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.