News from our Sisters in Japan (Maria Province)
The month of Our Lady was a time of Visitation for Maria Province this year: for the first time in 18 years, the General Conference met in Japan and visited the Sisters in their respective communities.
Reflection on the General Conference Meetings
We received a warm welcome from the sisters and associates of each community, and we were able to interact with them. In addition, thanks to the efforts of the school and other related facilities, the visits were very fruitful in acquainting us with the reality of the missionary activities of Maria Province. In particular, the participants were able to learn about the lively school education scene, which is a distinctive feature of Maria Province.
The four-day conference included lectures by Jesuit Fr. Seiichi Lee as well as Bishop Edgar Gatucan, head of the Diocese of Sendai, and topics related to the process of transformation from the General Conference. It was a time to receive suggestions for future missionary work in Maria Province and to confirm that the congregation is in the midst of a major transformation process.
In addition, Sister Ercilia Janeth Ferrera Erazo announced the plans for the CND Forum. Sisters and Associates from all jurisdictions and districts are invited. This is another part of the transformation process and details will be presented at a later date.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the sisters who served in the implementation of this General Conference by translating, interpreting, preparing materials, communicating with related organizations, accompanying, transporting, and preparing meals. Thank you very much.
Concerning the Convening of a Social Justice-Related Conference
Formation on “Organized Discrimination, Racism and Colonialism” by Jeanne Marie Rugira, who spoke at the 2022 General Conference, is being promoted in all CND Provinces and Region. Maria Province will hold these sessions on May 3-5, 2024. The purpose of this formation is not only to gain knowledge, but also to become aware of the discrimination that lurks in our inner selves.
Sister Rosine Mblama’s Visit to Japan
Sister Rosine Mbulama, Principal of COMPLEXE SCOLAIRE BILINGUE SAINTE MARGUERITE BOURGEOYS in Cameroon, will visit Japan. The purpose of her coming is to visit schools in Maria Province and study our school education. We would like to thank all the members of each community and those in charge of Sakura no Seibo, Meiji Gakuen, and Margarita Kindergarten for their hospitality.
Visit of Ms. Anne
Ms. Anne, a Sri Lankan woman living in Dubai, visited CND Maria Province from April 25 to May 23. She visited Chofu Convent, Tsukuba Community, and Hanazono-cho Convent, where she had a tour of the churches and schools, and a time of fellowship with the sisters. The General Conference was in session, and it was a blessing to have a chance to meet with the General Leadership Sisters and other CND Leadership Sisters from all over the world.
Ms. Anne had a strong desire to be involved in missionary work in Japan, which was triggered by her interest in Japanese subcultures, and she has been involved with several sisters. Please support us in prayer for good discernment as we seek God’s will.