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菅野勝治郎
Tomoni Ayumu Kai
– Caminando Juntos - Resumen de Boletín
No 50
Página 1
CADA AÑO ACADÉMICO TRAE UNA NUEVA ESPERANZA
14 Noviembre 2025
Superiora
Regional Sierra Leona
Hermana Josefina
Kamara
Segun el
Ministerio de Educación el año escolar empieza el 8 de septiembre del 2025,
pero debido a la huelga de los maestros,
se atrasó una semana y el año lectivo comenzo el 15 de septiembre.Los maestros exigían
mejores condiciones, ya que reciben un salario muy bajo que es pagado por los
padres y las respectivas escuelas.
El nuevo año se
inició con una solemne Misa, celebrada en la parroquia local.
Hemos preparado
una serie de actividades para celebrar tres aniversarios
35 años del Jardin de infantes Tamagawa
Shirayuri Lunsar
60 años de la escuela secundaria Nuestra
Señora de Guadalupe Lunsar
65 años de la escuela primaria Nuestra
Señora de Guadalupe Lunsar
Desde el año 1960
las hermanas de la congregacion entre ellas la hermana Bernadita Shirahata
continuan dedicandose con todo fervor en la educación y formación de las niñas para
lograr un futuro mejor.
La educación les
brindará un cambio en sus vidas, para beneficio propio y de toda la comunidad.
Agradecemos a
todos nuestros benefactores y a todas las personas colaboradores que nos han
apoyado constantemente.
Página 2
Mensaje de la
hermana Bernadita Shirahata
El 11 de octubre
se organizó un picnic en la costa del mar con los profesores del jardín
infantil y sus niños, aproximadamente 40 personas fuimos en dos micro autobuses,
pasamos un día agradable, la hermana Esmeralda preparó palomitas de maíz.
El 22 de octubre
la hermana Blanca, la hermana Ángela, la encargada del dormitorio escolar y una
novicia, viajaron a Roma para participar en la Reunión de la familia Inesiana. Luego
la novicia partió a Méjico para continuar con su preparación para ingresar a la
congregación.
Del 24 al 31 de
Octubre participé en un Retiro Espiritual en Lunghi.
El 1 de
Noviembre, es el Día de Todos los Santos y también el aniversario del
fallecimiento de la hermana Leticia Neghishi. El 2 de Noviembre, es el Día de
los Fieles Difuntos y después de la misa oramos por las difuntas hermanas Rosa
María y Leticia.
Dedico a Dios
cada día mi pequeña contribución a la misión
Página 3
"Tengo
sed"
La juventud y el
estado de hoy de la hermana Kazuko “Bernardita” Shirahata
Tomoko Kanata, Kobe
College
Visité por
primera vez la misión de Lunsar en el verano de 2006. Por casualidad, conocí a
la difunta Hermana Negishi en un vuelo de Bruselas a Freetown, quien me invitó
a visitar el monasterio católico de Lunsar. Acepté su invitación y visité
Lunsar durante mi estancia en Sierra Leona, donde conocí a la Hermana Bernardita
Shirahata (en adelante, la Hna. Bernardita). Desde entonces, me he alojado en
la misión de Lunsar varias veces y he tenido la oportunidad de conversar con ella.
A finales de
agosto de 2025, regresé a Lunsar por primera vez en varios años. Mi esposo
(Takehiko Ochiai) estaba realizando una encuesta sobre salud materno-infantil
en Lunsar, así que decidí entrevistar a sr. para conocer su historia de vida.
Quería saber más sobre cómo ingresó en la orden religiosa y por qué decidió
dedicar su vida al servicio en Sierra Leona, lejos de Japón. Cuando le compartí
mis ideas, la Hna. Bernardita aceptó amablemente y grabé su historia en video. La
Hna. Bernardita ha accedido a que estas grabaciones sean públicas.
Aquí hay algunos
extractos: la Hna. Bernardita nació en Tokio en 1941, la segunda de cinco
hermanos. Aunque era la segunda, su hermana era gemela idéntica, y las dos
siempre estaban juntas. Al parecer, se llevaron muy bien desde la infancia
hasta que Bernardita ingresó en la orden religiosa. Su familia tiene una larga
tradición de médicos que se remonta al período Edo, y tanto su padre como su
hermano también ejercieron la medicina. Influenciada por su madre, quien
profesaba la fe cristiana, Bernardita asistió a la iglesia desde pequeña y fue
bautizada católica junto con su hermana gemela en su primer año de secundaria.
