Today, March 16, we celebrate the Second Sunday of Lent. Tomorrow, on March 17, we will commemorate two world-famous events: the Feast of St. Patrick of Ireland and the Feast of Our Lady of the Discovery of the Hidden Christians of Japan. Currently, there are about 2.4 billion Christians in the world, making Christianity the largest religion globally, with roughly one-third of the world's population identifying as Christian. In Asia, more than 415 million Christians represent one of the fastest-growing populations in this faith. Africa has approximately 734 million Christians, making it the continent with the largest Christian population. Additionally, around 90% of people in Latin America identify as Christians. You may wonder where Europe fits into this picture. Historically, Europe was the continent responsible for sharing and spreading Christianity to the rest of the world. Over the centuries, many eminent martyrs and missionaries, such as Alessandro Valignano, Francis Xavier, and Matteo Ricci, along with modern saints like Mother Teresa, embarked on missions from their homelands. They spread the love and joy of the Risen Lord to the people of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The journeys of these heroic individuals to the developing world began in Europe, later joined by missionaries from North America and Australia. These figures not only communicated the love of Christ but also shared elements of their languages and cultures, helping third-world nations to develop and thrive. The Discovery of the Hidden Christians in Japan, described by Pope Pius IX as the "Miracle of the Orient," occurred on March 17, 1885, in one of Japan’s oldest churches, the Oura Tenshudo of Nagasaki, also known as the Basilica of the Twenty-Six Holy Martyrs of Japan. About 15 Japanese men and women from Urakami entered the cathedral and informed Fr. Petitjean that they were Christians. For Catholics around the world, this discovery was seen as miraculous. These hidden Christians had endured heavy persecution but managed to survive for over 250 years without priests or nuns for support. It was a miracle of both discovery and resurrection. In today’s Gospel passage, we witness how the apostles Peter, James, and John were transformed by the Transfiguration of Jesus. A similar transformation occurred within the Catholic Church and in the nation of Japan. Japan opened itself to the world, building churches, schools, and universities. The 26 martyrs of Nagasaki, who had died 400 years earlier, were canonized as saints. Japan became a focal point on the global stage, with more Hidden Christians emerging in places like Nagasaki and Goto, eventually numbering over 10,000. This was indeed a "Miracle of the Orient" that continues to shape Japan’s future. Today, we also celebrate the feast of St. Patrick of Ireland. When I think of Ireland, I am reminded of a school in the South Indian city of Chennai, where I received my First Holy Communion 72 years ago. The Sisters who prepared me for this sacrament were charming Irish nuns, all Presentation Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who were devoted to St. Patrick. St. Patrick's mission began around 432 AD, leading to the establishment of Christian communities, churches, and monasteries across Ireland. His impact was so significant that Ireland became known as the "Island of Saints and Scholars." St. Patrick blended Christian teachings with Irish culture, resulting in a unique form of Celtic Christianity that inspired the art, literature, and language of the Irish people. He consistently promoted dialogue with non-Christians, encouraging openness and respect for other religions. In a letter to a warrior named Coroticus, he strongly criticized the slave trade, specifically condemning the enslavement of newly baptized Christians. He is indeed one of the most celebrated saints in Christian history.