João Paulo II University Library hosts the exhibition “Kakure Kirishitan - Hidden Christians”

On Tuesday, November 26, the photographic exhibition “Kakure Kirishitan  - Hidden Christians” will open at the João Paulo II University Library (BUJPII). This exhibition will have an opening ceremony on December 2 in partnership with the Yumenosya Foundation of Japan and the Institute of Asian Studies of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP). It will be on display until January 31, 2025.

The exhibition, “Kakure Kirishitan  - Hidden Christians” explores the depth of Christian spirituality in contemporary Japan. The photographic exhibition highlights how the Christian faith is lived and recalls the memory of the hidden Christians who, under intense persecution, kept their faith during the period of religious restriction. Many of these Christians were forced to practice their religion clandestinely, risking torture and death.

It also marks the 440th anniversary of the passage of the Tenshō Embassy through various Portuguese towns before they were received by Pope Gregory III in Rome. This entourage, comprised of four young Japanese noble converts accompanied by missionaries from the Society of Jesus, bears witness to the contact between Asia and the West and the dialogue between Japan and Portugal. The Tokyo Opera Association's performance celebrates the Tensho Embassy.

The ceremony will begin with a reception for guests at 3.30 pm at BUJPII, followed by the Opening Session in the Cardinal Medeiros Auditorium, which will include speeches by D. Rui Valério, Patriarch of Lisbon and Chancellor of UCP, D. Ivo Scapolo, the Apostolic Nuncio in Portugal, Ota Makoto, Japanese Ambassador to Portugal, Archbishop Emeritus Takami of the Archdiocese of Nagasaki, Tatsuo Shirahama, President of the Yumenosya Foundation, the Director of the Institute of Asian Studies, Prof. Dr. Jorge Santos Alves, and Prof. Dr. Peter Hanenberg, Vice-Rector for Research and Doctoral Education, according to the attached program.

Program

Admission is free.