Author Archives: editor

Babies born in Japan to drop below 900,000 in 2019 for first time

Posted on December 25, 2019 by editor

The number of babies born in Japan fell an estimated 5.9 percent this year to fewer than 900,000, the first time since the government started compiling data in 1899, the welfare ministry said Tuesday.

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Journey From Advent to Christmas With Mary

Posted on December 24, 2019 by editor

When we imagine Mary making the journey to Bethlehem, we think of her as waiting for the Christ child. But she wasn’t waiting for Him. She was the only person who wasn’t waiting anymore. Yes, she was waiting for His birth, but … Continue reading →

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The Message of Advent is a Message of Justice for the Oppressed

Posted on December 13, 2019 by editor

The scripture readings for the season of advent tend towards the apocalyptic. I use the word in both senses here: in its original and etymological meaning of “revelation” (literally, unveiling) and in its more colloquial “end of the word” sense.  … Continue reading →

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Thoughts on the Immaculate Conception

Posted on December 10, 2019 by editor

The immaculate conception refers to the dogma that Mary was conceived in the womb of her mother, Ann, without Original Sin. The Scriptural evidence for this dogma is, of course, the angel’s greeting: “Hail, full of grace” (Lk 1: 28). … Continue reading →

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Japan’s crime rate hits postwar low, but report shows rise in child abuse, domestic violence and offenses by the elderly

Posted on November 30, 2019 by editor

The transition from Heisei to Reiwa came at a relatively peaceful time, with the nation’s crime rate falling to a postwar low in 2018, an annual white paper released Friday by the Justice Ministry has shown.

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What does it mean to be Japanese and Catholic? Pope Francis in Japan raises the question

Posted on November 25, 2019 by editor

For centuries, Japanese intellectuals, emperors, and missionaries have asked the same question: What does it mean to be both Japanese and Catholic?

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Schedule: Japanese OMI Traditional Christmas Gathering – Dec. 25-26-27, 2019

Posted on November 23, 2019 by editor

Dear Brothers, The celebration of Christ’s Birth is only four weeks away. Why is this Christmas gathering so important for us as an Oblate Missionary Family? When we come together in Kochi for Christmas, we partake in a family tradition … Continue reading →

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Archbishop Kikuchi of Tokyo Appeals for Japanese Society to Recognize that Life from Conception to Death Is Invaluable (from Papal Flight)

Posted on November 23, 2019 by editor

Archbishop Tarcisius Isao Kikuchi, Archbishop of Tokyo, warns some of his population risks extinction due to cultural standards and has made a strong appeal to recognize protecting life from conception to natural death.

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‘Work takes priority over religion in Japan’, says Oblate priest ahead of Pope’s visit

Posted on November 22, 2019 by editor

Ahead of Pope Francis’ Apostolic Journey to Japan, an OMI missionary priest explores how the face of the local Catholic Church is changing and the challenges of preaching the Gospel where people give priority to work, not religion.

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From child prostitution to nuclear arms, Pope has a big agenda in Asia

Posted on November 19, 2019 by editor

When Pope Francis embarks on the 32nd trip of his pontificate Tuesday, headed towards Thailand and Japan, he will once again be visiting nations where Catholics are a small minority. In both countries, there’s one Catholic for every 200 people, … Continue reading →

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Pope Francis is going to Japan and Thailand: Here’s what you need to know

Posted on November 19, 2019 by editor

Pope Francis returns to Asia on Nov. 19 for a visit to Thailand and Japan, two predominantly Buddhist countries where Christians remain a tiny minority. He goes to encourage the small Catholic community in each country, foster dialogue with the … Continue reading →

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Pope Francis Sends Video Message to People of Japan

Posted on November 19, 2019 by editor

Below is the text of the video message sent by Pope Francis to the people of Japan on the occasion of his upcoming Apostolic Trip, November 23-26, 2019. In the video, the Holy Father stresses the theme of the visit, … Continue reading →

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