TOKYO (UCAN): The Archdiocese of Tokyo concluded its sixth monthly gathering of young people on February 22, offering them a quiet time in prayer to help them discern their vocation in life.
Since September 2024, the archdiocese has hosted the monthly “Youth Moment of Prayer Gathering,” where young people visit a different religious house in Tokyo and spend time in prayer.
The Pontifical Mission Societies of the archdiocese [Missio Tokyo] organises the gatherings. It is part of a global network established by a division of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization to promote missionary work worldwide.
Isao Tadokoro, a curia staff member in charge of Missio Tokyo, said that the gatherings aim to help “young people to discern their vocation.”
Tadokoro said, “We want them to pray about how they should live their lives, not just about becoming clergy or non-clerical religious.”
The gathering begins with a Bible reading and includes readings from Pope Francis’ meditations and reciting from the Liturgy of the Hours. It continues with reflection and sharing and concludes with a free conversation.
The fifth gathering was conducted on January 24 at the Carmelite Kaminoge Convent in Tokyo’s Setagaya Ward attended by young people, nine Missio Tokyo staff members, and priests from the Carmelite community.
Father Takashi Ohse of the Kaminoge church explained the Liturgy of the Hours and led the gathering in reciting the prayer. Two of the four Carmelite priests who participated were missionaries sent from Indonesia 11 years ago.
A young man who participated for the first time said, “It’s rare to have a quiet place prepared for me to pray. I have not been able to pray for a long time, so this was a valuable opportunity.”
A young woman who attended the gathering for a second time said that last year, while attending the gathering at the Salesian nuns’ convent, she “realised that I had not been listening to what my heart was saying, and as we were sharing, I burst into tears.”
She said she felt the depth of silent prayer this time and added: “I was surprised at how different the atmosphere of prayer is depending on the religious order.”
Father Naoki Monma is Missio’s representative in Japan. Officials have appointed diocesan directors for Missio in three dioceses, but the other 12 dioceses continue without such directors.
