April 2015

For Our Reflection


The Lord is Risen!!!!

Despite the passage of time, the words of Peter’s speech as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 10:35-43) vibrate with all the joy, the power and the conviction that must have impressed those first hearers.  The message is clear:  the Jesus whom we witnessed preaching and healing, whom we saw crucified, we have seen now – alive!  

That which allows us, these many centuries later, to hear these words again has less to do with a careful recording of mere words, than with the fact that Christians in every generation down to our own have also been witnesses.  Yes, they are the ones who “believe without seeing,” but they do not simply repeat the words of others. 

Pope Francis, in writing about the call to a New Evangelization, recalled these words of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI:  “Being a Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction.”  

This life-changing encounter with the risen Lord ought not to be thought of as the privilege of the few, but an invitation to all.  But can I dare to hope for such an encounter?  How can this be my experience and not simply that of others?  

On this Easter Day, let us be bold in asking for this renewed encounter.  Let us desire to join with the many who have not seen, but have believed, because they have encountered him.  Let us be witnesses!

News From Ofunato

Thank you so much Fukahori San

Which is more hurting , the one who's leaving or the one who was being left? This was the question I used to ask myself everytime there's someone who's leaving Ofunato. Specially, the staff who shared their time with us since after tsunami up to the time we had recovered. After the three priests left ( Fr.Morita, Fr.Haru and Fr.Garry) then Fukahori's turn. Fukahori shared his four years with us . He started as volunteer and was asked if he wanted to be a staff at Caritas base in Ofunato.. For four years, he was there for us specially ( for Erva and me ) We had our farewell party .. 22 members of shinja san and 6 members from Pagasa attended the party for him. I hope he can find time to visit us again someday.お疲れ様でした。

by Marife Sugawara

Graduation and More

Last March most of us had celebrated the graduation of our children. We have seen how grow who end and will start a new journey in college, high school and even to be in the company for work.

I think graduation is about reflection, we reflect on what's next for our children. Lets support them and continue to be with them.

To all the parents and the graduates for this year congratulations, may you always remember that your new journey always bring freshness and hope not only to yourself but to all those who support and guide you.