Mario Bianchin*

When the country's Catholic community came out of the shadows of persecution to "greet Our Lady" in Ōura Church, the future bishop of Nevers was apostolic vicar to Japan. Later, he would defend the authenticity of the Marian apparitions at Lourdes. PIME's regional superior for Japan offers his thoughts on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of this historic event for the Church and Japan.

Men and women religious in Japan remember the pope's call to "awaken the world". The nuncio thanks them for their commitment to the victims of the great earthquake and tsunami of 2011. He also invites them to go "global" as witnesses of the truth, justice and solidarity.