2713 GIA Priest and deacon ordained
austraLasia #2713
 

After a four year wait, Japan rejoices in its new priest and deacon

TOKYO: 13 September 2010 --  Saturday 11 September was a day of particular celebration for the Salesian Family in Japna, the first priestly ordination for four years.  The ordination of Fr Jospeh Kitagawa Daisuke along with the ordination to diaconate of Francis Sanada Tomihiko
was a very special evant.
  The ordination ceremony took place on Saturday afternoon at Shimoigusa, Tokyo and the ordaining prelate was Salesian Bishop Franciso Mizobe Osamu, surrounded by more than 50 concelebrants, Salesian and diocesan. It is estimated that the congregation numbered 600, representing various groups from the Japanese Salesian Family. Also present was Fr Andrew Wong, Regional Councillor, in  Japan for the Extraordinary Visitation of the Province.
  Newly ordained Fr Kitagawa Daisuke completed his studies last year at Ratisbonne in Jerusalem and has been working at the aspirantate at Yokkaichi, in the Mie province. An older brother of Daisuke is also a Salesian and is currently the Rector of the community at Yokohama.
  The new deacon, Sanada Tomihiko, recently finished his studies at the Sophia University run by the Jesuits in Tokyo and is now part of the deacons' course at the Franciscan seminary of St. Anthony's in Tokyo.
  In his homily, Bishop Mizobe dwelt at length on the role and duties of the priest as one sent by Christ to the Church and for the Church, as a commentary on the text contained in the liturgy of ordination.
  In his words of thanks, Fr Cipriani, provincial, said how happy he was that the ordination also of a deacon now meant hopefully less than a four year wait for another priestly ordination!
   The ceremony was not followed this time by the usual fraternal agape or academy, these being delayed until the Sunday after the First Mass in Tokyo Chofu, the province's formation house.

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