Japan – New Energy and Enthusiasm for the Catholic community in Japan

09 February 2017
Japan – New Energy and Enthusiasm for the Catholic community in Japan

(ANS – Osaka) – The beatification ceremony of Blessed Justo Takayama Ukon (1552-1615), a Japanese Catholic noble man (daimyo) who died in exile (Manila, Philippines) about 400 years ago, was held in Osaka on Tuesday, 7 February. The Beatification was presided over by Cardinal Angelo Amato, SDB, Prefect of the Congregation for Saints. More than 20 Cardinals and Bishops from different countries attended. Many members of the Salesian Family of Japan, SYM members, and SDB Aspirants accompanied by their formators, were present in the Osaka-Jo Sports Hall.

The liturgy was composed of prayers and songs in different languages including Latin, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Italian and English. That expresses the richness of the faith of the Catholic Church, especially in Osaka and Japan.

The beloved late Bishop Francis Mizobe, SDB, spent a lot of time and energy in research and divulgation of Dom Justo’s life and spirit.  Just two years ago he said: "Through many challenges and difficulties, Justo experienced conversion. Under persecution, he freely chose the glory of God, not secular wealth or honour as a local lord. And he lived everyday sincerely and calmly with prayer and kindness to the others. He was not executed but martyred slowly. Justo shows us that to be a martyr is not only to die through execution, but also in prayer to live life sincerely every day for the Lord Jesus, for ourselves and others. That is a great message to today's Catholics who don't face constant persecution."

The Beatification raised the visibility of the Catholic community in Japan with an echo also in secular politic life. The celebration was followed thanks to live Internet broadcasting in Japan and around the world and many Japan politicians showed their keen interest and joy.

At the same time tNHK (National Television of Japan) dedicated a lot of time in their primetime evening news during the past few days. Cardinal Amato was interviewed by NHK Television also for a simple reason, that the NHK announcer Seiko Gakuin is also a Don Bosco Past Pupil from the Salesian High School in Osaka.

A Thanksgiving Mass was celebrated this morning in the Osaka Cathedral of the Mother of God. Tomorrow morning another Thanksgiving Mass will take place in Kanazawa Carmelite Parish where Blessed Justo spent his last years before his exile in Manila. On Friday evening the final Thanksgiving Mass will be celebrated in St Ignatius Church in Yotsuya, Tokyo.

“Yes, we firmly believe that this Beatification is not the GOAL but a START to reform the spirituality of the whole Catholic Church in Japan” says Fr Achille Loro Piana, SDB.

 

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://www.infoans.org/en/component/k2/item/2644-japan-new-energy-and-enthusiasm-for-the-catholic-community-in-japan#sigProIdd30fca53e4

InfoANS

ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication, the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007.

This site also uses third-party cookies to improve user experience and for statistical purposes. By scrolling through this page or by clicking on any of its elements, you consent to the use of cookies. To learn more or to opt out, click "Further Information".

Further Information