Posts by Kevin Benz
August 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.
Read MoreDay 3 – Digest
Day 3 We witnessed the sea of commuters rushing through the Tokyo train station this morning as we boarded the four-hour bullet train to Hiroshima. Speeding through the countryside, we saw numerous cities, coastal communities, gorgeous mountains, a few Christian churches, and rural areas before arriving in Hiroshima. Most Rev. Alexis Mitsuru Shirahama, Bishop of…
Read MoreAugust 4th
Day 4 – Today we pray for forgiveness, especially for those times when we have opted for violence instead of reconciliation. May we follow God’s way of encounter and dialogue for the resolution of all conflicts. As stated by Archbishop Wester of Santa Fe, “All our conversations should be respectful, rooted in prayer, based in…
Read MoreDay 2 – Digest
Day 2 – Digest Today began with a train ride to Kamakura, a 12th-century city on the coast. The first stop was the Zen Engaku-ji Temple, founded in 1282 by Mugaku Sogen to honor those killed in wars against Mongolia. The quiet and peacefulness of the temple grounds, meditation rooms, and garden were palpable. After…
Read MoreAugust 3rd
Day 3 – Today we pray for the people impacted by nuclear weapons research, development, testing, and use, here in the United States and around the world. May we understand the real human, financial, and environmental costs of developing, maintaining, and expanding nuclear arsenals, even as many continue to suffer from a lack of basic…
Read MoreDay 1- Digest
Day 1 – Digest Our first full day was spent getting acclimated to the time change, the weather, the frenetic energy of the city, and the nuances of the Japanese train system. We also enjoyed the exquisite Japanese cuisine comprised of many small, beautifully displayed dishes. After lunch, Archbishop Wester and Archbishop Etienne met with…
Read MoreAugust 2nd
Day 2: Today we pray for solidarity with all Indigenous peoples impacted by uranium mining, atomic bomb testing, and the long-term storage of nuclear waste on their sacred lands. May we work toward real solutions to rectify these many wrongs done to our siblings.
Read MoreDay 0 – Digest
Day 0 – The Pilgrimage Begins Our delegations met for the first time in the LAX airport as we boarded the flight to Japan. After 12 hours we welcomed the sights of lush greenery and Japanese boats as we flew into Tokyo. We had no issues with customs, transfers or meeting up with our leader…
Read MoreAugust 1st
Day 1 – Today we pray for the determination never again to use atomic energy as weapons of war. May we heed Pope Francis’ call for “for prayer and commitment to a world completely free of nuclear weapons.”
Read MorePray the Novena Daily
Return here during the Pilgrimage of Peace to join in prayers for Nuclear Disarmament and Social Justice.
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