>Japanese Version

Cheerful Giver

Bishop Edgar Gacutan

The beginning of Lent being just a few days away, mention of the jolly, red-suited Christmas gift-giver Santa Claus on this page is literally out of season. 

The real Saint Nicholas was born in 282 in present-day Turkey. He was known for secretly giving gifts. The most famous legend about him was that he provided dowries secretly to three sisters to save them from forced prostitution. As Bishop of Myra, Nicholas attended the Council of Nicaea in 325. He died a martyr on December 6, 343. This day is celebrated in many regions as the feast day of Saint Nicholas. In the Dutch-speaking countries, he is known as “Sinterklaas”.

In the words of Saint Paul, Saint Nicholas was a “cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Through the years, the image of Saint Nicholas had merged with other figures and stories, developing into what we know as Santa Claus. 

Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, falls this year on February 18. Lent is a period of preparation for celebrating the resurrection of the Lord Jesus on Easter Sunday. During Lent, we seek the Lord Jesus in prayer through reading the Scriptures, serve through acts of charity, and practice self-restraint through fasting. Lent invites us to strive for inner conversion as we seek to follow Christ’s heart more faithfully.

Giving alms to individuals or organizations is one way of sharing God’s gifts. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us of a teaching of St. John Chrysostom (#2446): “Not to enable the poor to share in our goods is to steal from them and deprive them of life. The goods we possess are not ours, but theirs.” Sparing our time and talents for others is another way of sharing God’s gifts. 

Lent is a period of learning and discernment for those who prepare to receive baptism. We, the already baptized, accompany our future brothers and sisters in the faith as if we ourselves are preparing for baptism. 

Christians living in every age feel tempted to question God’s existence, cling to wealth, or desire power and prosperity. Prayer, self-denial, and acts of love are spiritual disciplines against such temptations.

Our faith predecessors, like Saint Nicholas, lived amidst the cruel realities of their time but did not lose sight of the guiding light of the deeds and teachings of the Lord Jesus. As we strive to follow our Lord Jesus, many times we stray from his path. The Lord always calls us back.

Some of us may not be able to attend the Mass on February 18th. Let us journey through the Lenten season in the spirit of this Ash Wednesday prayer:　

“Lord, bless these ashes by which we show that we are dust. Pardon our sins and keep us faithful to the discipline of Lent, for you do not want sinners to die but to live with the risen Christ, who reigns with you for ever and ever. Amen.”

 

DIOCESAN NEWS UPDATE

The Closing Ceremony of the Jubilee Year

The Jubilee Year 2025 concluded on December 28, the Feast of the Holy Family. One year earlier, on the samefeast, the Diocese joyfully opened the Jubilee with a solemn celebration. Throughout the year, many pilgrims visited designated pilgrimage sites, including the Jubilee Door specially prepared in the Diocese of Sendai, where they experienced grace, reconciliation, and hope.

At the closing Mass, Bishop Gacutan reflected on the meaning of pilgrimage, reminding us that life itself is a journey of faith. He spoke of the Holy Family as a model for our lives—walking together through uncertainty, trusting in God, and remaining faithful in the face of trials.

Though the Jubilee Year has formally ended, the Bishop emphasized that the “Door of Hope” remains open. We are called to continue our journey as pilgrims of hope, walking with Christ and allowing His love to guide our lives.

Sr. Masako Hasegawa
Diocesan Communications Committee
Diocese of Sendai

 

A Gathering in Thanksgiving for the Blessings of the Jubilee Year

As the Jubilee Year drew to a close, pilgrims who had taken part in various journeys, many led by Julie Fecteau of the Quebec Foreign Mission Society, gathered to give thanks for the blessings they had received. Participants suggested sharing their experiences. Three gave short testimonies before the Jubilee Year Closing Mass.

Testimony of Kaoru Iijima (Ipponsugi Church)

Returning to the Church after many years, I rediscovered faith through the Jubilee pilgrimage. Walking together with others helped me realize that through this journey, I encountered Christ anew and found the courage to continue walking in faith.

Testimony of Chikako Sato (Higashi-Sendai Church)

During the Jubilee Year, I made two pilgrimages, including one to the Hirose River Martyrs’ site. There, I felt deeply connected to the faith of those who came before us. Their witness strengthened my trust in God and reminded me that we are never alone.

Testimony of Keiko Goto (Mototerakoji Church)

Though physically limited, I undertook a short pilgrimage, offering it for the protection of all life. Supported by prayer

and companionship, I completed the journey with gratitude, aware of God’s presence and the love that sustained me.

 

Looking Back on the Journey of 2025

Bishop Edgar Gacutan

1. Japan–Korea Bishops’ Meeting

From November 18–20, 2025, the 27th Japan–Korea Bishops’ Meeting was held in Hiroshima. Bishops from Japan and Korea reflected together on the theme “The Wounds and Hope of 80 Years after the War.” Through prayer, dialogue, and remembrance, participants renewed their commitment to peace and to passing this hope on to the younger generation.

2. Asian Mission Congress

The 2nd Asian Mission Congress took place in Penang, Malaysia, from November 27–30, 2025. With the theme “Walking Together as the Peoples of Asia, And They Returned by Another Way,” participants from across Asia shared faith, dialogue, and missionary vision. The gathering strengthened the spirit of synodality and encouraged all to walk together in hope as followers of Christ.

