With autumn in full swing, the regular meeting of the Japan Vice-Province was held at the Yoyogi Community in Tokyo from November 3rd to 6th 2025. This year, unusually, the agenda was not set as a formal conference but instead took the form of a social gathering.
During Mass on November 4, an early celebration was held for Fr. Takeshi Inoue (67), marking the 25th anniversary of his priestly ordination, followed by a banquet.
On November 5, the community also celebrated the 300th anniversary of the birth of St. Gerard Majella with a Mass presided over by Fr. Jean Raymond Girard (82). The celebration period will continue until October 16 of next year.
During the meeting, members also watched the film “PERFECT DAYS”, which received the Ecumenical Jury Prize at the 76th Cannes Film Festival, awarded by Christian organizations.
The film is said to deeply resonate with those living consecrated lives.
The group also reflected on the theme “The Religious Congregation as a Rescue Ship,” presented by Fr. Joe Apisit of the Thai Province, which had been previously shared during a joint retreat with members of the South Korea Region in September.
This theme has inspired several meditations, deepening our understanding of our mission.
The meeting concluded on November 6 with a Mission Mass, marking the anniversary of the beatification of 20 martyrs from Cuenca and Madrid, each of whom continues to inspire us to pursue our mission with renewed strength and faith.
Fr. Takeshi Inoue, C.Ss.R.
Vice-Provincial of Japan
