In October, 1619, the imprisoned Christians were put into carts
drawn by cows, five or six to each cart, and dragged around
the town like the 26 martyrs some years earlier.
Their destination was the execution ground of Rokujo-Kawara.
On the way, the Christians proclaimed their faith and told the
Good News to the people who lined the road.
Sometimes they joined together in prayer and praise to the Lord.
It truly was the march of the saints. The strength of the faith of these people on their way to death was almost palpable.
Nowadays there is a monument on the spot where they were martyred.

It was afternoon when the Christians arrived at Rokujo-Kawara. They rejoiced when they saw the row of crosses set up there.
A crowd had gathered. All eyes were on Tekura.
Tekura descended from the cart with her five children, changed into her finest clothes, put on her veil, and walked towards her cross as though she were going on stage or hurrying to a festival.
Her attitude is surely evidence of her unwavering faith.
No doubt Tekura hoped to be crucified with her children.
She did not hesitate and she was not afraid.
This was because her eyes were turned not towards what was happening here, but towards Heaven.
As a Christian, she was overjoyed to have the opportunity to die a martyr with her family.

I too saw my baby off to Heaven on February 2.
I did not have Tekura’s faith, and could not rejoice at the death of my baby. Nevertheless, learning about martyrdom taught me that death is a momentary and not an eternal separation.
I do not know the face of my own child. However, one day I will meet my child in Heaven.
Heaven is our homeland.
It seemed to me I understood something about Tekura’s feelings as a mother and as a woman.

　　　　　　　　　　　(Esther Atsuji is responsible for the wording of this article.)

　　　　　　　　