Every organization—and every person—needs an unchanging point of reference. This becomes the organization's North Star, building confidence on nights when the skies are clear, and pointing the way on stormy nights even if only with glimpses.

This unchanging point of reference is the organization’s mission. When every person within the organization places that mission above all personal ambitions and politics, truly amazing things start to happen.

What is the mission of the Catholic Church? To build the Kingdom of God and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth.

Blessed Peter Manrique de Zuniga placed this mission at the center of his life. 

Born in 1589 in La Rioja, Spain, Peter belonged to a noble family. Despite his aristocratic background, he felt a profound calling to religious life and chose to join the Order of Preachers, also known as the Dominicans, at a young age. He wanted to proclaim the Gospel as far as the other side of the world—so he set out for Japan.

He stealthily entered the country, as the government had outlawed Christianity and was actively persecuting Christians. In this hostile environment, Peter carried out his missionary work in secret, ministering the sacraments to hidden Christians in plain-looking huts. When someone wanted to be baptized, he welcomed them knowing there was a good chance they were a government spy. As a result, he was constantly evading the authorities from town to town.

Ultimately, Blessed Peter Manrique de Zuniga was captured and put to death for living out the mission of the Church.

To build the Kingdom of God and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That is the mission of the Church. You and I share in that mission. We are called to place it above our own personal ambitions and stay committed to it no matter what obstacles come. If we do that, amazing things will start to happen.

Feast Day: March 2

Feast Day Shared By: Saint Chad of Mercia

Beatified: May 7, 1867

Canonized By: Pope Pius IX