The Feast of the Vietnamese Martyrs in the Diocese of Kyoto

The Diocese of Kyoto in Japan recently marked the Feast of the Vietnamese Martyrs on November 24th, 2024, with a special celebration led by Father Stephen Nang, CMF, who has been assigned to oversee the Vietnamese community in the diocese. This annual observance, which gathers over 1,000 young people from seven Vietnamese communities across the diocese, aims to deepen their faith and foster a sense of unity among the youth.

This year, the Fushimi Church community hosted the feast, with approximately 400 young people, aged 18 to 35, joining the event. Bishop Paul Yoshinao Otsuka of Kyoto was also present to celebrate the occasion and offer his blessings.
 The celebration served as a meaningful opportunity for young people to connect with one another, share their missionary experiences, and reflect on the lives of the Vietnamese Martyrs. Participants were encouraged to follow the example of these martyrs by being witnesses of God's love and mercy, even in a foreign country.
 Through events like this, the diocese hopes to continue inspiring its young faithful to live out their mission of love and service, following in the footsteps of those who have gone before them.

[Credits from Fr. Stephen Nang, CMF]