September 2013 Newsletter

FOR OUR REFLECTION

     FESTIVAL

by Fr. Antonius “HARU” Harnoko, cicm

Wherever we are in Japan, summer time is the time of celebration. So many people rushed to go home, eagerly to be in their once in a lifetime furusato (homeland). Beaches and swimming pools were filled up by children and adults who longed for refreshment. Young couples and families were exchanging their loving memories under the beautiful hanabi (fireworks), while the elders were endlessly dancing the whole night to welcome their ancestors. Indeed, for us in Japan summer time is a time to celebrate with the living and the dead.

Personally, I am so glad to witness that most of us, in spite of being foreigners, took part actively in our respective Japanese community summer-festivals (natsu matsuri). It is by being together with our Japanese brothers and sisters in this time of celebration, we celebrate the realization of Jesus’ dream to be ONE family beyond boundaries.

If we read the Gospels, we will notice there that Jesus himself took part in so many “eating-and-drinking” sessions with His fellows and friends. In a festivity, Jesus taught us how good to be connected to one another, how wonderful to be enriched and energized by others. And, not in few times that many people were miraculously healed in that kind of bonding; bonding with God and fellow human.

Summer time will end in a moment. Another season is waiting at the corner. That, for many times, brings some time of unstable weather condition. It can give some impact to our daily life, but God is always good. Keep tight and keep smile, because there is always a reason to celebrate!

   

ON Forgiveness

Most of us were hurt in one way or the other. Perhaps a friend of ours talked ill about us, our partners had an affair, or our mother had criticized our skills on parenting. These wounds can leave us lasting feelings of anger, resentment - but if don't practice forgiveness, we might be the one who will pay dearly with our actions. Embracing forgiveness does not make us weak, rather it leads to peace of mind, hope, gratitude and joy.

What is forgiveness


Generally, forgiveness is a decision to let go of resentment and thoughts of revenge. The act that hurt or offended you might always remain a part of your life, but forgiveness can lessen its grip on you and help you focus on other, positive parts of your life. Forgiveness can even lead to feelings of understanding, empathy and compassion for the one who hurt you.

Forgiveness doesn't mean that you deny the other person's responsibility for hurting you, and it doesn't minimize or justify the wrong. You can forgive the person without excusing the act. Forgiveness brings a kind of peace that helps you go on with life.

How do I reach the state of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a commitment to a process of change. To begin, you might:
1. Consider the value of forgiveness and its importance in your life at a given time

2. Reflect on the facts of the situation, how you've reacted, and how this combination has affected your   life, health and well-being

3. When you're ready, actively choose to forgive the person who's offended you

4. Move away from your role as victim and release the control and power the offending person and situation have had in your life

As you let go of grudges, you'll no longer define your life by how you've been hurt. You might even find compassion and understanding.

FAITH IN ACTION

FIL COM Miyagi - PAG ASA Ofunato - Bayanihan - Kessennuma Joins SanRiku Umi no Obon

With the invitation from the coordinator of SanRiku Umi no Obon, we made our presence felt through our participation on this local event by introducing our culture through dance.  As foreigners in this area we have a greater role to let the Japanese people know that we are here, and we are living in the disaster areas.

This years SanRiku Umi no Obon was held in Ofunato City.

Our participation to the event was through the invitation of Yamaguchi Sensei who wanted to make our presence felt in the disaster area through these activities.

"one for all, all for one po tayo" - Maria Lara Kikuchi

IWATE KEN


PAG ASA Joins Hakkengai Festival and Bon Odori

With the invitation from the local shotengai near the church, PAG ASA were invited again to join the bazaar and bon ordori.

This is the second time that the PAG-ASA member joined Jinomori Hakkengai Festival. We have our own booth, and we sell HALO-HALO and of course our very own PAG-ASA T-shirt.We danced the tinikling and  most especial to join us was Fr. Haru,he wore a Barong Tagalog.

