Tokyo, Japan Province 10 December 2020 -- Five novices of the Caritas Sisters of Jesus, Japan province, made their first profession in Suginami, Tokyo (Provincial house Chapel) on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Jesus, Dec 8. The archbishop of Tokyo, Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi, SVD presided the first profession Eucharist with other dozens of Salesians headed by their provincial Fr. Jacob Hamaguchi were concelebrating. The Caritas Sisters and the relative of the newly professed participating along the Covid19 social distancing rules.
In the joyful Advent season expectations the province of Japan (provincial Sr Agnes Omizu Keiko) gives thanks for their newly professed members. On the previous day, December 7, 2020 were accepted four postulants to the official two years novitiate formation, the Eucharist was presided by Fr Alexander Nakamaro Abe, SDB.
At present the 930 Caritas Sister of Jesus, the 11th official group of the Salesian Family, founded in 1937 are living and working in 16 countries as Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, to spread God's love in different outreaching ministries. Other formation houses are spread in South Korea, Philippines, Uganda and Brazil.
We welcome the five newly professed Sisters to the Salesian Family of Don Bosco and pray for more new vocations of Caritas Sisters of Jesus around the world and to be faithful to their 'Caritas' charism! The name 'Caritas' was inspired by the farewell speech of Don Rinaldi to the missionary expedition to Japan (1925). Fr Cavoli, recalling the words of Don Rinaldi, wrote: 'Caritas is the only and indispensable means to gain access to the hearts of the Japanese people."
Newly professed sisters: Francis, Helena, Maria, Therese and Christie Anna