Ignatius Press Podcast

Pray40 With Hallow and Ignatius Press: A Song of Nagasaki and Takashi Nagai

Feb 10, 2025

Meg Hunter-Kilmer, a campus minister at Notre Dame and author, joins the discussion about Takashi Nagai, a remarkable physician and survivor of the Nagasaki bombing. They explore Takashi's life, emphasizing his legacy of faith and suffering. The conversation highlights how his experiences offer deep insights into resilience and hope amid adversity. They also reflect on the transformative power of his story, making it accessible and inspiring to modern Catholics. This engaging dialogue sheds light on the intersection of cultural identity and personal faith.

40:59

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Episode guests

Meg Hunter-Kilmer

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Takashi Nagai's journey from skepticism to a deep understanding of faith exemplifies the transformative power of suffering in one's spiritual life.

His commitment to accompanying others through their pain and promoting forgiveness illustrates profound empathy and the importance of community healing.

Deep dives

The Life of Takashi Nagai

Takashi Nagai, the main focus of 'A Song for Nagasaki,' had a profound life marked by significant suffering and spiritual development. Raised in a non-Christian family in Japan, he initially viewed religion as an obsolete concept, considering it suitable only for the uneducated. However, personal tragedies, including the death of his mother, sparked his exploration of Catholicism, leading him to live with a Catholic family and eventually embrace the faith. This transformation paved the way for a deeper understanding of faith intertwined with suffering, shaping his resilience as he later faced the catastrophic events of World War II.

Intro

2min

Exploring the Life of Takashi Nagai and His Legacy

2min

The Legacy of Takashi Nagai

7min

A Journey of Spiritual Exploration and Beauty Amidst War

2min

Faith and Suffering: A Journey Through Nagasaki

27min

Exploring Suffering and Forgiveness Through Powerful Narratives

2min

Today, we are happy to announce that Ignatius Press is partnering with Hallow for the LentPray40. This Lent, be inspired by the story of Servant of God Takashi Nagai, a Japanese physician who survived the atomic bombing of Nagasaki in 1945.

On today’s podcast, Rose Trabbic sits down with Meg Hunter-Kilmer to discuss Takashi Nagai and how his heroic life witnesses to the redemptive meaning of suffering. They both agree that Takashi’s story, as told by Paul Glenn, is truly a life-changing read and can inspire every Catholic who bears great suffering.

Get your copy of A Song for Nagasaki: https://ignatius.com/a-song-for-nagasaki-snhep/

Join Pray40 with Hallow at: https://ignatius.com/pray40/

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