We were grateful to welcome Sister Rosanne to our community in Japan and spend time with her, sharing many things and deepening our insight into where our home, Carondelet, is going.
In Tokyo, we visited the Arrupe Refugee Center and listened to the stories of refugees from Afghanistan and Nigeria and knew the need to discern what we are called to do. In the Tsu community, we have found hope for a deeper bonding by thinking together about Covenant Communities, and it has been a grace to share this joy with the Sisters of Domus Gratiae.
I believe that the visit to Nara, the ancient capital of Japan before Kyoto, and the pilgrimage to Hasedera Temple, which has been worshipped by the people for more than 1,000 years, gave us a good opportunity to learn about traditional Japanese faith. It was difficult to climb up and down the long flights of stairs, but it is our tradition to build large temples in out-of-the-way mountains.
Visiting Nagasaki and learning about the hidden Christians, the Japanese martyrs, and the damage caused by the atomic bombing was also an unforgettable experience. Especially at the hypocenter-ground zero, where we prayed with a sense of sacredness and even hesitated to say a word.