March 2021

In this part of Japan the restrictions imposed because of covid-19 have been lifted, and, while keeping the necessary precautions, life seems to be going back to normal!  As a result, this month,  guests started  coming  more numerous to Shinmeizan.  Among others:

• Sr. Sueyoshi, of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, came for a week of spiritual retreat;
• A group of seven people, led by Ms. Murakami, Representative of the Tourist Company `Paradise` of Yokohama, came for a three days of recollection;
• Ms. Sakanishi, a frequent participant to the monthly retreats held at Shinmeizan, came for a few hours of silence and prayer with two of her young grand children;
• Ven. Ide Satoshi, Head of the Buddhist Temple Sainenji of Imari (Saga Pref.) came with two friends (Mr. and Ms. Yoshino, leaders of the new religious group known as “Katakamuna”) to spend a couple of days at Shinmeizan and celebrate here his birthday!                                                        

But also the activities “on-line” (by `ZOOM`) have continued! For example, on March 30, Fr. Sonoda, Sr. Maria and Fr. Franco have taken part in an `on-line meeting` on interreligious dialog, organized by Ven. Shaku of the Buddhist School of  Nichiren.  

Also the number of the participants to the monthly retreat (March 11) has increased with twenty people attending.