How did a Japanese samurai-commander become a patron saint in the Philippines? Blessed Justo Takayama Ukon was a powerful samurai (Japanese warrior) known for his military prowess and his deep Christian faith. In Japan he built churches as well as castles, and he was responsible for the conversion of thousands of Japanese to the Faith. His zeal and unwavering devotion caught the ire of the ruling lords of Japan who subsequently outlawed the Christian Faith, and martyred or banished the Christian population. Blessed Justo and his family were exiled to Manila, where they arrived on December 21^st, 1614. The harsh treatment before his exile, and the ill-fated and grueling travel weakened Blessed Justo and he would succumb to illness and injury soon after arriving in his final home of Manila, on February 3^rd, 1615. He died a martyr’s death for the hatred of the Faith. In 1630 the Archdiocese of Manila submitted their first investigation for the cause of canonization of Justo Takayama Ukon. The political situation in Japan made the investigation impossible for centuries. Just over 400 years after his death, Pope Francis approved Blessed Justo Takayama Ukon’s beatification. He was beatified on February 7^th, 2017, and his Feast Day is February 3^rd.