Anniversary of Hiroshima

Today (August 6th) marks the 60th anniversary of the first atomic bombing ever, on Hiroshima in 1945 at 0812 local time. It seems ironic to me, that this happened on the feast of the Transfiguration, when Christ himself became irradiated with glory... quite the opposite for the people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, three days later.

I place myself in solidarity with the people of Japan and of that city, the first victims of this horrific development in warfare; death and destruction on a massive scale and pray for nuclear disarmament in our world. There can be no real resolution for peace if we constantly maintain such weapons as a sword of Damocles hanging over others.

May Our Lady of Peace intercede for us.

For excellent coverage on Hiroshima, visit the BBC website and don't miss this Hiroshima Archive by the Japanese photographer Hiromi Tsuchida. Astounding!

There is a beautiful poem by Pavel at 'Catholic Literary Renaissance' which links Hiroshima and the Transfiguration. Well worth a read.

This Post UPDATED on 7 August.