Related articles:Vatican City, Apr 14, 2011 / 12:48 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- The Japanese Ambassador to the Holy See says hes very grateful to Pope Benedict XVI, after the Vatican announced that earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan would benefit from money collected on Holy Thursday at St. Peters Basilica.
Hidekazu Yamaguchi told CNA April 14, My message to the Pope is that I am very grateful for his charity and all the people of Japan are very grateful for his support.
The ancient custom of distributing alms on Holy Thursday is seen as a response to the new commandment of Christ at the Last Supper to love one another, as I have loved you. The name of Maundy Thursday or Dies Mandatum meaning Day of the New Commandment is drawn from this tradition.
Ambassador Yamaguchi explained how the money raised would be put to use. All this money will be directed to the victims because they have flown from their homes with nothing, completely nothing. ID cards, everything is missing. Every family needs money to survive. So the money will go towards them.
He did stress, however, that he wasnt simply grateful for the material support provided by the Catholic Church. Three days after the earthquake the Pope prayed for us at the Angelus. He said he was beside us spiritually. All Japanese people were grateful for that and, especially, Japanese Catholics very much rejoiced at these words.
The giving of alms to the people of Japan comes as just one part of the Pope Benedicts schedule for Holy Week, which was unveiled today. Other highlights include the traditional Way of the Cross or Via Crucis at the Coliseum on Good Friday and his address to the city and the world, Ubi et Orbi, on Easter Sunday itself.
Mother Mary said at Fatima: "My Immaculate Heart will be your refuge and the sure way which will lead you to God." St. Thomas Aquinas said: "The things we love tell us who we are!" With that in mind, I will try to post each day something about Our Blessed Lady, items about the Holy Roman Catholic Church, and public domain Catholic books too! I pray you enjoy my ministry! Below are two albums of pictures that I created: 1. Our grand daughter Adrianna. 2. Tears of Mary!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Japanese ambassador 'very grateful' to Pope for his generosity :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)
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