There's Hope for Jesuit Mission in Japan- A Call of the King SPEX#91
By John Francis Mukulu, SJ
There’s hope for the Jesuit Mission in Japan were the words from Fr. Jean-Baptiste Janssens, the former Superior General of the Society of Jesus. His message in many of his letters then, resonate deeply even today as Japan remains a land fertile for missionary zeal and spiritual renewal. This past week, I had the profound privilege of visiting Nagasaki, immersing myself in the powerful history of Jesuit missionary efforts and the resilience of Christianity in Japan.
My journey included visiting the Shrine of the 26 Martyrs, maintained by the Society of Jesus. Standing before this sacred memorial, I was profoundly moved, reflecting on the sacrifice made by these courageous individuals whose martyrdom continues to inspire Christians worldwide. Equally compelling was the Museum of the Hidden Christians, an extraordinary testament to believers who preserved their faith clandestinely through centuries of persecution and isolation.
The Jesuit presence in Japan dates back to the pioneering efforts of St. Francis Xavier, who arrived without ecclesiastical structures to support him. Xavier laid a foundation of faith that endured through periods of intense persecution and closure to external influences. Nagasaki, notably, has long been a bastion of Christian faith, symbolizing resilience and hope amidst adversity.
Today, as numbers within the Society of Jesus decline globally, Africa emerges uniquely vibrant with new vocations. This presents an urgent and loud call for African Jesuits to step forward and embrace missionary roles globally, particularly in historically rich yet currently calling for service in missions like Japan. The legacy of figures such as Fr. Pedro Arrupe, who tirelessly sought support for Japanese missions, calls us to carry forward the spirit of evangelical fervor.
Indeed, as Fr. Janssens proclaimed decades ago, “There is hope for Jesuit mission in Japan.” Let this be an invitation for each of us, especially Jesuits in formation like myself, to reimagine our role in global missions. May we courageously respond to Christ’s call, spreading His message of hope and renewal to every corner of the world.
