Maria Kammon

Christianity was forbidden in Japan during the Edo Period (1615-1867). Though outwardly professing Buddhism, some Christians secretly practiced their religion. Some even created statues of the Virgin Mary disguised as Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. They called her ‘Maria Kannon.’ Like Mother Mary, Kannon embodies love and compassion. I was so touched by how those Christians risked their lives for their deep faith. This made me seriously ponder the nature of religion and true faith.