3. Pope Leo XIV and the Journey toward Unity

Pope Leo XIV’s first overseas visit was to İznik (ancient Nicaea), Turkey to commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. Together with leaders of other Christian Churches, he prayed for unity, reminding the faithful of Christ’s call: “That they may all be one.” This historic moment renewed the Church’s commitment to unity and hope.

SPECIAL FEATURE

The 42nd National Catholic Justice and Peace Convention 2025 – Sendai Conference

Following the previous issue, this report highlights the keynote lecture and symposium held on October 12, 2025, at Mototerakoji Church. 

Keynote Address

Theme:

“The Experience of the Earthquake and Nuclear Accident: What Can We Do for Peace?”

Speaker:

Bishop Emeritus Kazuo Koda (Archdiocese of Tokyo)

1. Response to the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

After the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami, which claimed over 18,000 lives, the Sendai Diocese established

a support center with Caritas Japan. Volunteers nationwide assisted through regional bases in Otsuchi, Ofunato, Haramachi, and Kamaishi.

2. Nuclear Accident and Caritas Minamisoma

Following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident, mass evacuations were ordered. Haramachi Church became a key support point.

Caritas Minamisoma was formally established in 2012, providing long-term assistance, including cleanup work, disaster response, support for vulnerable families, and later aid during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Noto eninsula Earthquake.

3. Lessons from the Reconstruction Experience

• Many victims died not from the tsunami but from disaster-related causes.
• Long-term evacuation caused deep physical and emotional suffering.
• Communities were divided; returning home was not equally possible for all.
• What sustained people was compassion, “doing what one can, when one can.”

4. What We Can Do for Peace

• Resist exclusion and misinformation.
• Uphold the spirit of Pacem in Terris and Japan’s peace values.
• Do not accept a society that justifies war.
• Build peace through dialogue and perseverance.
• As stated by Jakuchō Setouchi: “Even if we are killed, we must say no to war.”

 

Symposium: “Facing Nuclear Power and Envisioning the Future”

Panelists:

Akihiro Tatewaki (Miyagi Anti-Nuclear Network)

Jun Nakasuji (Photographer, Director of Our Stories Museum)

Mr. Tatewaki spoke out against the restart of the Onagawa Nuclear Power Plant, emphasizing unresolved safety issues and the problem of nuclear waste.

Mr. Nakasuji shared how photography helps reveal hidden truths of nuclear disasters and encourages reflection on the future.

Sendai Diocese Holds Pastoral Workers’ Meeting

On December 1, the Sendai Diocese held a Pastoral Workers’ Meeting at Mototerakoji Church. A special session on preventing harassment was offered to priests, staff, and church workers.

Ms. Etsuko Yahata from NPO Hearty Sendai spoke about what harassment is, how it harms people, and why it must

be prevented. She explained the importance of speaking up, supporting victims, and creating safe environments.

The session reminded everyone of the Church’s responsibility to protect human dignity and to work together to prevent abuse and harassment.

Sr. Masako Hasegawa
Diocesan Communications Committee
Diocese of Sendai

 

DISTRICT NEWS

District 1

Sanpachi Bloc:Hachinohe Shiocho Church

2025 Holy Year Sendai Pilgrimage 

On September 15, 2025, fifteen parishioners joined a pilgrimage to Sendai Cathedral. They participated in prayer, Mass, and visits to sacred sites, including Mototerakoji Church, the Ursuline Convent, and the Hirose River Martyrs’ Monument. The group experienced warm hospitality, shared prayer, and deep spiritual reflection throughout the journey.

Korean Pilgrimage (October 20–25, 2025)

Twenty pilgrims visited major Catholic holy sites in Korea,

Including Mokpo, Seoul’s Myeongdong Cathedral, and several martyrdom sites. The pilgrimage deepened faith through prayer, fellowship, and encounters with the Korean Catholic community.

District 3

Sanriku Bloc :Yonekawa Church

Designated as a Jubilee Pilgrimage Church

Yonekawa Church was designated a Jubilee pilgrimage site despite being a small rural parish. From spring onward, many pilgrims, especially from Korea, visited to pray and attend Mass. Parishioners welcomed visitors with hospitality and shared prayer, discovering deep joy and unity through these encounters.

District 4

Kennan Bloc:Ogawara Church

Establishment of a Christian Communal Cemetery

To respond to the needs of those without family graves, the parish established a Christian

communal cemetery. It was blessed in June 2025 and will serve as a place of peaceful rest and shared remembrance for the faithful.

Cathedral Block: Mototerakoji Church

AJoyurney into the eorld of Organ

A special organ concert was held on November 22, featuring sacred music performed by parish organists and guest musician Mami Sakato. The rich sound of the pipe organ filled the cathedral and inspired many attendees.

Cathedral Block: Mototerakoji Church

Holy Year Pilgrimage Bus Tour

A one-day pilgrimage visited historic martyrdom sites in Miyagi and Iwate, including Mizusawa and Ōkago. Participants prayed together, celebrated Mass, and reflected on the faith of the martyrs.

Cathedral Block: Mototerakoji Church

Advent Prayer Gathering & Illumination

On November 29, the Advent prayer gathering was held with children and parishioners. The lighting of the Nativity scene and Christmas decorations marked the joyful beginning of Advent, accompanied by hymns and prayer.