Footprints of Juan Naito, Christian feudal lord
during the Warring States period (No.4)
The following year, Juan moved to Kaga where he entrusted himself to Takayama
Ukon, who lived in Maeda Toshiie's household. Nanban temple, in Kanazawa,
was completed three years later. Then he worked for missionary work with
Ukon.
Seven years after that, Ieyasu issued an edict banning Christianity. Retainers
of the shogun who were discovered to be Christians lost their posts and
were banished. Two years later a directive was issued for a purge of Christians
and Juan was sent to Nagasaki with Ukon in winter. There Juan met his sister
Julia again. Juan arrived at Manila in the Philippines and was warmly welcomed
by Silva, the Governor-General of Manila. However, Ukon fell sick and died.
Silva gave Juan a territory called San Miguel and there Juan set to work
to translate medical and religious texts and missionary works into the
Filipino language. His sister Julia built a convent for women and retained
her faith all her life. Even today, Filipino women still maintain Julia's
faith. After twelve years in Manila Juan was called home to heaven and
Julia was called home the following year.
(Esther Atsuji is responsible for the
wording of this article.)
References:
｢いま甦るジョアン内藤」 広瀬幸雄氏著
「内藤如安に関する年表」各務英明氏著