On 14 November to mark the end of the canonical visit of the province of Japan and the Philippines, the brothers in Japan assembled at the mother house of Tomobe (Ibaraki, Japan). The 14 brothers present in Japan were present, in addition to Jovi Grabato and José Maria Dumagat from the Philippines. The brothers from the Philippines took part in this assembly by videoconference. Thomas Sukitrijarjo and Alberto Toutin thanked the Province for the reception and preparation of this visit. They also valued the efforts made between the two areas of the Province to grow in mutual knowledge, cooperation and joint mission, as well as the reciprocal reception and integration service of brothers from the Philippines and Indonesia.
Having in mind the image of the "Sakura" (Cherry Blossom) the Province was urged to continue ongoing renewal day after day, taking care of the old and new branches and offering the beauty that is the SSCC charism to the poor who, in Japan, are visible in the faces of the elderly and immigrants and continue with the patient work of integrating foreigners (especially those from the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia) in Christian communities. The Province was also invited to face certain tensions among the brothers and for communication to grow at all levels of the province so as to give SSCC life and mission greater flavor in Japan. Finally, the brothers were reminded that they are not alone. They are part of a larger body in the congregation, in the diocesan and universal church. The forthcoming visit of Pope Francis to Japan between 23-26 November 23, 2019 is a clear message of support and peace for the Christian community of Japan who number about 450,000 people in a nation of around 127 million inhabitants.
11/15/2019