Edited from contributions by Sr Gemma Dinglasan, Sr Ana de Guzman and Sr Bach Mai Nguyen
It was a visit long awaited. Finally, in God’s graced time, Congregational Leader Sr. Joan Marie Lopez, and two members of her team Sisters Josita Corera and Marie Françoise Mestry—accompanied by members of the Provincial Leadership Team of the Philippines/Japan, Sisters Susan Montano and Gemma Dinglasan, arrived in Japan on March 22, 2026. They first visited the sisters at the community in Toyonaka, Osaka, then traveled to Sendai on March 27.
Over ten days, sisters, partners-in-mission, overseas Filipino Workers, Vietnamese youth, and program participants, including children from St. Mary’s Kindergarten and Sayuri Kodomo-en Day Care Center welcomed them with presentations, meaningful dialogue, and shared tables of Japanese, Vietnamese, and Filipino dishes: a true celebration of Asian culture.
A Visitation in Our Time: Where Life Still Leaps
In her opening message, Sr. Joan invited the sisters to reflect on the significance of the visit in a world marked by woundedness and uncertainty. She affirmed their quiet fidelity, reminding them that fruitfulness lies not only in doing, but also in being. She gently posed the question: Where does life still stir among us, and how might it become a blessing for others?
Conversations in both convents deepened bonds of friendship and sisterly care. Through sharing and attentive listening, the sisters faced their reality: a small and aging community, carrying natural concerns about the future. Yet hope quietly emerged.
As Sr. Bach Mai Nguyen of Sendai expressed, “Within this reality, Sr. Joan’s sharing opened in us a deep hope. Like Mary’s visitation to Elizabeth, we realized that whether young or old, each of us carries a life that God is bringing forth.»
Encounter with Migrant Communities
In Toyonaka, during the “Meet and Greet: A Moment of Grace”, overseas Filipino Workers from six parishes of the Osaka Diocese shared their faith journeys. Many have lived in Japan for decades. One survivor of human trafficking spoke of finding strength in God and support in the Church in her most difficult moments.
Her story resonated with others who shared how they encountered Jesus the Good Shepherd amid uncertainty. Their experiences of grace now move them to serve others. Sr. Ana de Guzman, who accompanies the Filipino communities, in her welcome message, also expressed solidarity with migrants, especially those affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
In Sendai, the CLT’s meeting with over 60 Vietnamese young people touched the hearts of those present. Sr. Joan reminded them that they belong to one family beyond language, culture, or nationality. For young people far from home, the sisters’ presence—coming from Rome—became a living sign of care and unity within the Church.
Each received a simple souvenir from Rome: an image of the Good Shepherd carrying a sheep on his shoulders, reminiscent of Pope Francis. It spoke deeply to them: each one is held and guided by God.
Moments of Joy and Gratitude
Gratitude is extended to Bishop Edgar Gacutan of Sendai (pictured), who offered accompaniment and generously served as interpreter. The Province Leadership Team also facilitated a dialogue, presenting their five-year report and leading a ritual of farewell and thanksgiving for the Province of Philippines-Japan as they are now journeying to becoming a region with East Asia Province and Singapore Community.
There were also moments of rest: a joyful noodle-making experience at the Noodle Museum and the quiet beauty of cherry blossoms in Kyoto.
This ten-day visit leaves a gentle yet lasting mark. It is a reminder that even in limitation and age, life continues to leap—quietly, faithfully, and with enduring joy.
