March 11 was the second anniversary of the
Great Eastern Japan Earthquake. There were several services on that day to remember
the disaster and to recognize how far we have come. Below are just a couple of
those services.
On March 11, a
group of foreigners gathered for a memorial service in Sendai. They came
together to pray for the souls of friends, family members, and those they did
not know who lost their lives in the disaster. A priest from Hokkaido presided
over the service. Those who attended the ceremony that day were Catholic or
married into a Buddhist family or had no religious beliefs at all but they
gathered none the less. One of the attendees said “it is not important what
religion we are but that they pray from their hearts for those that were very
important to them.” That is exactly what they did. They lifted up the souls of
the ones they loved with tears and love
in their hearts. It was a beautiful service.
The 2nd Anniversary Holy Communion and
prayer service for those killed by the Great East Japan Earthquake was held in Koriyama
at St. Peter & St. Paul Church. The service began at 1:00 pm, about 80
people gathered from all over the country, and prayed together. The sermon was
given by Fr. Francis Hasegawa while Bishop John Kato of Tohoku Diocese presided
over the service. After the service, at 2: 46pm (the time of the great earthquake
two years ago) we observed a moment of silence for all the lives lost on March
11th.
Japan & Taiwan
Thirteen people from the Episcopal
Church of Taiwan came to visit the devastated area in Tohoku. They spent five
days seeing Ishinomaki, Kesennuma, Rikuzentakata, Natori, and Shinchi. They
were touched by the stories of the victims they met in those areas. Bishop Lai
Ronchin said “I’m sorry that it took us two years to visit these wonderful
people.” But he was encouraged by the strong spirit of the victims and the good
things that have come to them over the past two years.
Shall we Dance?
A lay minister from the Diocese of Osaka
frequently volunteers at Shinchi base. It just so happens that he is a dance
teacher. On his last visit he taught come of the residents of that area to
dance. Needless to say there was lots of music and laughing on that day.
Hot Corner
Every month at the Shinchi base they
have a “Hot Corner.” It is a time for the people of St. Francis church and
Sendai Christ church to enjoy tea, treats and one another's presence. On the 22nd
of March one of the staff of the Sendai Office joined in on the festivities.
She said that she had a great time singing and dancing with the 30 people that
were there.
I am so sorry to be late on updating you all. Thank you for your patience!
