Next Saturday, 6th August, is the anniversary of dropping the first atomic bomb in 1945 on Hiroshima, Japan, killing around 146,000 people, devastating the city and leaving a legacy of radiation-induced cancers and disability. The second nuclear bombing on the city of Nagasaki, which killed up to 80,000 people, is commemorated three days later on Tuesday 9th August.

Both days now provide annual opportunities to foster peace, pray and work towards a world free of nuclear weapons.

Saturday 6 August – Hiroshima Remembrance – Pax Christi will be present with a stall in front of Westminster Cathedral from 11.00am – 1.00pm. Prayer at 1.00pm. 

Tuesday 9 August – Nagasaki Remembrance – Pax Christi will be present with a stall in front of Westminster Cathedral from 11.00am – 1.00pm. Prayer at 1.00pm. 

All supporters of Justice & Peace and friends of Pax Christi are welcome to come along to show their support and especially to join in the time of prayer at 1.00pm.

Franz Jägerstätter Memorial Service

Pax Christi are also organising a service to commemorate Blessed Franz Jägerstätter in the Crypt at Westminster Cathedral on Tuesday 9 August, 6.30pm. Franz Jägerstätter was executed on 9th August 1943 at Brandenburg Prison for his conscientious objection to serving in Hitler’s army. He was beatified in 2007.

Following the service, people may wish to join the interfaith walk to the London Peace Pagoda for the Nagasaki Day memorial.

Pax Christi Events

ICAN (International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons) – Hiroshima and Nagasaki

More on the life of Franz Jägerstätter

The use of #NuclearWeapons, as well as their mere possession, is immoral. Trying to defend and ensure stability and peace through a false sense of security and a “balance of terror” ends up poisoning relationships between peoples and obstructs real dialogue. #NPTRevCon

— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) August 1, 2022