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Gabriel De La Madalena was born in Spain.
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Gabriel De La Madalena
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Gabriel De La Madalena first came to Japan as a physician to the Magistrate in Nagasaki, but in 1614 had to leave Japan soon after due to the persecution of Christians by the Shogun. The word "shogun" comes from the Japanese words "sho," meaning "commander," and "gun," meaning "troops." In the 12th century, the shoguns seized power from the Emperors of Japan and became the de facto rulers of the country. The persecution of Christians was caused by the fear of Christian faith wars in Japan, and the cognition that many Christians show greater loyalty among themselves and for the church than for him, the Shōgun.
However, in 1623, when the persecution was most violent, Gabriel De La Madalena managed to re-enter Japan again disguised as a priest with the entourage of Domingo de Erquicia (1589-1633) who was also a missionary from Spain. The latter spent his decade of mission in Japan faithfully preaching the Gospel and administering the sacraments, until he was finally caught by the Japanese authorities and killed through the “gallows and hole” torture. Gabriel De La Madalena managed to remain in Japan for 7 years till he was detected and after two years of imprisonment was burned at the stake in the city of Isahaya located in Nagasaki Prefecture.
He died in 1632 in Japan.
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Spain -
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