YUKINOSHITA CATHOLIC CHURCH

Finally, after 2 months, I have finally come to update this blog!

I transferred to this place called Kamakura last April 14. And even if the boxes and luggages weren't opened yet, I had to go to my chaplaincy work the very next day. Meetings followed in the weekend. Yes, I just found myself immersed in all the work while trying to condition myself adjusting to a new environment.

Then, the sicknesses followed -- colds, viral infection, migraine, vomiting and loss of appetite, then, the dreaded gout and my present liver condition. They say there is so much stress in transferring from one place to another... and more when there is a new work to be done! I think I overdid myself in getting too conscious to the expectations of people around me that I forgot one important factor: MYSELF.

Anyway, here's a little orientation of this new parish where I am working. I am now 1 of 2 assistant parish priests in this church called YUKINOSHITA, in a historical called KAMAKURA, a 12th century capital of Japan. Situated between the mountains and the sea in the Prefecture of Kanagawa, Kamakura is a mecca of students and historical devotees who flock to this place and see the antiquity of the temples and its nature. Everyday is literally like fiesta over here, with the main commercial area and tourist spots crowded with people.

The church used to be a property of the Redemptorist Fathers until March of 2008. It was handed over to the Diocese of Yokohama and now has for its parish priest someone who grew up in Kamakura itself... talk about a "prophet that isn't welcomed in his own country"! As of this year, it is the most populous parish in the diocese (over 3,000 faithful) but concretely, it is only 2nd to another church. On weekends, we see more people in church as there are also local and foreign tourists who join the mass. Since it was under the Redemptorist Fathers, the church is under the tutelage of the Mother of Perpetual Help... and yes, the Wednesday novenas are also done here!

Aside from being a Parochial Vicar, I am also in-charge of the youth apostolate to the Pastoral Cluster of Parishes (the other parishes in the vicinity), from the middle and high school students to the young adults.

There is so much to talk about this church and my present works. Funny, but the primary aim of my blog to talk about Filipinos here in Japan seems to be switching to showing the world how the Japanese Catholics live. If this is the flow of things now... then, let it be!