Prior to being falsely accused of killing a Spaniard, Lorenzo Ruiz lived a contented and religious life with his wife and three children. He sought asylum on board a ship with Dominican missionaries. Once they were underway he learned that they were going to Japan during a time of intense Christian persecution. Soon after landing at Okinawa, they were discovered, arrested, and taken to Nagasaki. They endured brutal tortures for days. These methods brought some of his companions to recant their faith.
