Hiram Kano
The Saint of Nebraska (and Internee Extraordinaire!)
Step right up, folks, for a saint who proves that faith can shine even in the darkest of places! Our contender today is Hiram Kano, a Japanese-American priest who faced prejudice and internment with unwavering grace and a heart full of love.
Born into a noble family in Japan, Kano chose a different path, studying agriculture and eventually finding his way to Nebraska. He became a bridge between cultures, teaching English and helping Japanese immigrants to thrive. But his true calling came when he became an Episcopal priest, serving his community with dedication and compassion.
Then came Pearl Harbor. Despite his deep loyalty to the US, Kano was arrested and sent to an internment camp. Even behind barbed wire, his spirit couldn’t be contained. He became a beacon of hope, teaching fellow internees, ministering to prisoners of war, and proving that faith knows no boundaries. He even turned his internment camp into “Internment University”!
After the war, he returned to Nebraska, continuing his ministry and working tirelessly for justice and reconciliation. He didn’t seek revenge or bitterness; instead, he chose forgiveness and dedicated his life to serving others. He refused reparations, stating that God had used the internment as an opportunity for him to preach the Gospel.
Hiram Kano reminds us that sainthood isn’t about avoiding hardship; it’s about how we respond to it. He was a quiet warrior against racism, a champion of his people, and a testament to the power of faith to overcome adversity. He is a true example of resilience, forgiveness, and unwavering devotion.
Collect for Hiram Kano
Almighty God, who called your servant Hiram Kano to be a beacon of hope and a minister of reconciliation amidst hardship and injustice, grant that we, inspired by his unwavering faith and compassionate heart, may strive to embody your love in the face of adversity.
Give us the grace to forgive those who wrong us, to seek justice for the oppressed, and to find your presence even in the darkest of times. May we, like Hiram, be instruments of peace, champions of reconciliation, and witnesses to your enduring love, that we may reflect your glory to the world.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Lucy of Syracuse
The Shining Light Who Wouldn’t Be Dimmed
Get ready to be dazzled, folks! Our contender today is St. Lucy of Syracuse, a 4th-century saint known for her unwavering faith, her incredible courage, and, of course, her association with eyes. This Sicilian superstar wasn’t afraid to stand up for what she believed in, even when it meant facing some seriously scary opposition.
Lucy, whose name means “light,” lived in a time when being a Christian could get you into a whole heap of trouble. A young woman from a wealthy family, she had secretly dedicated her life to God. When a rejected suitor betrayed her, she was arrested and faced horrific persecution.
Legend has it that her eyes were gouged out, but miraculously restored, or perhaps she continued to “see” with her unwavering faith. This is why she is often depicted holding a pair of eyes on a dish, and is known as the patron saint of sight.
Lucy’s story is a powerful reminder that true beauty comes from within, and that faith can give us the strength to overcome even the darkest of challenges. She faced torture and death with incredible bravery, refusing to renounce her beliefs.
St. Lucy is a symbol of hope, a testament to the enduring power of faith, and a reminder that even in the face of adversity, the light of courage can shine brightly. She is a true champion of conviction and a powerful example of faith under fire.
Collect for Lucy of Syracuse
Almighty God, who called your servant Lucy to be a witness to the light of Christ, and who strengthened her to endure suffering for the sake of your name, grant that we, inspired by her example, may remain steadfast in our faith and courageous in our witness.
Give us the grace to see your presence in the midst of darkness, to find strength in your love, and to shine as lights in the world. May we, like Lucy, be faithful in our devotion, pure in our hearts, and radiant in our love, that we may reflect your glory to all.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
