Beginning with the arrival of St. Francis Xavier in 1549, Jesuit and Franciscan missionaries courageously spread the Gospel message to the country of Japan, converting almost half a million Japanese Buddhists in less than 50 years. Churches were built and new seminaries were responsible for the ordination of many native priests. Towards the end of the century, some Japanese saw Christianity as a threat. In 1597, the warlord-ruler of Japan decreed that Christianity was illegal. Twenty-six Catholics were arrested. They were tortured and paraded through villages as a warning. Then they were taken to a hill, crucified, and impaled with lances. They are the Martyrs of Nagasaki, and today is their feast day.
CHALLENGE
Catholic author Shusaku Endo wrote a fact-based historical novel titled Silence about the persecution of Christians in Japan, and it was turned into an epic movie by the same name, directed by Martin Scorsese. While not for the faint of heart or poorly catechized, Silence delves into many important topics of faith. Today, read some reviews, and if you are spiritually prepared, either buy the book or watch the movie.
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The weekly show delves into issues of faith that everyone deals with on their journey home to the Father’s house.