After our performance, we challenged the audience to dance, and one of them was Fr. Gary. He quickly learned the steps. Hopefully he will join us next time. The best thing was when we danced the MACARENA with the japanase. And while dancing the music suddenly stopped......

By Haydee Kaiyama

Macarena 

at PAG ASA booth selling Halo Halo, T-shirt 

CD Recording in Ofunato Church

Friends of Fr. Harnoko from Tokyo wanted the voices of the Filipinos and their children for their upcoming CD and they requested our cooperation. Last Aug 18 after the mass, we had our recording for the song originally compose by Suemura san and Iwabuchi san entitled Shiawase na Hoshi.

recording with the children

During the mass, Iwabuchi san the guitarist had helped us in our songs for the mass. I can say that it was the most solemn mass I've celebrated in Ofunato. After the mass, we did our practice for the song. The children too had their part so they did their practice with Aiko san who was looking after them while the mothers were doing the recording.

Information and pictures from Haydee Kaiyama

the producer, composer, sound director and the singer. 

Happy Anniversary Fr. Haru

Together with the block rosary in Ofunato church last Aug 24, Fr. Haru celebrated his 12th anniversary of his priestly ordination. It was a simple celebration as the group gathered together to pray for Fr. Haru on this special day.

Care-Giver's Follow Up

fr. Haru with Joy, Sarah and Wenji

Those who are working as care-giver had their follow up with Fr. Haru and Aiko san last Aug 24 in Ofunato Church. They had  sharing about their work, their experiences with the people they work with, and the people they serve in the home for the aged. Although they had some difficulties with their work they also feel blessed to met the people who appreciate their way taking care for the elders.

They pointed out that they still need to study about the words that are exclusively used in the care-giving, and more help for them on how to input reports since they feel limited with the Japanese.








Mizusawa Church Baptism of Sato san

Last Aug 15 on the Feast of the Assumption to Heaven of Mary, the Filipinos in Mizusawa Catholic Church celebrated the baptism of Sato san. After two years of preparation and studies, he decided that he is ready for baptism.  Some of the Filipinos act as his god-mother.

FUKUSHIMA AREA




Summer camp of Shirakawa Church

Shirakawa Catholic together with their parish priest Fr. Tanaka had their summer camp in Dominican house is Sendai. Lenny and Sister Margarete were also there to join and help in the summer camp activities of the children.

Fr. Tanaka was very happy after the summer camp because  the children in the Shirakawa Church were beginning to be united and feel one as members of the church. Now there is a growing number of children coming for the mass and also serve in the liturgy.

Onnahama Church Mass

Miku san on her first communion

Last Aug 10, second Saturday of the month we started to celebrate mass in Onnahama Catholic Church in Iwaki Fukushima Ken. We will try to make this mass a regular as possible from now. There were around 15 Filipinos who attended the mass, seafarers from the nearest port also took time to join in our mass.


During our mass, we celebrated the first communion of Miku san. She had been doing the preparation for the first communion and with the approval of her parish priest we conducted the first communion in Onnahama Church.









Noda Machi Mass

We would like to inform everybody in Fukushima area that we will have our regular mass from now on in Noda Machi Church every first sunday of the month at 4 in the afternoon.  We hope for more participation in our Tagalog mass from now on. Please help us inform others about this mass schedule in Noda Machi Church






Watari Catholic Church Mass

with Fr. Jose

Every fourth saturday of the month at 10 in the morning, we are celebrating Tagalog mass in Watari church. This month our parish priest Fr. Jose Gonzales joined us in our mass and a simple sharing.


 I introduced Fr. Jose to the group of Filipinos in the area and they were very happy to have a young and energetic priest.

Fr. Jose is living in Shiroishi Church and is
assigned in the four churches of the area namely, Kakuta Church, Watari, Shiroishi and Ogawara churches

Miyagi Area

Bayanihan- Kessennuma Joins the local Festival in Kessennuma City

Pilipino Community in Kessennuma

The Bayanihan - Kessennuma had join the local festival in the area. They joined in the parade and the street dance.


