Posts by Kevin Benz
Day 8 – Digest
Day 8 Rain fell as Typhoon Khanun rolled into town. We started our day by continuing our discussions with the Archbishops of Nagasaki and the Bishop of Hiroshima about the partnership between our four dioceses. The talks were cordial, and we made quick progress as all parties agreed on the work’s major pillars. We attended…
Read MoreAugust 9th
Day 9 – Today we pray for the people of Nagasaki on the anniversary of its bombing. As they continue to bear the wounds of nuclear warfare, may they know healing and peace. May we say “never again” to the use of nuclear weapons.
Read MoreDay 7 – Digest
Day 7 The archbishops stayed with Archbishop Nakamura at his residence, which is part of the Catholic Center. This morning, they celebrated Mass, and we joined them later for a formal meeting about the idea of joining our four dioceses in an alliance or partnership. The discussions were fruitful and will continue tomorrow. After, we…
Read MoreAugust 8th
Day 8 – Today we pray for people of the Pacific islands and atolls who suffered, and continue to suffer, from radiation-related illnesses, birth-defects, and environmental destruction as a direct result of nuclear testing.
Read MoreDay 6 – Digest
Day 6 We started our day with a private Mass in the basement Chapel of the World Peace Memorial Cathedral in Hiroshima. We then embarked on a 5 1/2-hour bus ride to Nagasaki with several Japanese arch/bishops, and the Apostolic Nuncio to Japan, Archbishop Leo Boccardi. The countryside was captivating and sprinkled with rain –…
Read MoreAugust 7th
Day 7 – Today we pray for all who are involved in conflicts and war around the globe, especially the people of Ukraine and Russia. May all forms of aggression cease and may every nation renew efforts to reestablish lasting peace.
Read MoreDay 5 – Digest
Day 5 Clapping, chanting, and singing opened our day at an Interfaith Prayer Ceremony at the Atomic Bomb Memorial Mound led by the Hiroshima Prefecture Federation of Religions. Our archbishops joined with other religious leaders to remember the souls of those who died 78 years ago on the anniversary of dropping the atomic bomb on…
Read MoreAugust 6th
Day 6 – Today we pray for the people of Hiroshima on the anniversary of its bombing. As they continue to bear the wounds of nuclear warfare, may they know healing and peace.
Read MoreDay 4 – Digest
Day 4 Another remarkable and engaging day in Hiroshima. The archbishops met with a local Japanese reporter to share the story behind the Pilgrimage of Peace. This was followed by a meeting with Noriko Hiruma from the Japan Catholic Council for Justice and Peace and Tomoki Yanagawa from the Jesuit Social Center. Tomoki originally read…
Read MoreAugust 5th
Day 5 – Today we pray for the wisdom to understand fully the devastating consequences of using nuclear weapons, and for the fortitude never to justify their use again.
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