, including six Franciscan missionaries, three Japanese Jesuits, and 17 Japanese lay Christians, Philip was sentenced to death for spreading Christianity. Among the group were three children, ages 9, 11, and 12 (who had served as altar boys for the missionaries).
On February 5, 1597, Philip and his fellow captives were taken to a hill outside Nagasaki, where they were crucified. The execution was brutal: the martyrs were bound to crosses, and as they hung there, soldiers pierced their bodies with spears.
According to witnesses, Philip showed remarkable courage in his final moments. As he hung on the cross, he reportedly declared his faith and forgiveness for his executioners. He is said to have exclaimed, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!” before taking his last breath.
Philip’s martyrdom was particularly significant because he was the first Mexican-born Catholic to die for his faith. His sacrifice resonated deeply with the people of New Spain.
Today, he is honored as one of the patron saints of Mexico City. His feast day is celebrated on February 5, the anniversary of his martyrdom. Churches, schools, and religious institutions throughout Mexico and beyond bear his name (San Felipe de Jesus) in tribute to his faith and sacrifice.
