Somehow I managed to pack and leave Manila last March 20.  Despite being overweight by a few pounds, I (not me actually but my suitcase) was not charged.  Although I left the parish at three o'clock in the morning, a van full of parishioners accompanied me to the airport.  Thankfully, they were merciful and did not cry so I also did not break down.  It was sad, of course, and my heart still aches.  However, as I told the parisioners at my last Sunday sermon, my departure is not my abandoning them and leaving them behind, but it is their sending me off, missioning me to Japan as the first foreign missionary from the Parish of the Risen Christ.  It is not something negative and sad, but a positive and joyous occasion for the parish.  As their small part in God's grand plan of salvation for us all, they were sending me out to witness to the Risen Christ in Japan where so few people know Him.

On Holy Thursday when I attended the Chrism Mass at the cathedral in Nagoya, I realized I was back in Japan and was struck how very few those Christians actually are in Japan.  Compared to the solemn and joyous festivities of the Archdiocese of Manila, the mass was so simple and quiet.  Our beloved Bishop Nomura presided with maybe just a couple of hundred Catholics in attendance.  In Manila thousands cheer and pray as servers bring in heavy golden containers filled with gallons of oil to be blessed by Cardinal Rosales.  In Nagoya three small vessels with perhaps a quart or so of oil were enough for the year's needs.  This shows the enormous challenge of our mission in Japan.

Although saddened by my departure from Manila, I stand ready and willing to begin my assignment as the newy-appointed missionary secretary of our Japan Province.  As always with Divine Word Missionaries, this work promises to be another fantastic adventure.

May you all have a Solemn Holy Week and a Joyous Easter. 

May the Heart of the Risen Christ live in the hearts of all. Amen.