広島市への原爆投下は８０年前の8月6日、長崎は8月9日でした。

石破首相の長崎での平和祈念式典でのご挨拶の中に、「浦上天主堂の双塔の鐘楼の鐘」についてのお話があった。「アンジェラスの鐘が８０年前の昔と同じ音色を奏でた。長崎医科大学で被曝された永井隆博士の『長崎の鐘』という本の中で『願わくば、この浦上をして　世界最後の原子野たらしめたまえ』と謳われているが、このような惨禍は、二度と起こさないで、この長崎を最後となりますように」と、話されました。

鐘楼の鐘の一つが原爆投下によって、割れてしまって、1つの塔にだけ鐘が残っていた。

それを聞いて、アメリカのカトリック教会の多くの人々が寄金をされ、新しい鐘が今年鐘楼に取り付けられ、司式の時にアンジェラスの鐘として鳴らされたのでした。

永井博士が一番大事にされていた聖書の言葉は、「隣人を自分のように愛する」でした。浦上天主堂の鐘は、アメリカの人達の非戦と人への愛という大きな協力でできました。

Longer version
Prime Minister Ishiba mentioned in his speech at the Nagasaki Peace Memorial Ceremony on August 9, as the bells of the twin towers of Urakami Cathedral rang in the same tone as they did 80 years ago, like “the Angelus bells.” Dr. Takashi Nagai, who wrote the book titled “The Bells of Nagasaki,” was remembered by the bells we heard today. Dr. Takashi Nagai helped many suffering people while he himself was exposed to radiation at Nagasaki Medical College, and he proclaimed, “May Urakami become the last atomic wasteland in the world.” Prime Minister Ishiba showed agreement with this wish, expressing hope that there would never be another such tragedy in the world.
Before the memorial ceremony, in July 2025, a new gold bell was installed as a replacement for the one destroyed, with representatives from both the United States and Japan participating in the donations to fund the new bell. Dr. Nagai valued most the teachings of Jesus, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” The bell towers of Urakami Cathedral were rebuilt by the strong will for peace and the principle of loving others as you love yourself.

Shorter version
The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki occurred 80 years ago, on August 6th and 9th, respectively. Prime Minister Ishiba spoke at the Nagasaki Peace Memorial Ceremony, mentioning the bells of Urakami Cathedral. He said, “The Angelus bells rang with the same tone as 80 years ago.” Dr. Takashi Nagai, exposed to radiation at Nagasaki Medical College, wrote in his book, “The Bells of Nagasaki,” that he hoped Urakami would become the world’s last atomic wasteland. Many members of the American Catholic Church donated funds to replace the shattered bell, and a new one was installed this year. The Bible verse Dr. Nagai held dear was, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” The bell of Urakami Cathedral was made possible through the great cooperation of the American people, who supported non-war and love for humanity.