The event celebrates the centennial of the birth of the Albanian-born Blessed. It includes a series of seven movies, which are going around the world, that are a hit in Japan. Screening should last until the end of April.

Tokyo (AsiaNews) – More than 15,000 Japanese flocked to see seven films dedicated to Mother Teresa, screened as part of a film festival celebrating the centennial of her birth. Many Christians, who admire her work, were also in the audience. The films were screened in the Cinema Hall of the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography. Because of the high level of interest, an encore event will take place on 29 March.

Invited to come and see the films, local Catholics brought friends from other religions. “When I read a book about her, her energy really surprised me! I was hooked,” said Haruko Tsukihana, 40. By watching these films, “I realised that she's still sending us a message, even after her death.”

“Religion has a high barrier to entry,” she added, and “Christianity [. . .] seemed to me like an upper-class religion; but her life was completely different."

Sachiyo Hattori, a 50-year-old Shintoist, broke out in tears. “I thought that love was strange and unattainable. Now I think love means not just talking, but actually doing what you think necessary.”

Yuko Kataoka, who invited Sachiyo, said, “I'm always reminded that activity can be a kind of prayer: making judgments in difficult situations, and acting accordingly. Mother Teresa had the power of execution, and it shows the depth of her conviction. I hope to follow her advice in my life, and to live joyfully.”

Hiroyuki Miyake, 31, attended a Catholic school. “I was struck by how, through her actions, she was able to turn her ideology into reality. It's wonderful to have been born in the same era. I had been considering baptism, and seeing this film may become a turning point for me."

After 29 March, the festival will travel to other Japanese cities. The first stops will be in Nagoya and Osaka. After that, it will go to Kawasaki, Yokohama, Okayama and Gunma, and should continue until the end of April.

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