Happy New Year

My dear brothers and sisters, I wish you Happy New Year! May God bless you and your family, relatives and friends so that your words and deeds in the Year 2014 may be real witnesses of the Gospel message.

I have written a new year's pastoral letter but it is still in Japanese only. English translation may be available soon. Meanwhile, you may try to read it in Japanese in this link.

In Niigata Diocese on the New Year's Day, two Parish communities became one in Nagaoka city, Niigata prefecture. There used to be two parish communities in Nagaoka city, the second largest city in Niigata prefecture, namely Omotemachi and Fukuzumi. After more than two years of deliberations among parish councils of both communities and with entire Parish members, Niigata diocese decided to amalgamate two and make Omotemachi as the new center for the new parish in Nagaoka city.

 

This decision was prompted by the request from Franciscans (OFM) who had been in charge of the pastoral care of Nagaoka district for more than 50 years to withdraw their members from these two parishes because of aging and declining membership of the order. Then Provincial of the Franciscans approached me a few years back while one of their Fathers were still in charge of these two parishes.

I did not know what to do since I had just enough diocesan priests, all together 15 of them, to maintain parishes in two districts and I did not have any more priests to send to yet another district. Fortunately the Divine Word Missionaries, SVD, was generous enough to send their priests to make up for the vacancy. In fact, one of these parish communities in Nagaoka, Fukuzumi Church was started by SVDs in 1929. Well, at that time, entire diocese was under the pastoral care of  SVD. Then after the WWII, Franciscans were asked to take over the Nagaoka district from SVD with 8 communities. In 1963, Omotemachi was established as the district house for Franciscans and later promoted to be an independent parish community. So this could be said as the "Return of SVD in Nagaoka". I just hope and wish the SVD will continue to consider Nagaoka Church as one of their mission options in Japan for next few more years.

Between these two parishes, there are JR rail lines which separate the city to east side and west side. Fukuzumi is in the east side and Omotemachi for the west. Distance between these two parishes are only 1 km. It was almost impossible to maintain two communities with two separate church buildings with quite a small number of the memberships. Both communities have less than 100 attendance of Sunday liturgies at best and will be impossible to make enough contributions to maintain both parishes since majority are quite advanced in their age.

The diocese have tried a long time ago to discuss the possibility to amalgamate two communities in the past but failed to come to the consensus.  This time, reality of departure of Franciscan Fathers prompted both communities to take time to discern their respective future vision.

I really thank entire members of two communities, and especially lay leaders of them, to take enough time to listen carefully opinions of every members on the future of their communities and came out with positive answer to amalgamate two and make complete new community.

On 5 January, I presided over the Thanksgiving Mass with their parish priest, Fr. Kamimura, SVD, and the associate, Fr. Lorenzo, SVD, to ask God for his blessings and guidance over the new community in Nagaoka. (N.B. Sunday Mass in Nagaoka Catholic Church is at 9:30am and 6pm.)

 

Christmas Message 2013 from Niigata Diocese, Japan

Workshop for Bishops in Okinawa

The Japanese Catholic Bishops' Committee for Social Concern has organised 3-day field workshop in Okinawa island from Tuesday, 17 December to Thursday, 19 December.  9 Japanese Bishops and one Korean Bishop attended the workshop. Bishop Peter Kang of Cheju, Korea, who has almost the same kind of military issue in his diocese which is the navy base construction in Cheju island, joined the event since last workshop of the same committee was held in his diocese in January to visit the site of construction where Catholic community had been joining the local community in protest against the navy base construction.

 

On the first day, we had a study session on the topic of the Japan-U.S. Status-of-Forces Agreement which allows US Forces to operate inside  Japan quite freely and make Japanese government responsible for their upkeep. Still today, quite a large area of Okinawa has been used as US bases and negotiation between Japan and US to relocate these facilities somewhere in Japan raises yet another problem of ecological destruction, danger for local community and division among local residents. In Japan, because of this Japan-U.S. Status-of-Forces Agreement, most of the cost of the US military presence in Japan are covered by Japanese government's budget which is called "OMOIYARI" budget, means "budget allocation for sympathy" which includes quite a sum of money to pay rent for military facilities which had been used since the end of the WWII.  For example, almost USD 4 million a year for ground rent fee of the below mentioned JWTC are covered by this Omoiyari budget which is Japanese tax money  So it is not a free service by the US to protect Japan as such.

