From September 14 to 18, 2026, the Vice-Province of Japan conducted its annual retreat at the Passionist Retreat House in Osaka, welcoming Fr. Ivel Mendanha, General Consultor for the Asia-Oceania Conference based at the General Headquarters in Rome, as the retreat director. While there were 18 participants in total, members of the international community did not attend this time, as a separate Japanese-language session was being held. However, we are delighted to share some Good News as is customary, Fr. Shimose (in charge of communications) recorded all of Fr. Ivel’s talks, making them available for members to view at any time.
Despite his busy schedule, Fr. Ivel completed and sent all the retreat materials to Japan by August. Thanks to this, the coordinator was able to compile and distribute the outlines and Japanese translations to all members well in advance. We take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to Fr. Ivel. The retreat covered topics such as the Redemptorist way of life, the vocation of discipleship, the journey of conversion, the call to overcome difficulties, and the community’s fellowship and mission as pilgrims of hope. Guided by the director’s profound insights, we found the experience deeply satisfying and fruitful.
Thanks to Fr. Ivel’s wonderful guidance, the members of the Vice-Province of Japan gained courage and renewed momentum, encouraged by the path the entire Congregation is walking. We offer our heartfelt thanks to Fr. Ivel. We also extend our deepest gratitude to Fr. Shimose for his professional work in recording the sessions,
and to Fr. Hagiwara, who meticulously handled all preparations to ensure the smooth running of both the celebratory gatherings and daily life during the retreat. The retreat concluded with everyone singing the *Regina Coeli* together before we parted ways.
Once again, we offer my heartfelt gratitude to Our Mother of Perpetual Help and to the saints and blesseds of the Most Holy Redeemer.
Fr. Takeshi Inoue, C.Ss.R.
Provincial of the V.P. of Japan.
