On May 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Japanese time, the solemn thanksgiving mass for the jubilee of the Missionary Sisters of the Most Holy Redeemer, who exactly 60 years ago touched Japanese soil, began in the Redemptorist parish in Taniyama. They were the three sisters: Sr. Katharina Gandl, Sr. Monika Erhard, and Sr. Susanna Eberl.
The bishop of Kagoshima, Mgr. Francis Xavier Hiroaki Nakano, presided over the celebration, assisted by the two Redemptorist parish priests Fr. Mori and Fr. Fukusaki, and five diocesan priests as concelebrants. About 70 faithful were present, of whom at least 10 were non-Christians.
For Sr. Monika this jubilee was very significant, because on March 25, 1965, the feast of the Annunciation, she took her first vows in the monastery in Gars. A little less than a month later, she already embarked on her long missionary journey to Japan – to a country that has now become her second home.
During the celebration, I often looked at each jubilee with great reverence and felt a deep pride in being part of the same community. Silently within me the question resounded:
“Could I do that – go to the other end of the world – and do that for a lifetime?”
The celebration was both solemn and simple. Many flowers, prepared by the Vietnamese nuns who currently live in our sisters’ house in Toso, filled the church with freshness and beauty.
It was clear that all the guests felt welcomed. During the mass, Sr. Monika renewed her vows, after which Bishop Nakano presented her with the Jubilee Testimony with the Papal Blessing, which Pope Francis had also signed.
The celebration continued in the parish hall with a festive reception, with words of thanks, songs, and dances. The sisters showed pictures of their life and work. Everyone was invited to express their gratitude, or to contribute a song or a dance. This created an open and family atmosphere.
Later, Sr. Sawa invited me to say a few words, and I congratulated our Japanese community on the jubilee on behalf of the general goverment and all the sisters of the congregation. I emphasized not only the round jubilee but also thanked for the silent and faithful daily life. Because even today the sisters start their day promptly at 5:30 and end it at 20:00 with a prayer for the end of the war in Ukraine.
I am impressed by both their religious discipline and the love and faithfulness that are so naturally interwoven into their lives.
After the celebration, a parish member summed up: “The celebration was ‘warm and familiar,’” and a woman added: “As always with the nuns.”
To conclude this brief account, the words of the Gospel come to mind:
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Lk. 12:32
So, thank you, small and courageous flock of Christ – Sr. Sawa, Sr. Ando, Sr. Komuta, Sr. Shimokawa, Sr. Katharina, and Sr. Monika – for being ready then and now to risk for Christ and his mission the most precious thing – your life. And He Himself is your reward.
Sr. Theodora Shulak, MSsR.