The presence of the Filipinos in the area is also highlighted due to their contribution as care-giver in the local home for the aged in the area.










Fil Com SENDAI In Action 

Aomori Ken AREA




Hirosaki Mass and Novena

Praise the Lord ,Halleluia , Salamat Panginoon sa isang taon naming samahan dito sa Hirosaki Philippine community ,Maraming salamat LORD sa iyong Gabay at sa mga taong dumalo at iyong idinagdag tuwing magkakaroon kami ng Mass . Salamat Sa lahat na mga Pari at mga Madre sila ang aming pastol na iyong ibinigay sa amin upang bantayan at alagaan ang aming buhay at pananampalataya .sa iyo.
Thank you Fr.Garry and Aiko chan sa pagpunta po ninyo lagi sa amin.Thank you din sa lahat ng mga mangagawa na mga kasamahan ko po .Lahat tayo ay mahal ng Diyos “ WHEREVER GOD MAY CALL YOU “…GOD is GOOD all the Time .


Pat

 Prayer

 

  Mary my Mother your love for us could not be greater or more powerful .You are rich in love and your power bring us relief .You want every one to be save . I beg you therefore protect  us in temtation and strengthen me when I awaken. I struggle daily to the faithful to Jesus your son .Help me my Mother at every moment .But above all take me by the hand when you see that I am weakening and about to fall . I will have to battle  with temptation till the day I die. My Lady you are my hope my refuge , my strength ,never let me lose the grace of God .In every temptation.I resolve to turn to you at once and pray . Mary help us .

INTRODUCTION TO JAPANESE CULTURE AND PRACTICES

Autumnal Equinox Day 

(秋分の日 Shūbun no Hi) is a public holiday in Japan that usually occurs on September 22 or 23, the date of Southward equinox in Japan Standard Time (autumnal equinox can occur on different dates for different timezones). Due to the necessity of recent astronomical measurements, the date of the holiday is not officially declared until February of the previous year. Autumnal Equinox Day became a public holiday on 1948. In 1947 and before, it was the date of Shūki kōreisai ( 秋季皇霊祭), an event relating to Shintoism. Like other holidays, this holiday was repackaged as a non-religious holiday for the sake of separation of religion and state in Japan's postwar constitution.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autumnal_Equinox_Day

Respect for the Aged Day 

(敬老の日 Keirō no Hi) is a Japanese holiday celebrated annually to honor elderly citizens.^[1] It started in 1966 as a national holiday and held on every September 15. After 2003, the Respect for the Aged Day is held on the 3rd Monday of September due to the Happy Monday System.

This national holiday traces its origins to 1947, when Nomadani-mura (laterYachiyo-cho, currently Taka-cho), Hyōgo Prefecture proclaimed September 15 Old Folks' Day (Toshiyori no Hi). Its popularity spread nationwide, and in 1966 it took its present name and status. Annually, Japanese media take the opportunity to feature the elderly, reporting on the population and highlighting the oldest people in the country.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Respect_for_the_Aged_Day

Tsukimi 

(月見) or Otsukimi, literally moon-viewing, refers to Japanese festivals honoring the autumn moon. The celebration of the full moon typically takes place on the 15th day of the eighth month of the traditional Japanese lunisolar calendar; the waxing moon is celebrated on the 13th day of the ninth month. These days normally fall in September and October of the modern solar calendar.

The tradition dates to the Heian era, and is now so popular in Japan that some people repeat the activities for several evenings following the appearance of the full moon during the eighth lunisolar month.

