From April 21 to May 6, 2026, Fr. Paul Vinh, General Councillor for Asia Oceania, and Fr. Yoakim Rambaho Ndelo, Coordinator of the Asia Oceania Conference, together with Fr. Takeshi Inoue, Provincial Superior of the Japan Vice-Province, conducted fraternal visits to Redemptorist communities in Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Suita (Osaka), Maizuru (Kyoto), Suwa (Nagano), and the Front Office in Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo.
This visit marked the first visit to the Japan Vice-Province by the Superior General since the visit of former Superior General Bishop Michael Brehl in 2013, thirteen years ago. Fr. Rogério Gomes arrived at Haneda Airport on May 3 and met with confreres gathered from across Japan on May 5 and 6. During these gatherings, he shared a fraternal and compassionate message that deeply inspired the members of the Vice-Province.
During the visit, missionaries serving in different regions, as well as confreres celebrating their 25th, 30th, and 40th ordination jubilees, each received the Apostolic Blessing from the Holy Father. A special highlight of the visit was the Mass celebrated in Tokyo commemorating the 300th anniversary of the birth of Saint Gerard. The joyful celebration, filled with the spirit of thanksgiving and fraternity, continued with a festive reception where Fr. Rogério warmly interacted with participants.
Adding to the joyful atmosphere were two newly ordained priests from Indonesia, ordained in November of the previous year, who travelled to Tokyo to participate in the celebration. Their presence further strengthened the spirit of international fraternity within the Congregation.
The Vice-Province also shared encouraging news regarding vocations. For the first time in ten years, a postulant began seminary formation this April, bringing renewed hope for the future of religious life in Japan. In addition, a Japanese prospective brother currently undergoing orientation also participated in the gathering. Together, the confreres experienced the blessings and joy of celebrating the 300th anniversary of Saint Gerard’s birth while looking forward with hope to the future mission of the Church in Japan.
Fr. Takeshi Inoue, CSsR.
