Today, we welcome back two priests who were once with us before. One is Fr. Chihara who came back to Yamagata after ten (10) years and the other one is Fr. Kusunoki who was away for twenty (20) years. It has been a long time since we saw them and we are very happy now that they are finally back.

Before the mass began, Fr. Chihara asked us what were the songs to be sung during the mass. Since he is very skilled in playing the guitar, he wanted to do the strumming and the rest will be played by Sr. Ebizawa of the Sisters of Charity of Ottawa.

During his homily, Fr. Chihara shared with us his spiritual journey. He said that during the time when he was in Yamagata he got sick due to his very busy schedule and too much pressure from his work. He still remembers when he was ordained as a priest in Mito Church, he wanted to become a priest who can understand peoples' pain. Thus, when he himself got sick and felt so alone, he came to realize that kind of pain. God opened his eyes and answered his prayers and he understood that it is God's grace for Him.

Our faith in the risen Lord should go beyond the mere belief in the truth that our Lord rose from the dead. It should be a living faith that already raises from our sadness, our indifferences and cowardice; a faith that makes us stand up for all that is good and true, for justice and compassion. It is the faith that lifts not only us up but also the people around us.

Fr.Chihara also talked about Thomas, who only believed because he was able to see Jesus Christ. But Jesus told him that those who believe without seeing are more blessed. We can not see Jesus physically now but He is always with us even in the deepest pain or depression in our life. In the sacrament of the Eucharist, the sacrament of the Bread of Life, we receive Him in the form of the bread, with that we can touch and feel Him.

With regard to Fr. Kusunoki, he came back after 20 years and said that it was a dream come true. He couldn't believe that this church can built but now, he is very happy for the community.

After the mass, we presented them with bouquets of flowers as a welcome gift and to show our appreciation them. Then, a simple party was held and it was well attended by the Filipinas, the Sisters of Charity of Ottawa, plus a visitor from Yamagata who came just to share with us the joy brought by the coming of the two priest. We were very happy indeed because Fr. Chihara and Fr. Kusunoki joined together, one strummed the guitar and the other played the harmonica in the tune of "Amazing Grace." We all went teary-eyed after hearing their piece. More songs were sung thru the strumming of guitar by Fr. Chihara.

Thank you so much and hope we may truly be a community, one in heart and soul believing, hoping, sharing, breaking bread with one another, in joy and praising our Lord Jesus Christ.　( Joshi Hashimi )