50th Anniversary: Our Lady of Akita Pilgrimage
Fifty years ago, on October 13, 1973, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Sister Agnes Sasagawa in a convent in Akita, Japan. It is no coincidence that this profound event occurred on the anniversary of the Fatima apparition. As in Fatima, Our Lady’s message at Akita was one of grave warning. Yet, she also offered hope, presenting a path for our poor sinful humanity to follow as a remedy. And the remedy is “Ad Jesum Per Mariam”
Our Lady told to Sister Agnes Sasagawa this message:
As I told you, if men do not repent and better themselves, the Father will inflict a terrible punishment on all humanity. It will be a punishment greater than the deluge, such as one will never have seen before. Fire will fall from the sky and will wipe out a great part of humanity, the good as well as the bad, sparing neither priests nor faithful. The survivors will find themselves so desolate that they will envy the dead. The only arms which will remain for you will be the Rosary and the Sign left by My Son.
The work of the devil will infiltrate even into the Church in such a way that one will see cardinals opposing cardinals, bishops against bishops. The priests who venerate me will be scorned and opposed by their confreres...churches and altars sacked; the Church will be full of those who accept compromises and the demon will press many priests and consecrated souls to leave the service of the Lord.
The demon will be especially implacable against souls consecrated to God. The thought of the loss of so many souls is the cause of my sorrow. If sins increase in number and gravity, there will be no longer pardon for them.
Before reflecting on Our Lady’s concluding words to Sister Agnes during this apparition, consider that, 50 years ago, the events described by Our Blessed Mother would have seemed unimaginable. Yet, they have come to pass. The Catholic Church is now enduring one of the most severe crises in its history, and it may seem as though recovery is uncertain. But it will. Before it does, God expects our cooperation.
It did not (and still does not) have to be, because of that big “if” — if people listen to what our Blessed Mother said to do. Her concluding words offer that hope and a promise too. She told Sister Agnes:
Pray very much the prayers of the Rosary. I alone am able still to save you from the calamities which approach. Those who place their confidence in me will be saved.
In the spirit of penance and complete trust in the Blessed Virgin Mary, FSSPX Japan is organizing its 13th anniversary in the Year of Jubilee to seek the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We invite you all to come and receive grace from the throne of grace, not only for ourselves but for the good of the Church.
This year, we will especially pray for priestly vocations, which alone can bring souls to heaven and turn tears of sorrow into tears of joy. All are invited to join us.
Enclosed, you will find the necessary information for this important pilgrimage.
