International Mass and Exchange
In our annual schedule, if a month has a fifth week, we celebrate the International Mass on the fifth Sunday.
The fifth week of August was dedicated to a joint International Mass at Nodamachi Church.
The Primary language of the International Mass is Japanese but,
the 1st, 2nd reading and the general intercessions are recited in foreign languages, while the songs for Offertory and Communion are sung in English and Tagalog
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| The second reading was read in Vietnamese |
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| G.I. in Japanese, English, Vietnamese and Tagalog |
After the Mass the International Exchange gathering was held.
Representative dishes from Vietnam, the Philippines, South Korea,
Rwanda, the United States and Japan were served.
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| Vietnamese and Philippines booth |
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| Japanese and Korean booth |
While savoring delicious food, we learned about the
characteristics of each culture.
There are many cultures where gestures of respect are completely
opposite of those in Japan, which was surprising.
Understanding the culture correctly, and knowing what others value,
is what leads to peace.
We're already good friends, but this was a fun get-together where we were
able to take another step forward and understand each other better.
May God's abundant blessings be upon us all this week.