JAPAN: A communion of communities of Diocese of Yokohama exemplary welcome for migrants

Yokohama (Fides Service) - The diocese of Yokohama, the largest by area of Japan’s 16 Catholic diocese, has a population of 172,000 Catholics, but 70% are non Japanese, they are immigrants come from various different countries mainly in Asia. To guarantee adequate pastoral care for all his people Bishop Mgr Umemura Masahiro aims to make his diocese a “communion of communities”.

Immigrants are made to feel at home with Masses celebrated in Japanese, English, Spanish, Portuguese and Korean. “This helps them realise they are welcome and that the Church is a home for all”, said one of the local priests. Each parishes has a place where immigrant communities are encouraged to meet, hold special prayers or parties and meetings.

The diocese is also planning pastoral initiatives in different languages in various parishes. Great attention is given to pastoral care of immigrant children and young people. The diocese has a very active Centre for Pastoral Care of Migrants which has services of legal, logistic, spiritual assistance for immigrants in search of work.

(PA) (Agenzia Fides 19/1/2006 righe 22 parole 225)