Pionieers Sacred Monument Memorial Service in Brazil Draws about 300 People
Memorialization of Pioneers' Souls and Prayer for World Peace
In Brazil, a Pioneers Sacred Monument Memorial Service and Prayer for World Peace as well as a Memorial Service for Slaves’ Souls were held on September 7 on the grounds of the South American Spiritual Training Center in Ibiuna, Sao Paulo. They were attended by about 300 people.
The Pioneers Sacred Monument was built by the Brazil Missionary Headquarters in 1963 at the time of the 55th anniversary of Japanese Immigration, guided by Rev. Masaharu Taniguchi, founder of Seicho-No-Ie, who was visiting Brazil during his World Lecture Tour. It was built to memorialize the souls of immigrants from around the world who worked for Brazil. In August of that year, an unveiling ceremony was held in the presence of Rev. Masaharu Taniguchi, who was in Brazil at the time. Since then, a memorial service has been held every year. This year’s marked the 46th one.
The Slaves’ Souls Memorial Service has been held by Seicho-No-Ie since 2005 to memorialize the souls of many slaves, including those from Africa and indigenous peoples, including the Indios, who built the foundation of the country.
The Pioneers Sacred Monument Memorial Service began at 9:00 a.m. After an explanation of the history of the Monument by Rev. Yoshio Mukai, Bishop of Seicho-No-Ie Latin America, there were Invocation, the reading of the supplication, words of gratitude to the souls, the reading of the Nectarean Shower,of Holy Doctrines and the Affirmation of Perfect Peace and Harmony. The Service ended with a message by Rev. Marie Murakami, Chairman of Brazil Missionary Headquarters.
This was followed by the Slaves’ Souls Memorial Service. All the attendees read the Nectarean Shower of Holy Doctrines to memorialize the slaves’ souls.
According to the Brazil Missionary Headquarters, September 7 (holiday) is the day when Brazil became independent from Portugal. Therefore, on this day Seicho-No-Ie holds various events in different parts of the country to pray for world peace. This Memorial Service was part of that effort.
The Brazil Missionary Headquarters also noted that since these Memorial Services began to be held, they have received comments of appreciation from the descendants, including: “It gives us great peace of mind.” Rev. Yoshio Mukai, Bishop of Seicho-No-Ie Latin America, remarked, “Seicho-No-Ie owes much to Brazil. The fact that it has grown so big is thanks to our forerunners’ great work, as well as that of immigrants from many countries, indigenous people and those from Africa who worked as slaves. I believe that the Enlightenment Movement in Brazil will expand further if we have their protection and support, so we solemnly memorialize their souls.”