Japanese bishops have decided to re-initiate the process of beatification as a martyr of a Kirishitan Daimyo (Christian feudal lord) who was exiled to the Philippines by a Shogun in the 17th Century. At their plenary assembly in Tokyo Feb. 15-19, The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Japan (CBCJ), decided to initiate the process for the beatification of Ukon Takayama, a Catholic feudal lord born in 1552
Takayama’s Christian name was Justo but he was also known as “Dom Justo.” Takayama courageously involved himself in Church and missionary activities despite persecution.
In 1614, he was expelled from Japan to Manila by the then Shogun, Ieyasu Tokugawa. He arrived in Manila in December, and died from an illness soon after, in February the following year.
After World War II, Catholics in Japan began a movement for the beatification of Takayama as a confessor. However, it did not proceed for various reasons. Now, the bishops’ conference will re-initiate the beatification on the basis of martyrdom.
Bishop Osamu Mizobe of Takamatsu, chairperson of the bishops’ Special Committee for Canonization and Beatification, said that soon after Takayama’s death the then Archbishop of Manila had planned to advance the beatification process with the title of martyr. Historical books also regard Takayama as a martyr.
The Salesian bishop said, “This is actually not a new cause. However, groups that commemorate Takayama are gradually decreasing, so it is important to think of ways to reinvigorate the movement for beatification.”
In November 2008, a beatification ceremony for 188 Japanese martyrs was held in Nagasaki. At first, the bishops’ conference planned to include Takayama among them. However, the Vatican did not recognize him as a martyr at that time. Now, with the evolution of the theology of martyrdom, the Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of the Saints has indicated a willingness to accept Takayama as a martyr.
The bishops at the assembly also elected a new president, vice-president and members of the CBCJ standing committee.
The new president is Jesuit Archbishop Jun Ikenaga of Osaka and the vice-president is Archbishop Takeo Okada of Tokyo. They will serve a term of three years, starting in June.
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