CONGREGATIO PRO GENTIUM EVANGELIZATIONE
Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Archdiocese of Osaka-Takamatsu,
On the significant occasion of the installation of His Eminence Cardinal Thomas Aquino Manyo Maeda as Archbishop of the newly formed Archdiocese of Osaka-Takamatsu, I wish to assure each one of you that you are in my prayers. My hope is that the merger of the Archdiocese of Osaka and the Diocese of Takamatsu will yield abundant spiritual benefit for the salvation of souls, creating a powerful synergy through join efforts.
While it is true that the Church in Osaka and that in Takamatsu have collaborated for many years across various aspects of pastoral activities and personal exchanges, it is natural to expect some differences between them. However, I believe these differences will only serve to enhance our newly established Church’s vitality with their diverse richness.
In this journey towards unity, I propose Our Lade of Rosary -Patroness of the new Archdiocese- as a model for you all. She humbly listened to Archangel Gabriel’s words and accepted God’s divine plan for her life. She patiently endured her Son’s crucifixion with unwavering faith. At Pentecost, she joined the Apostles in prayer and received the Holy Spirit alongside them. Her life thus offers us three essential keys to becoming true disciples of the Lord: attentive listening, steadfast endurance during trials, and sincere prayerfulness. These are also integral elements that constitute a genuinely synodal Church.
When we listen respectfully to each other, we can hear the voice of the Holy Spirit given to each member within the mystical body of Christ. When we face unexpected challenges with faith, God readies us for the promised glory of Resurrection. In addition, when we pray earnestly, we are empowered by the gifts from Holy Spirit. Indeed, if you follow the example of Our Lady and pray the Holy Rosary diligently, then your earthly pilgrimage will be guided unfailingly towards heaven.
Lastly, I implore that Blessed Virgin Mary always shelters you under her protection, while the Holy Martyrs Japan intercede on your behalf. With heartfelt warmth, I invoke God’s choicest blessing upon every single one among you.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
+Luis Antonio G. Cardenal Tagle
From the Vatican, September 7th, 2023.
+ Fortunatus Nwachukwu
Secretary
