August 2025

The hot days of last month were accompanied by sudden violent storms and heavy rains that caused a lot of damage in the whole area. Also the road that leads up to Shinmeizan was interrupted by several landslides. Fortunately, thanks to the prompt and efficient intervention of the town’s administration (Nagomi), the road has been quickly reopened and we could welcome visitors as planned.

• The main activity in the field of interreligious dialogue this month of August has been the participation of Sr. Maria De Giorgi, on August 4, in the annual Summit of Religions held on Mont Hiei (Kyoto) at the headquarters of Tendai Buddhism, as a continuation of the interreligious event held in Assisi in 1986.

• On August 11-14 we welcomed a group of six Priests from Italy, led by Fr. Luciano Mazzocchi, sx, all of them involved in interreligious dialogue in their respective dioceses (Milan, Padoa, Senigallia).

• From August 17 to August 22, we enjoyed the visit of Dr. Olimpia Niglio, Professor at the University of Pavia (Italy) and Vice President of the ‘International Committee for Religious Heritage’ of the ‘International Counsel for Historical Monuments and Sites’ (ICOMOS/UNESCO).

• On August 19-20 we had with us Bro. Takahara, OFMConv.
• On August 20-21, Fr. Irvin Gutierrez-Hernandez, sx
• On August 18 - 25, Ms. Nishiue Yumiko for a a time of prayer and meditation.