Ludovicus Sasada was a Japanese Franciscan priest born in Edo around 1598. Following the execution of his father, he traveled to Mexico to join the Order of Friars Minor, where he began his religious studies. After receiving a special dispensation to be ordained in Manila, he returned to Japan alongside his mentor, Luis Sotelo. His mission ended in martyrdom in 1624 when he was executed by the authorities in Ōmura, becoming one of many Japanese Christians persecuted during the Tokugawa shogunate.
Life and priesthood
Raised in a Christian family in Edo, Sasada's life was deeply affected by the religious bans imposed by the shogunate. After his father was beheaded for his faith, he moved to Mexico to enter a Franciscan convent. He later served as a personal secretary to the bishop-elect Luis Sotelo. Because he had not yet reached the required age, he required a special dispensation to be ordained a priest in Manila before returning to his homeland.
Martyrdom and veneration
In 1622, Sasada returned to Japan disguised as a merchant, but he was soon captured and imprisoned in Ōmura. After nearly two years of captivity, he was sentenced to death. He was executed by being burned at the stake alongside Sotelo. He was beatified by Pope Pius IX in 1867. The Catholic Church commemorates him on August 25, and he is also honored on September 10.