The Face of Christ
Silence (Library Edition)The evolving image of Christ in Rodrigues' mind.
increasing
Bearing strength in each event
decreasing
Bearing strength in each eventdecreasingIdealized Image
Idealized Image
The Beautiful Face
Rodrigues always imagined the face of Christ as beautiful, strong, and gentle. He was fascinated by it like a lover.
The Source of Strength
This face gave him courage during the journey and hiding.
Significance
The Trampled Face
The Trampled Face
The Worn-Down Image
The fumie showed a concave, exhausted face, worn by many feet. It was not beautiful but pitiful.
The Voice of Suffering
This face told Rodrigues to trample, sharing his pain. The idealized Christ became the suffering Christ.
Significance
Throughout his life
The moment of apostasy, September 1638
