On Sunday, October 30, we celebrated the 90th anniversary of Maria Province, the 50th anniversary of Sister Yuriko Saito's vows, and the 25th anniversary of Sister Kikuko Takahashi and Sister Motoko Takahashi's vows at Chofu Convent. After the Mass, officiated by Fr. Noriyuki Tamura, Leader of the Salesian Chofu Convent and Fr. Rapu Haruyama, Superior General, the sisters and associates had a celebratory luncheon. It was a day of blessing and grace. Congratulations to all!
Many religious Christmas cards depict some form of a scene of Mary, Joseph and Jesus in a stable with a donkey and cow nearby. Shepherds and sheep are peering in at them and the Magi and camels are approaching. Artistically and theologically, the main three are always the immediate Holy Family. Often the image is only of Mary and the Child Jesus. In a way, Joseph is the silent, hidden presence behind the scene.
Sister Bea Baker is leaving for San Antonio Texas on December 11th to volunteer for 3 weeks with the newly arrived refugees and immigrants entering the U.S. because they are suffering from violence and poverty. Sister Bea wants to be a loving presence for them and pray for an open heart. She has created a BLOG at sisterbeacnd.wordpress.com if you would like to followher experiences each day. Let us keep Bea in prayer for these three weeks.
