Piotr Rinshei was a Japanese Jesuit brother and catechist who lived from 1588 to 1626. During a period of intense religious persecution in Japan, he worked alongside Jesuit missionaries to spread the Catholic faith. Following the arrest of his superiors and fellow believers, he was imprisoned in Shimabara. He eventually met his death in Nagasaki, where he was executed alongside members of a prayer community for his religious convictions.
Life and death
After completing his studies at a mission school in Arima, Rinshei served as a catechist. He worked closely with Father Franciszek Pacheco, even becoming a member of the Society of Jesus through special permissions. In late 1625, an informant led to the arrest of Rinshei and several others. After being held in prison, the group was moved to Nagasaki, where they were burned alive on a hill on June 20, 1626.
Veneration
He is recognized as a martyr for the faith. In 1867, Pope Pius IX beatified him as part of a group of 204 companions, including the martyrs of the Society of Jesus. Within the Catholic Church, he is commemorated on his feast day, June 20.