Today, 16 July, is the 3rd anniversary of the earthquake in Kashiwazaki area. The quake is called "Chuetsu-oki Jishin" which took 15 peoples lives and more than 1,300 houses were completely destroyed. Parish in Kashiwazaki under the pastoral care of the OFM Fathers was also affected by the quake. Since the parish priest, Fr. Bassi who built the church is an architect, the church building was not so much affected but the kindergarten building was. Number of Catholic members were also affected at that time. During the early stage of recovery, the Parish community organised themselves to offer lunch and other services from the Kindergarten garage to the local people who had lost everything. The community did very well. Since then, the local government did very well to execute the recovery programme and local people cooperated well including the Parish community. As we are hearing the news of severe rain fall and flood in several places in Japan for past few days, I do remember all those who have been affected by these natural disasters in my prayer. (Photo above; a destroyed temple. This temple has been restored recently)
By the way, the year 2010 is the 100th anniversary of birth of Mather Teresa of Calcutta and there will be the Mother Teresa Film Festival in all over Japan organized by local organising committee. Though Catholic Church is not the main force to organise these events, the Japanese Bishops Conference is fully supporting the event. And from 24 July to 6 August, the festival is coming to Niigata. The venue is the "Cine Wind" in Bandai area in Niigata. From 24 to 30 July, the show will begin at 10 am and end at 6:20 pm with 6 shows (films). From 31 July to 6 August, the show will begin at 2:30 pm and end at 5:45 pm with 2 shows (films). A ticket for each show will cost JPY 1,200. I am not so sure but you may need 6 tickets to complete the 6 shows if you wish to stay for a whole day. You might find more detailed information in your own parish centers.
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