80 years later: a path to peace, bringing hope

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and the moment when Japan announced its surrender on 15 August 1945. To mark the occasion, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Japan published a powerful message entitled ‘A Path to Peace: Bringing Hope’.

Japan, the only country to have suffered atomic bombings, has a unique and powerful voice. In a global context far from peaceful, the bishops' message reaffirms their determination to work for the true peace of God, a peace that cannot be achieved by a simple ‘balance of power’.

A message for all

This message - available in several languages on the official website of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Japan is addressed to all those who desire peace, especially young people. It is a powerful call for the abolition of nuclear weapons. For us, Infant Jesus Sisters, this cause for a ‘nuclear-free world’ is of paramount importance, echoing the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the survivors of the A-bomb and H-bomb (Nihon Hidankyo).

The urgency of passing on memories

As these survivors grow older, there is an urgent need to preserve their testimonies. ‘Recently, we have seen some inspiring initiatives,’ says Sr Mutsuko. 'A pupil at our Futaba primary school in Yokohama, deeply moved by a story about the war, came to our Nicolas Barré house with her family to listen to the testimony of a Sister who had lived through that period. Seeing these young girls listening so intently, armed with questions, rekindled our hope that the desire for peace is taking deep root in the younger generations.'

Love as the foundation of life

Another moving testimony is that of a Futaba graduate, a ‘war bride’. When asked about her choice to marry a man from an enemy country, she replied: "I never considered him an enemy. I simply treated him as a human being. I was taught at school to love everyone, and this principle has become the foundation of my life."

This story reminds us of the power of school education to shape a person's fundamental values. As a religious teaching congregation, this commitment is at the heart of the vocation of the Infant Jesus Sisters.