On 17 September at 15:00, a Mass and prayer meeting was held at St Philip’s Church (Nishizaka Church) in Nagasaki, Japan, to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the Stigmata of St Francis.
Nishizaka Hill is the site of the martyrdom of St Peter Baptist and Companions, who are also collectively known as the 26 Saints of Japan, comprising 6 OFM missionaries, 3 Japanese Jesuits, and 17 OFS who were tortured, physically mutilated and finally crucified during the persecution that began in 1597. The 26 martyrs are the patron saints of the Province.
The Eucharistic celebration was held by the Provincial Minister Fr. Augustine Takuji Kuwata who, in his homily, spoke of the grace of the Stigmata received from St. Francis and of the hope we can find for our faith, religious life and the future of the Province.
25 friars from across the country of Japan participated in the event at the invitation of the Provincial Minister. After the Mass, the friars moved to the monument to the 26 Japanese saints, recited the petitions of the 26 saints and asked for their intercession over the Japan Province.
After Mass and prayer at Nishizaka, the friars proceeded to Motohara Friary, where together around the table, the brothers shared about their current situation and life.
Br. Peter Abe, OFM
