Brad Rozairo, OMI – As the year comes to an end, we, Oblates in Japan, came together in Kochi to celebrate our annual community Christmas.
On December 27th, we gathered in the Kochi Rectory Chapel for evening prayer based on the theme “No Room in the Inn” with time for silent prayer and meditation. Having prayed together, we relaxed with a social hour, which was followed by a simple dinner and recreation.
This year, for the first time we invited two ex-Oblates Okazawa Eddie and Jao Nestor. Eddie was able to join us, but Jao due to family commitments could not be with us, but he sent his greetings to all. I think for Eddie it was an occasion to reconnect with the Oblates after many years.
The following day morning, we made a visit to the Nankoku cemetery to pray for the deceased Oblates who had worked hard for the Japanese mission. After prayers, we went to a nearby restaurant for lunch.
Next on the schedule is our spring meeting in April 2023. We hope that the pandemic situation will improve and that we get to meet again together with our brothers from Korea.
