Tokyo: Pope Francis’ visit to Japan begins with the theme of protecting life and creation. During a three-day visit to Nagasaki, the pope is reported to be praying specifically for “Kakure Krisithan,” a Christian who has remained firmly entrenched for centuries despite brutal persecution. In Japan, where the most brutal and most vicious persecution of Christians has been perpetrated, the traditions of those who have practiced Christianity in Japan are still preserved. Recent reports suggest that Pope Francis will visit the ’26th Martyrs Memorial’ in Nagasaki, Kakurei.
The testimony of Japanese Christians who have maintained their faith for so long without priests and Bibles is staggering. Christianity spread to the country in 1549, following the steps of Saint Francis Xavier, a Spanish missionary who arrived in Kagoshima, Japan. After St. Francis Xavier, the Portuguese arrived in Japan and brought thousands of people to the faith. But this victory resulted in the banning of the Christian faith. The priests were expelled and those who refused to believe were crucified. But all this did not destroy the Christian faith.
Believers risk their lives by hiding their faith from others. Some features of the Christian tradition of the day, such as the prayer, cross, and acapella hymns mixed with Japanese, Latin, and Portuguese, can still be seen in local Christians. It is hoped that the visit of the pope will bring to the attention of the world the mysterious Christians in Japan who have developed a unique and unique faith tradition in spite of brutal persecution.
