LETTER WRITTEN BY SAINT PHILIP OF JESUS ONE NIGHT BEFORE HE DIED

Nagasaki, Japan, February 4, 1597

 Dear parents and friends,

 The night passes quickly. 

 Tomorrow I will be executed on the cross, but I have no fear.

 My thoughts turn to you and my beloved country.

 Now that I am to receive the baptism of blood, I remember that I was baptized in the Cathedral of Mexico, and the times that I attended Mass in San Francisco de los Plateros.

 I regret the years I lost going after my desires, selfish and dissipated. Blessed be God who came to my aid, and helped me realize that it was not worth living for that. I wanted to be a missionary, but now God rewards me before the work granting me to give my life to prove my love. 

 I regret not having returned to Mexico, even for just one day, but I will return. I am sure I will return to tell everyone that true life, which is worth living, is eternal life. 

 Peace and All Good 

 Philip of Jesus

 Prayer:

 "For the cross on which you expired, Saint Philip of Jesus, make the Mexican people find their glory on the Cross!"