Behind the wall is the part of US Marine Base, Camp Schwab. In front of us is a beautiful tropical sea where saltwater manatee (Dugong) lives. During the Vietnam war, US government seems to try to build a runway for Marine Helicopter on this sea but could not materialise it because of budgetary limitations. Now after the SACO ( Special Action Committee for Okinawa) agreement in 1996 between US and Japan, Futenma base which is in middle of residential area was to return to Japan. Japanese government proposed to build two runway for helicopters on this sea in return for Futenma. Because of beauty of this sea and also because of the cost of landfill of this sea, and more over, because of destructive effect on environment, local residents are protesting to this plan since then for 17 years. Now Japanese government is waiting for a replay from Okinawa Governor, Mr.Nakaima, to grant permission to go ahead with landfill of this sea.

 

At the Jungle Warfare Training Center (JWTC) of the US 3rd Marine Division in Northern part of Okinawa. A map at the top left of the board in a photo is entire Okinawa island. The circled area is the JWTC. After the SACO agreement in 1996, almost half of the center was to return to Japan. In return, Japanese government proposed to build 6 helipads which are indicated as red dot in the enlarged map in this enlarged map, we can see these 6 helipads circles the village of TAKAE. The local community of TAKAE has been protesting the construction of these 6 helipads since combat helicopters in practice will fly over their village to reach these helipads.

 

Catholic Church, especially through the local diocese and National Justice and Peace Commission, has been trying to be with local people to achieve Okinawa without military facilities. Catholic Church has been urging Japanese in general to end sacrificing this beautiful island with their rich history and unique culture for the sake of National security interests.  Of course we do understand that this could not be realised so easily and it is highly depending on the decisions of Japanese leaders which should be supported by peace seeking people of Japan.

Message of Caritas Asia to Caritas Philippines

Southern part of Philippines, especially the Leyte island was terribly damaged by one of the strongest Typhoon in the history. So many people lost their lives and everything which they had. Family members have been separated. Still so many people are waiting for help to come.

We know how terrible it is to be hit by such disaster as we in Japan also experienced such in 2011 and many people are still struggling to recover from the loss caused by the disaster. It is so difficult to find hope for the future in disaster hit area. We also know that our brothers and sisters in Philippines also prayed for us in 2011 and still doing so. Such kindness brings us hope for the future. So now it is our turn to pray for victims in Philippines and begin our support to bring them hope for the future.

Caritas Philippines has started their rescue and rehabilitation activities with other Caritas member organisation all over the world under the coordination by Caritas Internationalis. Caritas Japan has also joined the effort and started special collection in Japan since last Monday.

Korea and Japanese bishops gathered for annual exchange meeting in Kanazawa this week also said a Mass for Philippines on 13 November in Kanazawa Catholic Church. Photo above is a message by Caritas Asia addressed to Caritas Philippines to show our solidarity with people of Philippines. May God bring hope for the future to our brothers and sisters in Philippines. May the victims of the disaster who lost their precious lives rest in peace.

We have moved into a new house in Niigata

We have moved! From the first day of November, the chancery office of Niigata diocese and bishop's residence have moved into a new building. Though the entire construction works are still going on in the Cathedral compound, we had to move so that the present building would be demolished for other plans.

 

The New House, which comprises of our chancery office, meeting room, common dining room for  retired priests, the Cathedral priests and myself and a bishop's residence under one roof is a single story flat
 built with local wood.  Main structure of the new house is made of local ceder trees.

