Migrants' Gathering In Niigata

Flores de Mayo in Shinjo

Last May 10-11, I was in Shinjo (Yamagata District) to facilitate a group sharing, and to join the first Flores de Mayo in the area.

The Shinjo Filipino Community decided to have the two-day program be held in Kaneyama. The program started with a sort of socialization, followed by reading 3 gospel passages, and then the big group was divided for dramatization of the 3 gospel passages. A short reflection-sharing culminated the program for the first day.

As early as 5 AM, most of the participants of the first day's activity were already preparing for the Flores de Mayo. The program of the day started with a procession, and then followed by the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. After the Mass, party came next. The community enjoyed the delicious food and conversation. The kids enjoyed the games and the tinikling. I enjoyed taking pictures... a sort of.

The celebration in Shinjo is hoped to start a better communication and belongingness among the Filipinos in the area. Since there is still no church erected in the area, they are hoping that someday one will be started. Starting something new most of the times is the hardest according to many. I, however, believe that maintaining it is the hardest. I pray that the community in Shinjo will be guided by the loving care of Mother Mary, be sustained by the grace of God, and be guided by the welcoming arms of the Church.

I thank all those who made the program a success! In special way, thanks to Noemi and her family for the accomodation, and to Vivian and her two lovely kids who entertained me.

One Fine Sunday...

After the Mass, we decided to go for a ride! I thought we're going for Ramen Trip but I was mistaken. We're going to Hyoko to have watch big Swans. But on our way, since it was already past 12 in the afternoon, we had lunch first. The chosen food? Crab Spaghetti! It was delicious, and I thought of going back there sometime.

Then we travelled to Hyoko... nothing much especial... lots of people... birds... swans... food... etc! On our way home we passed by a Cellphone Store and 2 of my companions upgraded their units to new models. Me? I received the free stuffs from AU and DoCoMo!

While on the road, I spotted a giant faucet, and I told our companion-driver to stop so that I can take a picture of it. Nothing special maybe... but I think it's interesting.

Every Sunday might not look good to everyone. We have to go out and find that good. If we do, it will surely be a "one fine Sunday."

SVD Centennial in Akita

Akita District celebrated 100 Years of SVD presence in Japan last October 27, 2007 in Akita Catholic Church. Bishop Kikichi, SVD was the main celebrant. Fr. Povincial Ichise, SVD was the homilist. They were joined by the Papal Nuncio, some SVD's, OFM's, SSCC's, and diocesan priests of Niigata. Benefactors, friends, and parishioners also attended the gathering. The Mass was followed by a Talk on the Historical Presence of SVD in Japan by Fr. Szippl, SVD. Afterwhich, a simple party came next.

The celebration was a good occasion to reflect on SVD mission here in Japan. SVD mission in Japan focuses, I think, on the educational formation of people through schools and universities. This, I believe, will continue in the future. However, we also need to nurture people who are not in the compounds of our schools and universities. So, I hope, the SVD presence will also be felt in parishes. I firmly believe, in order to proclaim the Word to the world, a "dialogue" with students in our schools and universities should be considered. Thus, a strong presence of a campus ministry should not be taken for granted. On the other side of wall, "dialogue" with parishioners should also be taken up so as to be able to accomodate new faces (ie. foreigners, youth, etc) in our communities.

Celebrating SVD presence in Japan or in other countries is not only about the joys of the historical development of the past. It also is about planting the spiritual seed for the future. If we do this, the darkness of sin and the night of unbelief will vanish before the light of the word and the spirit of grace, and the heart of Jesus will live in the hearts of all.