Tsukimi traditions include displaying decorations made from Japanese pampas grass(susuki) and eating rice dumplings called Tsukimi dango in order to celebrate the beauty of the moon. Seasonal produce are also displayed as offerings to the moon. Sweet potatoes are offered to the full moon, while beans or chestnuts are offered to the waxing moon the following month. The alternate names of the celebrations, Imomeigetsu　(literally "potato harvest moon") and Mamemeigetsu ("bean harvest moon") orKurimeigetsu ("chestnut harvest moon") are derived from these offerings.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsukimi

MESSAGE TO FR.GARY

           Dear Fr.Gary,

            It's been two years , since Pagasa was born. Within that two years, so many things had 

  happened. Sad and happy moments, problems and trials we encountered, and ofcourse different 

  challenges that just made us more stronger .During our ups and downs , we succeeded because 

  we received supports from the priests . And we thank them for that. But you know, one of our 

  success that was really doing good up to now, was the sales of our tshirt. 

           How rude of us to forget , that behind that success, it was you who designed the tshirt 

  deserves to be appreciated more. And for that we ask for an apology. Aside from the design, We 

  also wanna thank ,my Aebo ( Erva Sugawara ) for the color she suggested. Because of the good 

  team up , Pagasa Iwate is doing good . We want to take this opportunity to thank both of you,

  for the job well done. No need to elaborate more, coz you already know it, on behalf of all 

  Pagasa Iwate members I wanna thank the both of you from the bottom of my heart. 

            Thank you so much . 

                                                                                                  From: Pagasa Iwate

                                                                                                              By:

                                                                                                 Marife Sugawara

with the Tatsuno Family

in Fukuoka

in Osaka

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　in Sakai Church









This is a joint statement issued by J CARM, etc on the issue of forced mass deportation of undocumented Filipino migrants last month. 

Joint Statement 

We question and oppose the forced mass deportation of the 75 undocumented Filipino migrants because we found that their human rights were violated and their welfare is disregarded. 

We conducted individual and group interviews with 23 people deported back from Japan in the week of August 20-26 in the Philippines. 

They all need medical attention and counseling to some extent. Most suffer from symptoms of depression such as attempted suicide, insomnia, skin disorders, ulcer, aches and difficulty breathing. Their physical and psychological conditions deteriorated while in detention. Having lived in Japan for more than a decade, they feel alienated and helpless in their home country, and they are afraid to even venture out to the streets. They need proper assistance to readjust to the new environment. They have no money to start a new life, with some who are left under the care of their relatives with meager income, while others have no family or relatives to turn to. 

We demand that the Japanese government; 1) examine thoroughly and carefully in deciding the deportation 2) respect the deportees’ rights to access family and legal assistance before deportation; 3) prohibit an excessive use of handcuffs to manage the deportees because it is an act of torture and humiliation; 4) provide proper medical attention with a reference to the hospitals in the Philippines. 

We also demand that the Filipino government; 1) extend its support to fulfill urgent needs of the 75 deported undocumented migrants; 2) help those undocumented who wish to remain in Japan acquire legal status; 3) provide an accessible and tangible reintegration program designed for undocumented workers. 

We call on both governments to suspend the inhumane mass deportation. 

J-CaRM 

(Catholic Commission of Japan Migrants, Refugees and People on the Move) 

Solidarity Network with Migrants Japan (SMJ) 

ECMI 

(Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People) 

Scalabrini

MASS SCHEDULES for September 2013

First Sat and Sun

Sept. 1 (Sun) - Noda Machi Catholic Church (English Mass) - 4 pm

Sept 7 (Sat) - Shirakawa Catholic Church (Tagalog Mass) - 13:00 pm

Second Sat and Sun and Wed

Sept 8 (Sun) - Hachinohe Catholic Church (English Mass) - 14:00 pm

Sept 11 (Wed) - Hirosaki Catholic Church (English Mass and Novena) - 11:00 am

Sept 14 (Sat) - Onnahama Catholic Church ( English Mass) - 15:00 pm

Third Sat and Sun

Sept 15 (Sun) - Ofunato Catholic Church (Tagalog Mass) - 13:00 pm

                      Ishinomaki Catholic Church (International Mass) -10:00 am

                      Minami San Riku (Tagalog Mass) - 14:00 pm

Sept 21 (Sat) - Ichinoseki Catholic Church (Tagalog Mass) - 14:00 pm

Fourth Sat and Sun

Sept 22 (Sun) -Ofunato Catholic Church (International Mass) - Shinjo Catholic Church Visits Ofunato - 15:00 pm

