Concert after tsunami now an annual act of mercy

The tsunami that hit the northeastern region of Honshu (mainland of Japan) destroyed the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, killed more than 15,000 people and displaced more than 250,000. From the desire to help those affected has come a concert that continues to raise money for the people and parishes affected by the tsunami.

Takano parish church in Kyoto Diocese and its choir planned a charity concert to raise money. The first charity concert was such a success that it has become an annual tradition. This year’s was the fifth, with all of the money given to Caritas Japan, a committee of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Japan, which supports the people and parishes still impacted by the tsunami.

Every year prayerful songs were selected. For weeks before the concert, the choir gathered every Saturday morning at the church for practice, but seldom was the entire choir present. On the day of the concert they placed their trust in God’s help that everything would come together and it did!

On the morning before the concert, the associates in the Takano parish and Sister Ruth Mori gathered in the parish kitchenette to prepare Japanese sweets to share with the audience after the concert. Associate Yoko Kubo taught everyone how to make them. The sweets and green tea were given in gratitude to the audience, who had shown compassion to those affected by the tsunami.

Another goal of the concert is to deepen and spread the spirit of the Year of Mercy as proclaimed by Pope Francis.

Photo courtesy of Sister Ruth Mori, SSND