On September 6-22, 2019, the Postulator General, Friar Damian PĂTRAȘCU, traveled to Japan and Indonesia.
He was invited to Japan by the Minister Provincial of the Province of the Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M. in Japan,
Friar Seraphin Akihiko TAKEUCHI. While there, Friar Damian took part in the friars’ annual meeting in Nagasaki, where he spoke about the many causes of Beatification in process with the Office of the General Postulator, in particular, the cause for Venerable Elizabeth Maria SATOKO KITAHARA, a young member of the Militia of the Immaculate. Pope Francis recognized her heroic virtues on January 22, 2015.
Friar Damian also went to Tokyo where he met the Most Reverend Tarcisius Isao KIKUCHI (Divine Word), Archbishop of Tokyo, Japan. He spoke with the archbishop about the Order’s desire to transfer the mortal remains of the Venerable, if possible, to a church officiated by our friars. He also discussed several initiatives planned by Province of Japan to make Venerable Elizabeth Maria better known.
In Indonesia, Friar Damian visited the clerical students at the Friary and Post Novitiate of St. Bonaventure in Pematangsiantar. While there, he spoke about the need to cultivate the desire for holiness during their formative years, and to promote the people who have distinguished themselves in virtue, particularly Friar Giuseppe BRENTAZZOLI, a missionary of the Italian Province of St. Anthony of Padua (Northern Italy). Friar Damian also spoke on the same subject at a meeting of pastors in Bogor, near Jakarta, where he raised awareness on the subject of holiness and asked the pastors to give special attention to spreading the fame of holiness of Friar Giuseppe.
Later, the Postulator traveled to the Friary of St. Joseph Spouse of the B.V.M. in Delitua, where Friar Giuseppe is buried. The Superior of the new Province of Mary Immaculate in Indonesia, Friar Maximilianus Kalef SEMBIRING, accompanied Friar Damian. While there, Friar Damian celebrated Mass and during his homily, he spoke to the friars and faithful about Friar Giuseppe. After Mass, he met with the faithful and heard them tell of the wonders that God had done for them through the intercession of Friar Giuseppe. Friar Damian encouraged everyone to imitate this friar of ours and to ask for his help. Friar Giuseppe died in fame of holiness.
Special thanks to both Jurisdictions for all the help they gave the Postulator on this pilgrimage of faith, and above all for their truly fraternal hospitality.
Friar Damian Gheorghe PĂTRAȘCU, Postulator General