Sept 28 (Sat)- Watari Caholic Church (Tagalog Mass) - 10:00 am

                       Koriyama Catholic Church (English Mass) - 17:00 pm

August 2013 News Letter

FOR OUR REFLECTION

On Prayer

I have made the text on the reflection of Fr. William Grimm, MM. It is so meaningful to me that i would like to share it here on this section. It`s on PRAYER 

Do you pray as well as you wish? I don't mean "when you pray for something do you get it". The answer to our prayer is up to God and though God always answer our prayer, we know that sometimes tha answer is "NO". 

I mean, when you pray, do you really feel that, as the old catechism definition put it very inadequately, that you are " lifting up your mind and heart to God"?"

In today's Gospel, one of the disciples sees a chance to find the formula.  Jesus has been praying.  The disciple realizes there is something about the prayer of Jesus, that seems to make it a deeper communion with God than the disciple thought himself or herself capable of. So, the disciple approaches Jesus and say " Lord, teach us to pray as John taught his disciples. ". A rabbi, usually taught his disciples prayers they could use as a way of bringing his teaching into their prayer. And Jesus does it, teaching a prayer that has become the hallmark of his disciples through all ages in all places and among all the different groups that call him Lord.

Having taught the words though, Jesus goes on to say that they are not really that important. Our problem ( and this is where the catechism definition was misleading) that we think that prayer is primarily something that we do.

It is, of course something we do, but what we do is not the most important thing. Prayer is our relationship with God. God is the chief actor. 

When I focus upon myself and what I do in prayer, I become so caught up in formulas, postures, breathing exercises and such. That I forget that the whole reason why I pray is to remember who is God is, and with in that relationship, who I am?

Jesus gives us two important lessons on a commentary upon the disciple's request. The first is the story about someone awakened in the night by a neighbor who needs bread. At first, the groggy one is unwilling to help. However, eventually he gets up and helps his neighbor, if only to get back to sleep. "So I say to you, ask and it will be given you, search, and you will find, knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who ask receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks the door will be opened". 

What Jesus is telling us is that the important things about prayer is not much how we do it as that we do. God will hear us. If sleepy heads like us respond to our prayers addressed to us, we can be sure that God hear us and respond. Therefore, we can and should pray with confidence. The first principle of prayer, is that God will always hear us and respond. 

Jesus second point is, perhaps, more important to those of us who worry about praying well or properly. He uses example to teach us. The first example is that of a child who asking a parent for a fish. In such a case, the child will not receive a snake. The second example, is of the child asking for an egg. The child need not worry about getting a scorpion. On one level, Jesus is telling us that when we pray, we need not worry that God will do evil  for us in response to our needs. God does not tease. 

But, there is another level to what he says, it involves puns. In the Aramaic, Jesus and his disciples spoke, the words for "fish" and "snake" and the words for "eggs" and "scorpions" sounded similar. Perhaps there were even situations where mix ups could occur. For example, when someone warned that there was a scorpion Ina basket, reached in planning to make an omelet. Jesus is telling his disciples that we need not worry that God will not understood our prayers. We do not have to use proper formulas , the right words. God loves us so much that our inadequate prayer suffice. In other words, the disciples anxiety to learn the right words to us in prayer was misplaced. There is is no right words, there are no wrong words. God will not misunderstand us. So what we do? PRAY

FAITH IN ACTION

Mizusawa Church Filipino Group

St. Augustine said, to "sing is to pray twice". Songs in our masses are inspiring they lead us to prayer especially if we sing together. 

Maybe we have met the group of choir from Mizusawa - Kitakami Catholic Church they have been helping us in our masse here in Ofunato, Ichinoseki and Ishinomaki. Every other month, we celebrate mass in Mizusawa Church and the Filipino group always prepare the songs for the Japanese-English mass (International Mass). 

