Our Lady of Akita

The Story

Our Lady of Akita refers to events reported at the convent of the Seitai Hoshikai (Institute of the Handmaids of the Holy Eucharist) at Yuzawadai, on the outskirts of Akita, Japan, beginning in 1973. The events center on Sister Agnes Katsuko Sasagawa, a member of the community, and a wooden statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary carved by the sculptor Saburo Wakasa. According to the accounts gathered by the local Church, Sister Agnes received three messages in 1973 attributed to Our Lady, communicated while she prayed before the statue. The messages called for prayer, penance, and sacrifice in reparation for sin, urged devotion to the Eucharist and the daily Rosary, and warned of trials for the world and the Church if hearts did not turn to God. Between 1975 and 1981 the statue was reported to shed tears on 101 occasions, witnessed by many observers, including the local bishop; a wound-like mark was also reported on the statue's hand, and Sister Agnes, who had lost her hearing, was reported cured of her deafness in 1982. According to reports submitted to the diocese, samples of the moisture were examined scientifically and judged consistent with human tears and blood. After years of investigation, Bishop John Shojiro Ito of Niigata issued a pastoral letter in 1984 recognizing the supernatural character of the events and authorizing veneration of the Holy Mother of Akita throughout the diocese. The convent chapel, built in Japanese style, continues to welcome pilgrims from Japan and abroad who come to pray before the statue, adore the Blessed Sacrament, and take up Akita's message of prayer and reparation.

Church Recognition

Recognized as worthy of belief by the local Bishop of Niigata (Bishop Ito) in 1984. The Holy See has not issued a separate formal declaration.

Catholic Teaching

A call to prayer, penance, and reparation.

Plan Your Visit

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Practical

1 Additional Information ▾

The Seitai Hoshikai convent chapel near Akita houses the statue.

Go Deeper

See the Seitai Hoshikai's official website at https://seitaihoshikai.com, Bishop John Shojiro Ito's 1984 pastoral letter on the events of Akita, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church on private revelation (CCC 67).