TOKYO: 1st August 2006 -- Bishop Osamu Mizobe, the
Salesian bishop of Takamatsu, has been a tireless promoter of the Cause
for Canonisation of Fr Kibe and 187 companions, martyred for the Faith
in 17th Century Japan. It now seems that his efforts, along with
those of the official postulator for the Cause, and the efforts of many
others, are to be rewarded.
As of 1st August, the permanent commission of the
Japanese Episcopal Conference has begun a campaign to raise the 30
million yen which will be required to cover the expenses of a
Beatification ceremony in Tokyo. Four bishops have been tasked
with setting up the procedures required to gain Vatican agreement and
to fund the event. They are bishop Ryoji Miyahara (Oita), bishops
Osamu Mizobe (Takamatsu), bishop Yoshinao Otsuka (Kyoto) and bishop
Mitsuaki Takimi (Nagasaki). The appeal for funds will be
addressed to all dioceses, parishes religious and faithful in Japan.
Fr Fernando Rojo, the official postulator for the
Cause, indicates that the Beatification ceremony is not expected to
take place before May of next year. The Vatican's historical and
theological commissions have already expressed their favourable opinion
on the Cause but it awaits the necessary confirmation from Pope
Benedict XVI.
Amongst the 188 Catholics martyred during the 17th
Century are priests, religious and lay people. The Cause is
officially entitled as 'the Beatification of Fr Kibe and his 187
companions'. A Jesuit priest, Fr Peter Kassui Kibe was a convert
to Christianity. As a young Christian he fled government persecution
and eventually came to Rome. It was there that he entered the
Jesuits and eventually became a priest. He returned to Japan to
exercise his ministry amongst the oppressed faithful. In 1639 he was
captured, tortured and put to death in Tokyo.
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