When we have an event in other communities, we invite the group to help us sing during the mass. When we think of what we can for the other people, I believe that singing is the best expression. I really appreciate the group who came all the way from Mizusawa with their guitar and drums last March to help us in the singing for our mass as we commemorate the second anniversary of the Tohoku disaster in Ishinomaki. 

FUKUSHIMA KEN

Shirakawa Mass and Rosary 

From July we will have the monthly Tagalog mass in Shirakawa Church and the transferring of the statue of the Virgin Mary to a new house for the block rosary. Our first mass was attended by around 25 people. Sis Marcy, Sis Margarete and Lenny join us in these prayer gathering. 

Fr. Tanaka's Birthday

Our group from Shirakawa church celebrated the birthday of their parish priest surprising him on his special day.  Fr. Tanaka was very happy indeed that the Filipino group from his parish made time and effort to celebrate his birthday even they are very busy with their work.  Fr. Tanaka told me that the group had made his birthday, the most unforgetable day of his life.
Happy Birthday and God Bless.

Noda Machi Church Mass

Last July 7, we celebrated our first mass in Noda Machi Catholic Church.  After a long time of request from Kaye and the group of Noda Machi, I was able to talk to Fr. Thomas our parish priest in Noda Machi and he willing said that we have our Tagalog mass in the Church at 4 pm every first Sunday of the month.

MIYAGI KEN

Barbeque  party din pag summer time

Sendai group barbeque party last July 7.

 Filipino Community of Sendai Celebrated Philippine Independence Day

Consul General Marian Jocelyn R. Tirol-Ignacio inducts the newly elected
officers of Fil Com Sendai

The Fil-Com Sendai celebrated the Philippine Independence day together with the induction of the new officer of the group and the celebration of the second anniversary of the group. Marian Jocelyn R. TIROL-IGNACIO (Minister and Consul General) (Consular Affairs and Assistance to Nationals) graced the event and did the induction of the officers. Congratulations and more power to the Fil-Com Sendai group.

Kessennuma Care Giver group featured in Miyagi International Association

Members of Bayanihan group Kessennuma were featured in Miyagi International Association. The full article can be downloaded in the website of the MIA. It features those who are working as care giver. The interview and the article is in Japanese













AOMORI KEN

Hirosaki Commuty Mass and Birthday Celebration

thank God for another fruitful life I recieved.In behalf of Filipino community in hirosaki Our deepest thank's to Fr.Garry Gestoveo Who offered us mass every 2nd wednesday of the month . Kahit malayo ang beyahe galing ofunato ,makikita mo pa rin ang napakagandang smile abot nang langit sa kabila nang pagod ... We feel blessed by hearing the gospel so much ...and i would like to take this opportunity to say  " THANK  YOU " from the bottom of my heart to my friend who pray and supported me in my struggles in the hospital , may the Lord God bless us always ....

           

        " A PRAYER TO HELP THOSE IN NEED "

May all of my family and friends who need miracles be blessed , may whoever is feeling weak be given strength .may all of those who carry heavy  burdens have their load lightened .Amen ...

          by

               Gina Naito

Miho Chan with her Dad.

40th Anniversary of Fr. Gabriel's Priesthood

We thank GOD for our dear Father Gabriel who is celebrating 40th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.We are very fortunate to have you here in Hirosaki city ,a very approachable and a smiling priest .You serve us all for our benefit ! We thank GOD for all who heed the call to the Priesthood ! Congratulations ! and the Lord's blessings for many years to come in the service of the Lord and the Order .

             Allow us to express our heartfelt thanks for allowing us to unite every second wednesday of the month to celebrate an english mass ang to pray the Rosary and novena to our Blessed Virgin Mary A Very happy fortieth ordination .May heavenly Father change this to GOLD , DIAMOND and PLATINUM........

             May the Good Lord Bless you in abundance and grant you many more blessed happy healthy priestly years .Best Wishes !

