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.

New Taxi in Niigata

After our lunch last Saturday, while walking in front of our Church, I saw something interesting. Yeah folks, that something interesting is shown in the photo above.
This is something similar to Tricyle and Tribike in the Philippines. The difference it has is that, it can be used by pedaling and also by using the attached motor. This is the new taxi in Niigata, and it is limited to 4 machines as of this writing. This machine is something like Hybrid Tribike! Visitors coming to Niigata city can reserve by calling the company. Fee starts from 500 Yen for the first kilometer, then 300 Yen per Kilometer for the succeeding kilometers. The taxibike has its won route to avoid the traffic, but it can also go anywhere when rented.
Though this thing is an environmental friendly machine, I don't think I will ride it from the Bullet Train Station to Niigata Catholic Church since it will cost me 1700 Yen. I might just walk... not only friendly to the environment but also to my health... and to my wallet, Arrr!

In Remembrance...

This year, Niigata Catholic Church celebrates the 80th anniversary of the Dedication of Niigata Church. The celebration started last September 8 with a talk given by Fr. Shirahama on The Living Presence of the Eucharist. On November 3, a commemoration Mass will be held. Bishop Kikuchi, SVD of the Diocese of Niigata will preside, while the Nuncio to Japan and some 30 priests will concelebrate. As part of the celebration, there will be Pipe Organ Charity Concerts on the 16th and 17th of November. The Picture Gallery will also be opened to the public from November 3. The culminating celebration will be on November 25, the Feast of Christ the King, whom the church is dedicated.

I arrived in Niigata Catholic Church in April 23 (the Feast of St. George, my patron saint) 2006. I am assigned as Assistant to the Parish Priest (who is a Japanese), and also became a member of the Niigata Diocese Migrants Commission. The list shows that there are around 500 who belong to the Church in Niigata. However, only more than a hundred attend the Sunday liturgical activities. The mission which was started by the French missionaries in Niigata, which was then followed by the German SVDs will always be treasured in the hearts of the Japanese. My questions are: Will the aging Japanese parishioners respond actively to the mission of inculcating the faith to their children and grandchildren after 80 years? Will the church too big enough for less than a hundred or too small for growing Mass goers when the church celebrates her 100 years? I, for myself, inherited my Catholic Faith from my parents, who themselves inherited theirs from their parents.

"When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?" That is God's business, and also partially ours.

National Assembly in Saitama Diocese

Last October 22 until 24, a National Assembly on Migrants was held in Utsonomiya in the Diocese of Saitama. The theme was: "What Can We Do? What Can We Not Do?"

Fr. Wein, OFM talked about "Self-Care" which includes "Stress Management" and even "Cultural Differences." Indeed, we need to take good care of our selves in order to be able to respond to the needs of others. Role Plays were shown so as to have a wider view of our own selves in our workplaces and also in our own parishes.

This gathering was also a sort of respite to all those working with migrants. We listened to each others' experiences, talked from our own point of views, and learned from others' mistakes. Of course, the assembly would have been incomplete without the laughters and midnight sharing of whatever over bottles of sake and wine, cans of beer, and overflowing snacks.

What did I learn? TO TAKE A VACATION... self-care first, huh!