On August 9, 1945, three days after the atomic incineration of Hiroshima, the U.S. dropped its second nuclear bomb, code-named “Fat Man”, on Nagasaki, Japan, killing an estimated 40,000 people, and thousands more from the delayed effects of radiation poisoning.

Often called the “forgotten nuclear city”, Nagasaki, at the time, was the largest Christian population throughout all of Asia. Ground zero for the second bombing was the St. Mary’s Urakami Cathedral.

Nagasaki Day, Friday, August 9,  beginning at 7:30p.m., you are invited to gather in front of the Basilica of SS Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Cathedral, 18th & Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, PA. From there, in memory of the world’s second act of nuclear terror, we will send out a plea for peace that recognizes nuclear weapons as affront to God’s goodness and human life.

On Nagasaki Day People are invited  to stand or sit with large banners and posters, and pictorials of the aftermath of the bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. In front of the Basilica of SS Peter and Paul, candles and incense will be lit for peace in memory of  the St. Mary’s Urakami Cathedral and all the victims of war and nuclear weapons.  There will be readings and the ringing of our bell of peace 79 times in support of the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons which has declared nuclear weapons ILLEGAL. Support the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, http://www.icanw.org/the-treaty .

Event is subject to change due to severe weather (severe HEAT or STORMS). Please check this webpage on August 9.

Participants should bring water, sunblock, and folding chair  if you wish to sit.

The time has come for a renewed religious urgency in facing the continuing reality of  nuclear weapons and the threat of nuclear war. In and through your faith act for justice, humanity, and peace.  Abolish Nuclear Weapons

“Therefore Choose Life, so that you and your children may live.”
– Book of Deuteronomy