Year of the Priest

In order to make the 150th anniversary of St.John Mary Vianney's death special, Holy Father has decided to start a Year of the priest from 19 June 2009 to 19 June 2010. To make a solemn beginning of the Year of the Priest in Japan, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Japan (CBCJ) has decided to organise a special opening Eucharist on 18 June 2009 at 3 pm in Tokyo. The Mass in St.Ignatius Church, a Jesuit Parish in Yotsuya in Tokyo, will be presided over by Archbishop Peter Okada, Archbishop of Tokyo and the president of the CBCJ, while all the active bishops in Japan including Papal Nuncio will con-celebrate. Since CBCJ is organising a mini-conference with all bishops and priest delegates from all the 16 dioceses in Japan, one from each diocese, to discuss about evengelization in today's Japan, these delegates will also attend the Mass. Those who have time to come to Yotsuya on 18 June are welcome to join the Mass and pray for priests. Your prayer for us is really needed. (photo above; after the ordination of Fr.Sakamoto in Niigata Cathedral on 6 May, 2009)