The group in front of St. Mary’s Cathedral

We are in the sixth month of the Jubilee Year of Hope. In this series of short write-ups, we share with you how the Hijas de Jesus in Japan have been involved in organizing activities, animating groups, and individuals along this theme. We work with Filipino migrants in the Yokohama Diocese and with various International Groups in the Archdiocese of Tokyo.

Chinese Apostolate

"Hope does not put anyone to shame" (Rom 5:5). On March 20, 2025, two Sisters and a priest from the Ueno Church China Center in the Archdiocese of Tokyo led 30 young people on a one-day Jubilee pilgrimage. They began in the morning at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Tokyo, passed through St. Francis Xavier Church and Edo Martyrs Church, and concluded with the Sacrament of Reconciliation at Archangel Michael Church, ending with a Mass.

At each church, they prayed, sang hymns, and read the Jubilee Edict. Along the way, the young participants engaged in discussions about the teachings of the Church, with many seeking the truth. They shared personal faith experiences. From their faces and their sharing, it was evident that they were filled with hope and reflecting God's love, continuously experiencing "the amazing God." I pray that all young people can find freedom, life, and hope in the Lord, for hope never puts people to shame?

Yokohama Filipino Pastoral Workers

The Filipino migrants from Yokohama participated in a pilgrimage to four Jubilee Churches in Tokyo—St. Mary’s Cathedral, St. Francis Xavier Church, St. Ignatius of Loyola, and St. Joseph Church—designated for Plenary Indulgences. This visit was a dream come true, allowing them to pray sincerely and reflect on God’s unconditional love.

A highlight of the pilgrimage was the Holy Eucharist celebrated at St. Mary’s Cathedral by Fr. Jorge Manual Ramirez, with Fr. Daryl Diño, CM, as concelebrant. Fr. Jorge welcomed the 87 pilgrims, encouraging them to deepen their relationship with the Lord, while Fr. Daryl emphasized the importance of unity in their journey.

Overall, visiting the Jubilee Churches was a blessing, strengthening their faith and community bonds. The experience inspired them to be bearers of hope to their families and communities, reminding them that faith and support in times of difficulty are crucial.

The day ended with heartfelt gratitude to God for His love and protection, as well as appreciation for the priests, the Pastoral Ministry Team, and all who joined the pilgrimage.

Sr. Mary  Mae Santorce, FI

Posing with the Jubilee Year mascot, Luce, in front of St. Ignatius Church

St. Ignatius Church, Tokyo

“Let us invite everyone to an intense experience of the love of God that awakens in hearts the sure hope of salvation in Christ.” (Spes non-Confundit, 6). With these words from Pope Francis, the hearts of the English Group, composed of many nationalities, have been ignited. They were eager to learn more about the significance of this Jubilee Year and how it relates to their Christian lives.

The First group to organize a “pilgrimage” was the TEENS GROUP of our Sunday School. This event took place on March 22-23 and included an overnight stay at St. Ignatius. Through poster-making, skits, and games, they reflected on questions such as: “What does it mean to be a PILGRIM? What is HOPE? How can one be a PILGRIM OF HOPE?” The experience culminated in a pilgrimage at St. Ignatius Church the following day.

The Second group involved the leaders and volunteers of the English community. On April 5, they participated in a half-day Lenten Retreat led by Fr. Robert Chiesa, SJ, followed by a pilgrimage to three churches: Kanda, Tsukiji, and Takanawa. The 45 “pilgrims” received INDULGENCE and learned about the Patron Saints of these churches—St. Francis Xavier, St. Joseph, and the Edo Martyrs—who serve as MODELS OF HOPE. For many, this was their first opportunity to learn about the rich history of the Japanese Church, especially through the exhibits showcasing the persecution of Christians during the Edo period pf Japanese history.

At the end of the pilgrimage, one participant wrote on her Facebook, “It was truly a prayerful, thoughtful, contemplative pilgrimage not only to three of the Holy Doors around Tokyo, but more significantly, a pilgrimage and a journey WITHIN.”

by    Sr. Flor Florece, F.I.

We are pleased to share photos from these Pilgrimages.

Sunday School Teens’ Group, each carrying the Jubilee 2025 Guidebook (St. Ignatius Church)

Kanda Church, one of the oldest in the Archdiocese of Tokyo. Patron Saint is St. Francis Xavier,

who introduced the faith to Japan. His relics are found in this church.

Takanawa Church (Patron Saint, Mary, Queen of Martyrs. Near this site, many religious and lay people were martyred during the great persecution of Edo when the edict banning Christianity in Japan was enforced.)

Tsukiji Church (Patron  Saint - St. Joseph. This parish has adopted the persecuted church of Myanmar)