Pilgrimage to Akita

All together, 19 people joined the pilgrimage to Akita on Thursday and Friday from Niigata. Fr.Kotaro Sakamoto, our newly ordained also joined the group and celebrated his first Mass in Seitai-hoshi-kai on Friday morning.

Though the weather forecast was pessimistic all over Japan, we were lucky to be under beautiful clear sky in Akita. We thank God for this gift of weather since the way of cross is prepared outside in the garden. As you can see from the photo above, the chapel of the Seitai-hoshi-kai is purely Japanese style which resembles Buddhist temple. The chapel houses the statue of Holy Mother Mary which shed tears 101 times in 1970's. This miraculous event which was recognised by my predecessor, Bp.Ito in 1984 still attracts many pilgrims from all over the world. We still holds the same stand as Bp.Ito's pastoral letter in 1984. The house provides wonderful atmosphere for prayer and reflection. Also the vast garden provides beautiful way of cross and a space to wonder around in prayer. I also encourage you to visit the house for your private meditation and prayer. The Seitai-hoshi-kai provides lodging for groups only for week-ends.