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Missionaries In Our Midst
Some of the missionaries in our midst came to Japan before we were born. Others arrived only “recently.” They come from different parts of the globe, speak different languages, belong to different cultures, and are members of different Congregations, but all are called by the Lord to work in His vineyard in St. Ignatius Church, Japan. Are we aware who they are, how many they are, and how long they have been serving us?
On the occasion of the Extraordinary Missionary Month proclaimed by Pope Francis, we would like to thank the hard-working missionaries who have been helping us on our spiritual journey. The Bulletin cannot cover them all in this article, but we spoke to some and asked them what the biggest challenge has been that they faced or are still facing in their missionary work in Japan. We share with you their responses, a “glimpse” into their hearts
Missionaries In Our Midst |
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Cyril Raphael Veliath, SJ (Society of Jesus) |
Nationality: Indian but now have Japanese nationality. |
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Sr. Flor M. Florece, F.I. (Daughters of Jesus)
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Nationality: Filipino 23 years in Japan Biggest challenge: The Japanese language continues to be my greatest challenge - reading, writing, and speaking. The more I find myself immersed in the culture and engaged in various apostolic and multi-tasking evangelical tasks I realize I need greater facility in the language. I tend to “freeze” before a big crowd. Thanks be to God, He supplies me with the necessary graces to survive. Also, the Japanese are very "charitable" with "my Japanese"! |
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Robert Chiesa, SJ
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Nationality: American 59 years in Japan The big challenge I find is our competitive society. Access to food, housing, education, and daily conveniences unavoidably demands so much energy that little leeway is left for individuals or families to share material goods and seek higher spiritual values. |
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Sr. Leny C. Fery, FdCC (Canossian Sister)
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Nationality: Filipino 5 years in Japan Biggest challenge: Many, like when I experienced the loss of a family member while I was in the midst of adjusting myself in the language, or the unique culture and way of thinking of the Japanese people. Human relationships were a really trying experience and the challenge to remain faithful to my “Yes to God” in fulfilling his mission for me here in Japan. But I realized it was actually part and parcel of my missionary journey in order to anchor my life only in God alone and in Mary, our Mother. |
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Donal Doyle SJ
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Nationality: Irish 61 years in Japan. I left Naples by ship on July 31, 1958. It took three weeks to reach Hong Kong and I arrived in Yokohama on September 3, 1958. My biggest challenge was (and still is) the Japanese language - reading, writing and speaking. Writing Japanese is a problem for me. |
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Ivette Sánchez Chacón. MC (Clarissan Missionary Sisters)
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Nationality: Costa Rican 18 years in Japan My greatest challenge: To bring the Gospel to others. Rather than with words, with the testimony of dedication and joy in daily life. |
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Generoso M. Florez, SJ
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Nationality: “Born in Spain, made in Japan” 59 years in Japan. The biggest challenge: The tremendous difference of culture in general. How to present or introduce the person of Jesus Christ to those who do not know Him. Concretely speaking, the Japanese language. More than to speak, it is so difficult to understand, though not impossible. The way to express affection and feelings. Food in general, (although I love sashimi and atsukan). Sitting down on the floor. Taking off the shoes. The tsuyu or rainy season, the humidity… |
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Adelfa Armentia (Teresian Association) |
Nationality: Filipino |
Let us continue to pray for our missionaries at St. Ignatius Church and for missionaries all over the world. May the good Lord continue to strengthen them in their work so that they will be able to win more souls for the Lord. The “harvest is plenty, but labourers are few” (Luke 10:2). Let us also pray for more and more missionary vocations!
By Raymond Gasu
