Provincial Superior of Indonesia, Fr. Jakobus Umbu Warata and Fr. Marianus Dapa Talu Vicarious arrived at Narita Airport on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, and visited Tokunoshima and Okinoerabujima, two remote islands in Kagoshima Prefecture, where the Redemptorists of Japan continue our missionary activities. Since assuming his post as Provincial, he has carefully observed the missionary activities of the Vice Province of Japan over the past three years, and this time at last he was able to visit all the communities. In particular, after learning Japanese, he has obtained a driver’s license and reunited with Indonesian member Fr. Bosco, who works as a parish priest and kindergarten principal, and expressed his gratitude for his efforts.
Provincial gives SAKULA stole design Japanese fragrance to Fr. Sebastian 
Red stole in Hodono parish in Tokunoshima
The mission on this island, which has a similar natural environment to Sumba Island, has also suffered from rising prices and financial difficulties amid the declining birth rates and ageing population. Even in the dilapidated buildings, the voices of children were bright and hopeful.
On May 6th, many people were present at the head office community and the Hatsudai Church in Tokyo, preparing for the mass, which began at 3 pm. This was the last day of the long May holiday, and a large turnout was expected despite the unfortunate rain. Father Sebastianus Ani, who was an ex-Provincial of the Indonesian Province and General Consultor for Asia and Oceania, had spoken of his dream of going to Japan as a missionary and of working in the Province there, and this dream had been realized.
Indonesian confreres in Tokunoshima with Provincial Fr.Jacky. 
Tokunoshima seashore 
Kindergarten in KAMETSU (Tokunosima) 
The handmade welcome sign with white lilies was made of origami paper by the faithful. The church was filled with joyful sounds of children playing the violin and young people singing. At the celebration, a total of seven Indonesian members sang celebratory songs. Of course, members of the international community also participated and celebrated together. Conscious that it was the day before the start of Pope Francis’ conclave, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to God and the Provincial of Indonesia for providing us with the human resources that are the foundation of our steady mission. May the prayers of the Mother of Perpetual Help always be with us.
Fr. Takeshi Inoue, CSsR.
Vice-Provincial Superior
