Heavy snow in Niigata

We have quite a heavy snow in northern Japan this winter.  Though Niigata is well known as heavy snowfall area in Japan, Niigata city itself usually does not have much snow.  But this year is special.  Most of northern part of Japan has been covered by very cold air coming down from Siberia.  it is said to be an effect of earth warming and climate change.  We have to dedicate quite a lot of our time to clear the road and area from snow so that vehicles are able to move around.  It takes time.

Catholic Bishops Conference of Japan (CBCJ) has just finished its bi-annual general assembly in Tokyo from 13 to 17 February and all the 17 active bishops of Japan attended the meeting.  Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Joseph Chennoth also joined the first session to deliver his message.  CBCJ also organised jointly with Nuncio on Wednesday, 15th, Holy Eucharist to commemorate first anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake in Tokyo Cathedral.  More than 90 people from the diplomatic corps residing in Tokyo also joined the Mass and more than 400 people came to pray for victims of the disaster with Bishops.  Next meeting of the CBCJ will be in June.