            

             

          Pat Kikuchi

IWATE KEN

Ofunato Church

This month we are greatly blessed to have the baptism of the three children here in Ofunato Church. The PAG ASA community of Ofunato and Rikuzen Takata together with the Japanese christians in Ofunato are one to welcome our new members. They are Sei Takahashi whose baptismal name is Francis of Asisi, Koyuki Sasaki whose baptismal name is Angela Chrisei and Kaori Shibata whose baptismal name is Christine were baptised in Ofunato church. We pray for these children that they will always be blessed by God and that their family and their God-parents (Ninongs and Ninangs) will help them grow in their faith. 

Rikuzen Takata Members Join in cooking class with Kokusai Kouryu Kyoukai

Good day to all of us, can I just share a little about our cooking we did last july 13.This is the first time that the KOKUSAI KOURYU KYOUKAI make activities to show their support and concerned to the foreigner, after the tsunami .We cooked japanese food. Some member of PAG-ASA (takata) joined  the event.The participants were Theresa, Marife, Christine, Rosemary, Rosalinda, and also the Japanese joined with us.

We cooked aji gohan, pasta, imuno, warabe and soup. And while cooking nagkwentuhan, tawanan kami and the japanese also participate and laughed with us.We ended up with sharing about our experiences last 3/11 disaster

By Haydee Kaiyama

PAG ASA Group Join in the City Celebration in Honor of Yamaura Sensei

In celebrating with Yamaura Sensei for recieving the Papal honor for his work in translating the Bible into the local (Kessen language) language, the city had prepare a special program for his honor. PAG ASA members offered a dance for his honor and they event invited Yamaura sensei to dance with them. It was indeed a great honor for the Ofunato Catholic Church and the whole Catholic church of Japan that one of our members recieved a highest honor from the Pope himself.

Home Visit

With block rosaries, we were able to visit homes of our members and share a meal together. It also an opportunity to meet the family and have some deeper shadings about our situations here. After the rosary in Ofunato church we decided to visit Ryori Cho and meet Tate san, Rina san, and Gina san.

We also visited Christine Sasaki in preparation for Koyuki's baptism.

Had the general meeting and Rosary in Takata in Rose Marie Sasaki

Seamen's Visit

Last August 5, we have an opportunity to meet the seafarers from Indonesia. We were invited to eat supper with them. Fr. Harnoko share his reflection on the visit.

Today, I met Indonesia ship-crew in Ofunato, bringing them to shops and visiting their cargo-ship. I was so touched by the captain's story..."It's a hard life but God is always with us! It's a wonderful experience to meet friends here."
今日、偶然にインドネシア人の船員たちに出会った。買い物などを連れていて、祈りも一緒にした。船まで訪問して、共に食事を分かち合った。船長さんは「大変な仕事だけど、神様がいつも私のそばにおられるから、大丈夫！今日も新しい友達に出会えて嬉しかったです。」と言われて、感動した。

Thank you and Sayonara

We would like to thank some special people who had become part of our journey here in the Sendai Support Center for Foreigners. They have been of great service to all of us especially in the time after the disaster. Miss Maria Sol Velez, a lay missionary from CTIC had help us in organizing ourselves here in Ofunato and Takata. We would never forget how you gave your time to all of us. Thank you and we hope the best for you and your family.

Another person we would like to thank is Sister Nogami. Thank you for your patience to teach us Japanese for our Kaigo lessons. We hope for the best for you in your new mission.

INTRODUCTION TO JAPANESE CULTURE

August are Matsuri time its also O-bon Festival.

O-bon Festival is a series of of rituals where Japanese Welcome the spirits of their ancestors and then send them off into the great unknown. Rituals vary by region; Morioka holds the Funekko Nagashi, where they send a burning boat down the river, while in Kyoto they celebrate the Gozan no Okuribi, where five giant bonfires are lit on mountains sorrounding the city.

These events are both help on August 16 every year.

images taken from the internet