Kosanji’s Sister Church
The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Italy became Kosanji's sister church in 1986 with the blessing of Pope John Paul II. It is rare for two institutions representing different faiths to be linked in this way.
The key figures, Saint Francis (1182–1226) and Myoe (1173–1232), were deemed to have much in common as individuals and in their spirituality. Both preferred solitary practice, rejected secular prosperity, and revered nature. Kosanji has a painting of Myoe meditating in a tree, with birds flying above him. The Basilica of Saint Francis has a painting of Saint Francis preaching to birds.
The link between Kosanji Temple and the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi pays homage to two men who lived far apart but led interestingly similar lives.