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It’s That Time of the Year in Japan…

As the month of August begins, I am reminded of the “Ten Days for Peace”. In February 1981, the late Pope Saint John Paul II delivered his ‘Appeal for Peace’ at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, stating: ‘War is the work of human hands. War is the destruction of human life. War is death.’ This appeal was an invitation to all people throughout the world to work towards the abolition of nuclear weapons and to strive for peace.

 

In response to Pope Saint John Paul II’s appeal, the Catholic Church in Japan designated the period from 6 to 15 August as the “Ten Days for Peace”. This is a special period during which we are invited to reflect on our responsibility for peace and to take action for peace especially today as we live in a fragile world.

 

Every year, the “Ten Days for Peace” takes me to Hiroshima. From my own experience, this special period serves as an opportunity for Christians as well as for people of other faiths across Japan to pray and to engage in peace activities. On August 6th , people from all over Japan and also from abroad visit Hiroshima to remember the unforgettable past and to pray for peace. In spite of the sweltering heat, the place gets crowded with people.

 

…”Let all the souls here rest in peace, for we shall not repeat the evil.”