Dance of a Thousand Cranes: A Legacy of Suffering and Hope from the Maryknoll Japanese American Catholic Community

This paper explores the meaning of reconnecting to the memory of the historical suffering and faith of the Maryknoll Japanese American Catholic community during the period of “evacuation, internment” and resettlement during World War II. The legacy of pain, suffering, hope and grace are discussed in light of interpretive theological frameworks and Asian American experience. Implications for identity, community, the present and future are explored. The historical work of Harry Honda, a devout Catholic and editor of the Japanese American Citizen League's newspaper The Pacific Citizen, is highlighted.