Fr. Gus Kobayashi, 78 years old, died on December 28, 2011 in Tomobe (Japan). He entered the noviciate in 1959 and he was professed in 1960. He was ordained a priest in 1964.
Rev. AUGUSTINE KOBAYASHI HIYOSHI SS.CC.
By James McDonough, ss.cc.
December 28, 7;20 a.m. Father Augustine Kobayashi, affectionately known as Gus, died in the very way the doctor told him only a few days before; suddenly.
I first met Fr. Gus at our novitiate house in Fairhaven Massachusetts. His novitiate program was coming to a conclusion just as mine was starting. Because he was a convert to Christianity he was required to spend two years as a novice...others only one year. After the novitiate he, like everyone at that time, went to Jaffrey New Hampshire to attend the major seminary. Fr. Gus was ordained at St.Joseph Church in Fairhaven Mass. After taking some courses at Catholic University in Washington D.C. he returned to Japan.
Fr.Gus was the first Japanese member of our Congregation to be ordained priest. I think he was always happy, indeed proud, about that feat. Indeed, it was a feat. He had a right to feel that way because the years leading to ordination are challenging for everyone, much more so for someone of another language and culture..
Like all newly ordained, Gus had to learn about the day-to-day activities of a priest here in Japan. Many priests had pioneered here in Ibaraki Prefecture before his return, providing a solid foundation for Gus (and all who followed) to build upon, and he did. Gus did his best to be priest for everyone and helper for many.... like me.
I lived with Gus for two years in Shimodate City. He was both pastor of the Catholic Community there, and principle of a kindergarten. He was very faithful in fulfilling his responsibility to both. I taught English at a nearby community college. For the Sunday liturgy we would con-celebrate and take turns giving the homily. I always needed help putting my thoughts into Japanese but never worried because, Gus was generous with his help and patient with my effort to improve. Gus often attended Catholic Charismatic prayer meetings held in cities through-out Japan. This made our living together special, because almost every evening we would sit in the living room and pray. His faith in Jesus and his strong desire to be a good man and priest, became evident to me through the prayers he offered at that time. However, I have to add an asterisk to the above.....I’m sure he would understand. As long as the Tokyo Giants baseball team was having a good game, prayer time was calm and went along well, but being a rabid sports fan ....well, during the baseball season it would have been better to adjust our prayer time.....non-the-less, it all remains an improtant memory for me.
I could not find any delight in eating Sushi for the first 5 years in Japan, I just whoofed it down to be polite. That all changed, thanks to Gus. Japanese men (women I’m not sure) have their favorite sushi place; Gus had his. He took me there, and educated me......he was a very good teacher. He comes to mind almost every time I have sushi.....thank you Gus!
His last few years with us were not easy for him, but thanks to the care he received while living in Tomobe, that time was as comfortable as any man could hope for; in my opinion. I, and all of our ss.cc. members here in Japan are grateful to John Yamada for his sincere, patient and down-right kindness given Gus while he was experiencing the demise of a body that could no longer serve him as it should.
Gus’ mind was clear...always. His sence of humor was there to be entertained. In fact he walked into the dining room that morning looking for something to eat.....to his surprise and ours, a banquet was waiting.
Rest well Gus “till we meet again. Sayonara !
12/28/2011