By Mr. Mitsuhiro Tateishi

Fukuoka, Japan - On 16 April 2016, ordination to the diaconate of Cleric Taniguchi Ryohei, SDB took place at Shindenbaru Catholic Church (Fukuoka Prefecture).

Main celebrant Bishop Miyahara Ryoji of Fukuoka Diocese presided the ordination, accompanied by the Salesian Provincial Fr. Yamanouchi Mario, fellow Salesians and diocesan priests. More than 400 attended the Mass to share the joy of the gift of a new deacon. Among them were religious sisters, different groups of the Salesian Family, Salesian aspirants from Yokkaichi, and many parishioners of Shindenbaru Church where Deacon Ryohei used to attend with his family before joining the Salesians. Some other Salesians, Fr. Furuki, the Kitagawa brothers, Fr. Junji and Fr. Daisuke, also hail from Shindenbaru Church.

The earthquake in Kumamoto did not have major impact in Shindenbaru, but some who attended the ceremony from afar had to overcome problems with transportation to reach Fukuoka. Since the trains had stopped, a group of Cooperators had to be fetched by car; Fr. Tamura, SDB had to drive a long way without being able to use the highway. While celebrating the joy of ordination, everyone had in mind about the people affected by the earthquake.

The next day, Sunday 17, which was World Day of Prayer for Vocations, also at Shindenbaru Church, Provincial Father Yamanouchi celebrated mass, while newly ordained Deacon Taniguchi gave his first sermon to his home parish. It happened to be the monthly Children’s Mass, and Deacon Taniguchi explained about the Shepherd and his sheeps in a way that children could well understand, with a message that lighted up their hearts.

On April 20, our new deacon left for Manila, to start his year of pastoral studies in the Don Bosco Center of Studies, Paranaque - Metro Manila, inter-provincial community of formation.

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