By Fr Achille Loro Piana, SDB

Osaka, Japan, 6 February 2017 -- Today the Universal Church celebrated the liturgical feast of Martyrs St Paul Miki and25 companions (1597). During past century were Beatified other numerous groups of Japan Martyrs: 205 Martyrs of Japan (1598–1632), 4 Augustine Recollects Martyrs (1632), 16 Martyrs of Japan (1633–1637) and recently in 2008 another 188 Martyrs of Japan (1603-1639). Tomorrow celebrations brings to the attention of the Worldwide Catholic community a New Blessed - Dom Justo Takayama Ukon (1552-1615) a Japanese Catholic noble man (daimyo) who died in exile (Manila, Philippines) about 400 years ago.

The Beatification is presided by Cardinal Angelo Amato, SDB, Prefect of the Congregation for the Saints and attended on February 7 in Osaka by many bishops from Japan, Korea, Taiwan and the Philippines. The celebration can be followed on February 7 (at 12:00 Tokyo time) on the internet live streaming, Youtube

The life witness of Dom Justo gives a new inspiration to the Catholic community of Japan. Especially late Mons. Francis Mizobe, SDB (+2016) spent a lot of time and energies for the research and divulgation of Dom Justo life and spirit. Most of our Salesian parishes and schools are represented for this occasion in Osaka, where we have also our Seiko Gakuin Secondary School. A mobile exhibition was prepared last year and moved around all schools of Salesian family in Japan.

His figure is also popular in Manila: There is a statue of Takayama in the square beside Quirino Avenue, depicting him in traditional samurai garb and a topknot. He is carrying a sheathed katana that is pointed downward, upon which hangs a figure of a crucified Jesus.In the absence of Card. Tagle (present in Osaka), on February 7 Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick S. Pabillo, will celebrate the Takayama Thanksgiving Mass in Manila at the UST Chapel at 5:15 PM.

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Vespers - on the Eve of the Beatification, Cathedral of Osaka

Bishops who participate in the Beatification