Glossary

Hundreds of Christians were crucified or otherwise murdered during a period when Christianity was banned in Japan. The first 26 were killed in 1597. Feast day: Feb. 6.

See Blandina.

Nine Australian missionaries and two Papuan Christians who died at the hands of Japanese invaders in 1942. Feast day: Sept. 2.

Thirty-two young men, pages in the court of King Mwanga, were burned alive in 1886 after refusing to renounce Christianity and submit sexually to the king. Feast day: June 3.

These sisters offered hospitality to Jesus. Martha prepared food, while Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to his teaching. Feast day: July 29.

A disciple of Jesus from the Judean city of Magdala, who was the first to witness the resurrected Christ. Feast day: July 22.

The mother of Jesus, Mary is venerated for her humility and obedience to God. Feast day: Aug. 15.

An early morning worship service, the first of the canonical hours, called Morning Prayer in the Daily Offices of the BCP.

A tax collector who became one of the 12 apostles. Said to be the author of the Gospel bearing his name, although many scholars doubt this. Feast day: Sept. 21.

The disciple who replaced Judas Iscariot as one of the 12 apostles. Feast day: Feb. 24.