Vatican investigation of miracles for Blessed Takayama Ukon’s canonization ongoing, says Japanese cardinal

A Japanese cardinal revealed that the Vatican is currently looking into miracles attributed to Blessed Takayama Ukon, bringing him closer to canonization, the last step toward sainthood.

“We also pray that the investigation of Ukon's miracles will be completed, approved, and canonized at least within the next year or two,” said Osaka-Takamatsu Archbishop Thomas Aquinas Manyo Cardinal Maeda.

The cardinal made the announcement during a Holy Mass at the Manila Cathedral on December 21 with Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula to commemorate the 409th anniversary of the arrival of Ukon in the Philippines. 

On December 21, last year, Cardinal Advincula led the inauguration of a statue of Ukon at San Miguel Church in Manila as a bridge of friendship between Japan and the Philippines.

As a sign of goodwill, Cardinal Maeda presented a 10-panel painting collection to the Filipino prelate, which portrays significant events in Ukon’s life.

Cardinal Maeda visited the country together with 30 pilgrims from Japan to retrace the steps of Ukon in the City of Manila.

After the Mass, they visited the chapel in the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (University of the City of Manila) where Ukon’s remains are interred.

Abandoning his samurai status in favor of embracing the Catholic faith, Ukon and 350 other Christians were exiled to Manila in 1614 to escape persecution in Japan. Reports say he died of a “tropical ailment” 44 days later.

According to records, it was the Philippines who initially proposed Ukon for sainthood, making him the country’s first Servant of God.

On January 21, 2016, Pope Francis promulgated Ukon’s beatification, and the ceremony was held in Osaka on February 7, 2017.

In 2018, the City Government of Manila passed a resolution declaring December 21 every year as “Blessed Takayama Ukon Day.”

Several Filipinos are actively promoting the sainthood cause and devotion to Ukon, particularly the Manila-based Prayer Warriors of Blessed Takayama.- Luke Godoy