July-August 2023

From August 1st to August 3, also this year Shinmeizan held a 3days`study session　for Students of the Kitakyushu University of Industrial Medicine on the meaning and value of human life from the religious point of view. It was the 21^st time this course was held, since it started in 2001,　following the request of Prof. Fujino, as a part of his lectures of “General Introduction to the medical sciences” at the same University.

On August 4, Sr. Maria De Giorgi took part, upon invitation, in the 36^th `SUMMIT OF RELIGIONS`. This meeting, held on Mount Hiei (Kyoto) by the Central Organization of Tendai Buddhism,　is the most important annual interreligious event in Japan, celebrated as a continuation　of the first international interreligious encounter of prayer for peace,which took place in Assisi (Italy) in 1986 on the initiative of Pope Saint John Paul 2^nd.  

Also during this last month of August Shinmeizan welcomed several guests.　Among them, visitors from Italy: Rev. Gianluca Chemini, with friends,　from the Archdiocese of Milano (Italy),　and the brother of Fr. Claudio, Maurizio, with his wife Giuliana.

A very special visit to Shinmeizan has been, on August 20^th, the one by Ven. Morioka Shuki, a Buddhist monk of the Nichiren School,　who came all the way from Osaka (600 kilometers!)　with the Urn containing the Ashes of Ven. Shokei, a Buddhist Nun of the Myokenkakuji Temple (Osaka)　and the memorial tablet (IHAI) representing the deceased person.　Ven. Shokei, before dying, on Aug. 5^th, had expressed the desire.