Bro. Prasanna Perera , OMI – Japan is famous for many reasons. Among the crowds who come to Japan searching for these reasons, I am just another person. Simply I consider myself someone lost between my own will and the will of God. That is the very reason I gained the experiences and feelings that led me to write this.
What defines a missionary? Rather than just using the term “missionary,” how can one truly describe such a person? I used to believe that a missionary isn’t simply a priest who leaves his country and serves another country. Then, Who is a missionary? A missionary is someone who carries THE WORD OF GOD, a person who takes the lead in teaching that faith. Now who is it that steps forward to carry this message?
I am not the first missionary to arrive here. In the 17th century (around 1655 AD), many Jesuit and Franciscan missionaries came to Japan. However, they weren’t just exiled; they were pressured to renounce their faith. Those who refused were brutally tortured and killed. Nagasaki, located about 160 kilometers from where I am, is a city with a history soaked in the blood of these Christian martyrs.
In 2024, I wrote a letter to my Provincial expressing my desire to become a missionary. However, I didn’t expect it to happen so quickly. Nevertheless, I was chosen for missionary work in Japan. Eventually, the departure date was set for May 1, 2025. On April 30, I said my goodbyes to many people at home; everyone was happy—they cried, danced, and shared jokes. These moments became part of my cherished memories. On May 1, at 8:30 PM, I embarked on this journey alone.
Before I came to Japan, I didn’t know much about it. After arriving, I realized that this country is a collection of beautiful islands. I took a flight from Shanghai, China, to Fukuoka; the flight departed On May 2, at 9:55 A.M. and arrived at Fukuoka Airport at 12:55 P.M.
As I flew over several green islands toward Fukuoka, I was struck by the beauty, order, and serenity of the landscape. I was warmly welcomed at the airport, and they even delivered my luggage directly to me. Although I hadn’t expected such service, it made me feel like I wasn’t a stranger.
Father Bernard and Father Samith were there to meet me. From the airport, we went to my new home, the Catholic Koga Church. This is where I am living right now—a place I had never even heard of before.
I didn’t even feel like I was traveling alone. More than anything, I felt an immense curiosity because it was such a new experience. During those first few weeks, I felt something new. There were many moments when I felt as though someone was guiding me on this journey. I realized something important: my feeling that God intended to achieve something through me became even more profound. That is why I mentioned at the beginning that I am someone lost between my own will and the will of God.
Of course in life, we do come across hardships and challenges. Let me ask, Why do we “come to terms” with things? I believe that when we are forced to do something we dislike or act against our will, we must find a way to reconcile our minds to it. There is great work to be done here; of that, I have no doubt. However, I had to mentally adapt to the Japanese way of life. I have heard mothers say, “I endure everything for the sake of my children.” Initially, I thought I could find similar reasons to settle my own mind and move forward. But that perspective changed on July 1, 2025. On that first day of the new month, I realized that this journey of life must be fueled by God’s strength. When we surrender to Him, He leads us through challenges, questions, joy, and sorrow. I still have one question for Jesus: “Jesus, what do you truly want from me?” I know I am here—in this training of experiences in a country where I am a stranger—simply to find that answer. Let’s wait and see how the rest of this story unfolds.
The events at the beginning of July 2025 taught me so much. I am gradually realizing that God has a hope and a purpose for me that far exceeds my own ambitions. On Sunday, July 6, 2025, a wonderful sense of courage filled my heart. I woke up with a deep resolve, went to church early, and helped those who were cleaning. While I was serving, I didn’t care if anyone noticed or thought I was doing the “right” thing. I simply thought, “If I am not here, there will be no one to stand by the people who come to this church seeking God.” They come with such profound love and longing to hear the Mass and to see us. Some don’t even make it for the service, yet they arrive as it ends just to speak with us. Why? Because we are present in this place. That is my newest hope: “I met these people today, and I will make them the priority of my service, loving them as best as I can. ” I have decided to simply be there for them.
One thing I find noteworthy is this: “LOVE UNTIL IT HURTS,” said by Mother Teresa, who meant to say that “True love requires nothing but Sacrifice.” And so, in this land of cherry blossoms and silent strength, I begin to understand:
A missionary is not merely one who travels across oceans.
A missionary is one who stays, who serves, who loves—
even when it hurts.
The rest of this story is still unfolding.
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Clarification to our readers: The meaning of the title “Sakura Sampradaya”
—“Sakura” (Japanese) = cherry blossom.
—“Sampradaya” (Sanskrit/Hindi) = tradition, school, or lineage (often used for religious or philosophical lineages).
