Page 153 - Emailing SANTITA FAMIGLIE_ENG

MIDORI MARINA MORIYAMA
(1908-1945)

Midori was born on October 8, 1908 and was an only child. She
became a schoolteacher and work caused her to move away from home.

cHokatas

The Moriyama family had inherited the title of “Chokata”
(head of the calendar), that is, the leader of the community of Hidden
Christians of Urakami. The task of the “Chokatas” was to remember
the liturgical calendar, celebrate Baptism, read the readings, and teach
the Catechism. Officially uprooted by the Japanese government, the
Catholic faith survived in hiding, guarded and passed down within
many households.

FaitH

Midori grew up in an environment where faith and total
abandonment to God were instilled. From a young age she learned to
BIOGRAPHY family.
pray in front of the Crucifix and, in prayer, entrusted to the Lord the
young Takashi, whom she did not yet know, who was hosted by her

tHeir meetinG

The two young people met in December 1932, when Midori
returned to her family for a school vacation. A sudden attack of
appendicitis puts the girl’s life in danger and her father called Takashi.
It was evening and snowing. The young doctor carried the girl on his
shoulders and took her to the hospital where they performed emergency
surgery, saving her life.