Vatican and Japan, 60 years of dialogue
Tokyo (AsiaNews) - On the
morning of April 20, the garden of the Apostolic Nuncio in Tokyo was crowded
with ambassadors and representatives from the world of culture at the invitation
of Archbishop Joseph Chennoth, Apostolic Nuncio to Japan to celebrate the seven
years of the pontificate Benedict XVI and 60 years of diplomatic relations
between the Holy See and Japan (1952-2012).
Among the guests of honor Jun Yanagi and the writer Sadako Ogata deserve
special mention. The first is Director of the Europe
division of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs: he gave the keynote
address at the event as a representative of the guests. The second is famous in
Japan and abroad for her activities in the field of diplomacy and literature
and, more importantly, for her visible witness of the Catholic faith for more
than 10 years (1991-2000) she has served as United Nations High Commissioner
for Refugees, a role she did not limit to taking up office in Geneva, but by visiting
groups of refugees wherever they live, especially in Africa.
The
testimony of Joseph Chennoth
Archbishop Joseph Chennoth became Apostolic Nuncio to Japan more than
by vocation than appointment. On 11 March last year, when an earthquake -
tsunami of particular violence destroyed vast areas of north-east of the
country, Chennoth, then stationed in Tanzania, saw the television images of the
disaster and was deeply saddened. "The first thought that went through my
mind - he said - was a prayer: God let me go to Japan to console the people. Three
months later it seems that God had heard my prayer. The pope's nuncio appointed
me to Japan and a few days
after my arrival, I went into the [disaster-struck] city of Ishinomaki,
together with the bishops of Japan
and Korea
to pray for the victims and their families. " He then directed and
vigorously supported the efforts for reconstruction.
Msgr. Chennoth considers it "a great honor and privilege to serve the
Church in this great country rich in culture and traditions, with a wealth of
religious and moral values, in the midst of a great nation, hospitable,
respectful and generous, and committed to hard work. "
Referring to the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations
between the Holy See and Japan,
the Nuncio hopes that they will continue "in the desire to promote the
values of justice, peace and harmony in Asia
and elsewhere."
The
collaboration of the humble
In the context of the celebration the archbishop expressed recognition and
gratitude to many people whose anonymous dedication has allowed the Nunciature to
perform useful work for decades. Among them he has set apart two: Sister
Cecilia Matsumoto (the congregation of the Disciples of Divine Master), who for
over 10 years has done all the secretarial work, and Mr. Dominic Enomoto, a
Catholic of Vietnamese origin who has been employed for over twenty years as a
driver. Both were decorated with papal medals.
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16/09/2023 21:12
