Marian devotion
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In the cathedral of Ōura, in Nagasaki, Mary was united forever to the moment when a Christian community that had survived hidden for more than two centuries became known. The Catholic Church in Japan celebrates every March 17 Our Lady of the Discovery of the Christians of Japan, Marian memory of that silent fidelity.
Advocation: Our Lady of the Discovery of the Christians of Japan.
Japanese name: ❖ · Nihon no pas hakken no Sebo.
Place: Catedral de Higaura, Nagasaki.
Historical date: March 17, 1865.
Japan's own liturgical festival: March 17.
Jurisdiction: Catholic archdiocese of Nagasaki.
Classification: advocation with national liturgical celebration; it does not come from a Marian apparition.
Faith preserved in secret
Christianity arrived in Japan in 1549, but the prohibitions and persecutions initiated in the late 16th century left communities without priests. For approximately seven generations, families from the Nagasaki region preserved as they could the baptism, prayer and memory of Mary while they were hiding their faith.
The cathedral of Ōura was erected by French missionaries and dedicated to the twenty-six Martyrs of Japan. On March 17, 1865, when Christianity was still prohibited for the Japanese, a group of Urakami hidden Christians entered the temple and approached Father Bernard Petitjean.
"Where is the image of Santa Maria?"
The historical documentation retains the essential elements of the encounter: those faithful stated that they shared the same faith, asked for the image of St. Mary and recognized Jesus in the arms of the Virgin. The image before which the meeting took place is kept on the right side altar and is known as the Virgin of the Discovery of Christians.
Mary was a sign of recognition for those families: in finding the Mother with the Child, they also recognized the visible continuity of the Church they had waited for generations.
After the news was spread, other clandestine groups became known. The suffering did not end immediately: the persecution continued and thousands of Urakami faithful suffered exile. That is why this memory is not a romantic picture, but a witness of perseverance, communion and hope in the midst of a long trial.
A feast of the Japanese Church
Since 2015, March 17 is celebrated in Japan with the liturgical title "Our Lady of the Discovery of the Christians of Japan." The Japanese Episcopal Conference identifies it as a party of the country's own and publishes its liturgical texts. The Archdiocese of Nagasaki solemnly celebrates the date in Ōura, presided over by its archbishop and with pilgrims from outside the diocese.
Invocation does not affirm an apparition. It is born of an ecclesial historical event that occurred before an image of the Virgin, and it looks to Mary as a living memory of the faith transmitted in the families and as a Mother who accompanies the hidden and persecuted Church.
The two Marian images of Ōura
In Ōura two images are distinguished related to the event. Within the temple remains the image before which the Christians of Urakami made themselves known. After the discovery, another image of white marble was sent from France to commemorate it; it was solemnly placed before the church in June 1865 and is also known as "Our Lady of Japan."
Verified location
The cathedral is located in 5-3 Minamiyamate-machi, Nagasaki. The official Japanese file of candidacy for the sites of the Hidden Christians sets the component of 32°44′03′′ N, 129°52′12′′ EE, converted for map to 32.7341667, 129.8700000. The marker points to the basilica where the meeting took place and where the party is held.
Prayer to Our Lady of Discovery
Holy Mary, Mother of Jesus and Mother of the Church, you accompanied in silence the families who kept the faith for generations of persecution. Make our hearts remain united to the Heart of your Son. Hold Christians hidden, persecuted or deprived of their liberty; protect the faith transmitted in the homes and teach us to recognize us as brothers. Our Lady of the Discovery of the Christians of Japan, pray for us. Amen.
Sources consulted
- Japanese Episcopal Conference: title and rank of the March 17 own party.
- Archdiocese of Nagasaki: celebration of the feast in Ōura.
- Archdiocese of Nagasaki: history of the restoration of the Church and of the discovery.
- Japan Tourism Agency: historical account and question about the image of Mary.
- City of Nagasaki: identification, history and direction of the cathedral of Ōura.
- Japan Cultural Affairs Agency: Official coordinates of the good of Ōura.
This content specifically develops the advocation and its feast. To learn more about the historical episode you can also read The reunion of the hidden Christians of Nagasaki.
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