Satoko Kitahara is declared Venerable
On 22 January 2015 Pope Francis approved the decree recognising Satoko Kitahara's heroic virtue, and the Congregation for the Causes of Saints announced it the next day, the 23rd.
The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Japan reported: "According to an announcement by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints on 23 January, Pope Francis, in a meeting the previous day with the Prefect of the Congregation, Cardinal Angelo Amato, approved documents concerning saints, blesseds and others. Among them, the heroic virtue of the Servant of God Satoko Kitahara (1929–58), called 'Mary of Ari-no-Machi', was recognised, and Ms Kitahara was declared 'Venerable'."
The present building of Shiomi Church bears the name "Mary of Ari-no-Machi", and the church holds a Mass every year on the anniversary of her death.
Places
Sources
- Satoko Kitahara declared Venerable (posted 26 January 2015)
- Satoko Kitahara
- Shiomi Church (parish page)
Confirmed in primary or official sources