Hamamatsu, Japan, 15 October 2016 -- The annual three day Confrerence of Japan National Migrant Catholic ministry was held this year in the Salesian Parish of Hamamatsu, Yokohama diocese with the presence of 70 priests, religious and lay mission partners involved in this ministry and presided by Bishop of Nagoya, Michael Goro Matsuura, president of the CBCJ Commission for the Migrants. The delegates came from all 16 dioceses of Japan.
At present there are estimated about 500.000-600.000 Catholic migrants living in Japan, making the majority of Catholic population of approximately 1 million of faithful. Major groups are the Brazilians, Peruvians, Vietnamese, and Koreans.
Our humble parish on the outskirts of industrial of Hamamatsu was chosen as venue for the Migrant meeting since it became a model for inter-cultural pastoral dynamics of many language groups (Japanese, Brazilian, Spanish and English-Tagalog speaking).
The participants were able also listen to four moving testimonials of Salesian parish youth. They sharing touched very much all participants. Our youth acknowledged their life difficulties as Catholic migrants, who get the joy and strength thanks to the parish community.
At present there are four SDB in Hamamatsu community - one Japanese, one Brazilian, one Vietnamese and one Timorese.
4171_Meeting God in the Youth - VIDES Japan
