June 2019

On June 9, the “Kumamoto group for Interreligious Dialog” gathered for its 91^st meeting  since it was founded in 1992 on the occasion of a day long study session on interreligious dialog led by Ven. Tairyu Furukawa and Fr. Franco. Since its beginning, the group gathers four times a year for interreligious activities. 

This time the group paid a visit to the most important Shinto Shrine of Kumamoto, the Fujisaki Hachiman-gu.  As usual, after listening to a very instructive presentation by the Head of the Shrine, Ven.  Iwashita, there was an exchange of questions and answers leading to an always better mutual knowledge among the various religions. The Group is made up mostly of Christians, but it is opened to the participation of all.  

    Kumamoto's Fujisaki Shinto Shrine

On June 16  Fr. Franco took part in the annual commemoration of the unjust execution of Takeo Nishi, whose innocence was strenuously upheld to the very end by Ven, Tairyu Furukawa.  This event is an occasion to support the campaign against the death penalty courageously engaged by Ven. Furukawa and now carried on by his son Ven. Ryuji.

    Interreligious prayer  at Seimeizan Schweitzer Temple