Present Bishop's house which is more than 80 years old wooden two story building was not strong enough any more to resist major earthquakes, though it withstood several of them in the past, and being quite inefficient in energy conservation. As the diocese was celebrating 100th anniversary of its establishment as the vicariate in 2012 and the Japanese government has announced their intention to raise consumption tax next April, I thought it is high time to begin restructuring of the Cathedral compound and rebuilding of the chancery office/ Bishop's house.  Also decision of the Missionary Sisters of Sacred Heart to close their Kindergarten behind the present Bishop's House by the end of March, 2011 and absence of any new plan for that plot also prompted me to organise a committee by both priests and laity to come out with new plan for the Cathedral compound. 

 

The demolition of the present house has started already and by today, we do not see the old house any more. We also have decided to continue to use two story building behind the present Bishop's House, though it is also more than 80 years old but could be renovated, for priests to stay or retire.

Entire construction works will complete by the end of the year. However the official opening and blessing of the house is scheduled on 10 May to avoid bad and cold weather of winter in Niigata.

 

Since the new building is in the same Cathedral compound, there is no change for the postal address or telephone number.

The 19th Korea Japan Catholic Bishops' exchange meeting @ Kanazawa

The 19th gathering of both Korea and Japan Catholic Bishops were held in Kanazawa in Nagoya Diocese from 11 to 14 November and attended by 19 Korean Bishops and 17 Japanese Bishops. 17 Bishops from Japan means entire Bishops Conference of Japan attended the meeting.

Bishops had 2 study sessions on the "PACEM IN TERRIS" of John XXIII which celebrates 50th anniversary of its publication this year. Each Bishops Conferences provided one lecturer respectively on the issue. It was quite interesting to learn about the background history of the encyclical and also realise contemporary meaning of the teachings of the Pope.

Also during the gathering, we visited historical sites related to Takayama Ukon whose cause for beatification Japanese Bishops are working on. Takayama Ukon was one of Catholic feudal lord born in 1552. Because of his faith he had to give up everything he had including his status and his territory. From 1588 till 1614, he was given a refuge by Maeda family in Kanazawa and stayed there till the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu ordered him to leave Japan to Manila.  He died in Manila on 3 February, 1615. Catholic Church in Japan through consultation with Holy See has been working for his cause for beatification as a martyr since he lost everything of his life because of his faith in Jesus Christ and died in exile.

On 13 evening, we had a Mass with parish community of Kanazawa joined by the Apostolic Nuncio. The last day, half a day, was dedicated to group sharing. It is not so easy to have such sharing because of language difference but we manage to do so thanks to number of interpreters.

The 20th memorial gathering will be held in Korea next November.

Bishop Katsuya ordained for Sapporo

The Episcopal ordination of Bishop Bernard Taiji Katsuya of Sapporo was held on 14 October at 2 pm in Fuji Women's University in Sapporo and attended by around 2,000 people. All the Japanese Bishops plus Apostolic Nuncio and a friend bishop from Philippines joined the ordination Mass with more than 50 priests from all over Japan. Congratulations for Bishop Katsuya and people of Sapporo diocese.

 

As I was one of two co-consecrators, there are no photos during the Mass. I was an apostolic administrator of this diocese for past 4 years. Thank God finally we got a new bishop. It was November 2009. I got a call from Nuncio telling me that Holy Father accepted the resignation of Bishop Jinushi of Sapporo and decided to appoint me an administrator. Bishop Jinushi was already 3 years over the retirement age of 75. Well, I did not receive any appointment letter from Holy Father but a one from the Propaganda Fide. Since then, I had to travel at least once a month to Sapporo which was an hour flight from Niigata. To be honest, it was not easy.

 

I am sure Bishop Katsuya is the best choice as a new and energetic pastor of Sapporo diocese. My homily during the ordination Mass is as follows.

 

 "For my power is greatest when you are weak," "Virtus in infirmitate perficitur"

The power of God can not work when we, human beings, forgot that our wisdom and knowledge has certain limit and try to find our own solutions. The gospel will not be proclaimed when we forgot to talk about God and tell the stories of our own. We have to admit our limitations. We have to admit in humility that human wisdom and knowledge has clear limitations. With this humility, as we stand humbly in front of the mighty power of God, then finally the power of God may be able to work freely and the will of God be accomplished. Gospel proclaimed. Knowing all these and hoping the will of God alone be accomplished, Bishop Katsuya chose this motto to devote his entire life as a successor of apostles.

