Celebrating Vocation Vitality in Jesuit Missions in Japan
By John Francis Mukulu, SJ
St. Ignatius reminds us that community life finds its depth in prayer and companionship, being “friends in the Lord.” This month the Jesuit missions in Japan warmly welcomed the long-anticipated Jesuit. Mr. Thomas is a new Japan missionary from India who has just arrived for his language studies. His arrival and presence renews hopes for the sustenance of missions in the greater service of God.
I had the privilege and consolation of participating in the welcoming ceremony at Wakamiya Jesuit Scholasticate. A consolation that arises from a shared sense of mission in the vineyard of the Lord. St. Paul reminds us of the value of carrying each other’s burdens and companionship as a way of fulfilling the divine call of love and service (Galatians 6:2).
May the young missionary in the service of the Lord find deeper consolation in his call, and may his arrival inspire many more in the missionary zeal of service for the greater glory of God.