Japan: The Holy Father exemplified his honor to have been able to visit the Nishizaka Hills, a pilgrim region where many faithful were crucified mercilessly in account of holding onto their Christianity. He said, he feels privileged and it’s a dream come true to have visited the place that inspired and influenced him in his formation.
The Pontiff extended his gratitude to the public who showered immense pleasure in welcoming him to the Land of the Rising Sun. In his keynote address, the Pope mentioned that the zeal if Martyrs of Japan is one such spiritual magnificence that would keep the faithful deeply rooted in the church. He wished that the martyrdom achieved by many in Japan will keep the fire of evangelization burning within each Christian, and thereby all the martyrs, especially those of Japan would remain immortal in him and humanity as a whole. The pope announced during his speech that hereon the hill will not be noted for the death of the martyrs it has produced, instead, the hill will the symbol of immortality the martyrs have conquered out of their pious death.
He also said that Nishizaka is a souvenir of Jesus’s resurrection. He noted that the faith of the martyrs strengthens each Christian to stay faithful to the Lord who has planted the seeds of life.
Pope Francis concluded his note on the blessing that he would always pray for the land and it’s children to the martyrs and the mother most virgin to continue the grave of the martyrs of Japan and that the children of the land stay deep in Christian faith and spread the word of God fearlessly and with zeal.