 

Dear brothers and sisters of Sapporo diocese. Congratulations. Now you have your pastor. It has been almost 4 years since the resignation of Bishop Jinushi had been accepted in November, 2009. I am sure from today on, Bishop Jinushi is able to feel the real relief of retirement. Of course, the Church never left the people of God in Sapporo and have been appointed myself as an apostolic administrator. However, as I have to take care of my own Niigata diocese, though it is a small one, I could not always walk along with you. Probably among members of this diocese, there would be some who never saw my face. Thank you so much for your patience and prayer. From today on, Bishop Katsuya will be with all of you as your pastor.

 

Sapporo diocese faces full of challenges as other dioceses in Japan such as aging of majority of members, declining number of youths and very few response to the vocation, especially for the priesthood. However, I witnessed strong and active participation of laity, religious and priests in this diocese to contribute to face these challenges. Probably many of you think that I made several merciless appointments in this diocese such as appointing a priest to two or three parishes as a sole pastor. I do agree. Decisions to make such appointments were not mine alone but results of active participation of diocesan priests to consider future of the diocese and take active part in the evangelization in Hokkaido. Bishop Katsuya was always played leading role in such decision makings.

 

Past 4 years, we hold regular meetings of members of the former priests' senate, and organized two sessions of preparatory commission for future diocesan pastoral council. I am sure that you will make great steps forward once the pastoral council would be established because I am the witness of active participation of laity in this preparatory commission. Bishop Katsuya has been in the center of these strong movement to set future pastoral direction of the diocese. He knows challenges and the plausible way to find solutions. 

 

It was during the Mass of thanksgiving after one year of my presence in Sapporo as the administrator, someone prayed during the general intercession that I should be transferred from Niigata to Sapporo. It was my first time to pray God that the prayer should not be heard. Well, after all, it is better to have a bishop from this diocese since he knows the situation and challenges of the area. But as you know, Bishop Katsuya does not have enough diocesan priests to work with. Concerning number of priests working in parishes, making him as the bishop of this diocese means less number of active parish priests, say, minus one in number. Yes, Sapporo diocese has three seminarians but it may take at least 7 years for a seminarian to be ordained. Considering all these situation in this diocese, I would like to make urgent appeal to all of you gathered here today and through you to all the members of the diocese that please walk along with Bishop Katsuya. Try to face the challenges of evangelization with Bishop Katsuya. Together with Bishop, try to create strong parish communities. Evangelization is not duty only for priests and religious but the one for all of us.

 

Since his election in March this year, Pope Francis made several comments of his own view on the qualities and requirements for Bishops. In June this year, Holy Father spoke to Nuncios as follows: "For episcopal appointments, be careful that the candidates are pastors close to the people, fathers and brothers, that they are gentle, patient and merciful; animated by inner poverty, the freedom of the Lord and also by outward simplicity and austerity of life, that they do not have the psychology of "Princes."

 

Then during the seminar for new bishops organized by the congregation for Bishops this year, Holy Father made following three points to new bishops. "To welcome with magnanimity. To walk with the flock. Then presence in the diocese."

 

Especially for the third point, Holy Father said that bishops should "avoid the scandal of being airport Bishops” Then Holy Father called the new bishops that they should be "welcoming Pastors, journeying with your people, with affection, with mercy, with gentleness in your dealing with them and with paternal firmness, with humility and discretion, capable also of seeing your limitations and having a dosage of good humor."

 

My dear brothers and sisters of Sapporo Diocese, who would be your pastor welcoming you with magnanimity, walking with the flock and present in the diocese? Bishop Katsuya must be the one. Who in this diocese would be the "welcoming Pastor" who journeys with you, with affection, with mercy, with gentleness in dealing with you and with paternal firmness, with humility and discretion? Bishop Katsuya must be the one. You know it well much more than myself through your own experinece with him.

 

Finally, Bishop is also capable to see his limitations. Why? Because we know that very well from his motto;
 "For my power is greatest when you are weak," "Virtus in infirmitate perficitur"