[/floatl]Religionandspirituality: Samurai may become Catholic saints
According to Japanese Cardinal Stephen Fumio Hamao, a number of samurai warriors are among 188 mostly lay Japanese martyrs expected to be beatified in November. The samurai, despite their fierce reputation and fighting skills, chose the path of non-violence. Cardinal Hamao, who previously headed the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerants, says he expects Pope Benedict XVI to soon approve beatification of the martyrs and that the ceremony will be held in Japan....The cardinal, the only Asian in the group, in appealing for beatification said "they were put to death not for political reasons, not because they were political opponents, but by reason of their Christian faith." He stressed that "though many were samurai and knew how to fight, they nevertheless chose the path of non-violent resistance, and that is also very significant for people today"...He noted that this marks "the first time the Japanese bishops have promoted a cause, since religious orders, not bishops, presented the several beatified and canonized martyrs that the Japanese has already...more...
Spotted on Frog in a Well.
