This is the last day of the year 2012. The last day of the year creates special atmosphere in Japan for everyone to reflect upon one's words and deeds of past one year. Many visit shrine or temple this evening to get purification of hearts and blessings for the new year.
In the same way, I also reflected on my own words and deeds of past one year and what I can say is only "thank you all". Because of you,my dera friends, I could fulfill my duty as a bishop. You supported me through your words, deeds and prayers. Thank you.
I could not post new articles as often as I should have been but I never forgot thei important communication tool with many of you. I have shifted quite a part of my time to write posts in the Facebook recently. If you have your Facebook accounts, you are welcome to find me there.
Regrettably, a new bishop for Sapporo has not been appointed by Holy Father yet. I expected it to happen within the year 2012. I know our Nuncio in Japan has been working very hard to find a suitable person for this important post but it is not easy. Meantime, Archbishop of Osaka and Bishop of Nagoya has reached the retirement age of 75 already. Well, we have to wait and see. So I am still in charge of 2 dioceses, Niigata and Sapporo, and may continue to be so for some more time. I need much more prayer from you because of this.
This morning, I found an article in our local news paper, Niigata Nippo, on the life stories of Filipino Mothers in Ofunato, Iwate, which is in the area hit by Tsunami on 11 March. (the photo above) The article also mentioned about the activities of Catholic Church in the area, especially of Sr. Nogami and Fr. Harnoko. The name "Caritas" was also mentioned.
Regrettably, a new bishop for Sapporo has not been appointed by Holy Father yet. I expected it to happen within the year 2012. I know our Nuncio in Japan has been working very hard to find a suitable person for this important post but it is not easy. Meantime, Archbishop of Osaka and Bishop of Nagoya has reached the retirement age of 75 already. Well, we have to wait and see. So I am still in charge of 2 dioceses, Niigata and Sapporo, and may continue to be so for some more time. I need much more prayer from you because of this.
This morning, I found an article in our local news paper, Niigata Nippo, on the life stories of Filipino Mothers in Ofunato, Iwate, which is in the area hit by Tsunami on 11 March. (the photo above) The article also mentioned about the activities of Catholic Church in the area, especially of Sr. Nogami and Fr. Harnoko. The name "Caritas" was also mentioned.
As I have been saying that the Filipino migrants or other Catholic migrants in Japan are, regardles of the reason to be in Japan, missionaries in modern times sent by God to Japan. My dear Filipino Catholics, you are missionaries.
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!
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