Para entonces, la
familia ya se había mudado de Tokio a la ciudad de Tateyama, en la prefectura
de Chiba. Más tarde, cuando su hermano se matriculó en la escuela secundaria
Azabu con la intención de convertirse en médico, su padre les consiguió una
nueva casa en Azabu, Tokio, y contrató a una empleada doméstica. Desde allí, Bernardita
asistió a la Universidad del Sagrado Corazón con su hermana gemela, donde pasó
su juventud como una verdadera señorita, aprendiendo la ceremonia del té, el
arte floral y la cocina.
Un punto de
inflexión importante se produjo en la vida de Bernardita mientras estudiaba en
la Universidad del Sagrado Corazón. Una monja mejicana que visitaba la
universidad le habló de la situación en Sierra Leona. Bernardita recuerda: «Ni
siquiera sabía el nombre del país, Sierra Leona. Pero supe que los niños no
pueden ir a la escuela y a veces mueren porque no tienen suficiente para
comer». Bernardita también dice que quedó impresionada por «la pobreza de
Sierra Leona».
Al conocer el
sufrimiento de los niños en la pobreza en Sierra Leona, un deseo de ir de
misión a África comenzó a crecer en el corazón de Bernardita, a pesar de haber
crecido en una familia acomodada sin dificultades hasta entonces. Sin embargo,
no fue fácil transmitir este deseo a su familia. Cuando le preguntaron: «¿Cuál
fue la reacción de tu hermana gemela cuando le dijiste que ibas a unirte a una
orden religiosa?», respondió... Ella respondió: "Mi hermana dejó de ir a
la iglesia durante seis meses. Supongo que pensó que eso me impediría
unirme". «Lo más difícil para mí fue que mi hermana, que era la persona
más cercana a mí, se opuso a mi decisión de unirme», dijo.
Aun así, la
determinación de Bernardita de unirse a la orden y servir en África se mantuvo
firme. Tras graduarse, trabajó durante un año en la biblioteca de su alma
mater, la Universidad del Sagrado Corazón. A pesar de las objeciones de su
familia, finalmente ingresó en la orden en marzo de 1965. Al parecer,
inmediatamente después de su ingreso, envió una carta a la sede central en Roma
expresando su deseo de servir en África. Sin embargo, no fue hasta marzo de
1974, nueve años después, que su deseo se cumplió.
Cuando le
preguntaron: "¿Cómo te sentiste al saber que ibas a África?", la Hna.
Bernardita simplemente respondió: "Sentí alivio". Cuando se decidió
que sería enviada a Sierra Leona, su padre cubrió todos sus gastos de viaje, a
pesar de las dificultades financieras de la orden. Esta historia pone de
manifiesto el profundo amor que su familia sentía por ella, incluso cuando se
habían opuesto a su ingreso.
Con la excepción
de un breve período durante y después del conflicto (1995-2004), la Hna.
Bernardita dedicó casi 50 años a trabajar en jardines de infancia y escuelas
primarias con la Congregación Lunsar, consagrando su vida a la educación
infantil. Durante su tiempo fuera de Sierra Leona, estuvo asignada en lugares
como California, pero rezaba a diario para poder regresar a Sierra Leona lo
antes posible.
Cuando le
preguntaron: "¿Por qué le gusta tanto Sierra Leona?", respondió:
"La gente es amable. Es un país pobre, pero la gente es amable".
Por cierto, la
Hna. Bernardita comenta que el versículo bíblico que más le conmueve en este
momento es "Tengo sed", pronunciado por Jesús en la cruz. Al
preguntarle por qué, dijo: "La 'sed' en este contexto es espiritual,
probablemente no material. Soy misionera, así que quiero salvar y ayudar a la
gente a través de mi vida. Pero ahora mismo no puedo salir mucho. Por eso
quiero ayudar a más personas espiritualmente". Antes, si un niño faltaba a
la escuela varios días, la Hna. Bernardita caminaba varios kilómetros para
visitarlo en su casa. A sus 83 años, esto ya no le es físicamente posible. Pero
su deseo de «servir a los niños pobres» permanece intacto. De hecho, quizá sea
incluso más fuerte que en su juventud. Por eso la Hna. Bernardita siente con
tanta intensidad el versículo «Tengo sed»; así lo percibí durante la entrevista
que le realicé en mi visita a Lunsar.
Fin de Página 4
¿Qué tipo
de país era Sierra Leona en el pasado?
Parte 1
Me gustaría
presentar la historia de Sierra Leona en tres secciones: el período
precolonial, el período colonial y el período poscolonial. Esta es la primera
entrega y me centraré en el sistema precolonial (política, sociedad, economía y
religión).
Alimamy Joseph
Conte, Profesor de Historia, Escuela Secundaria OLG
El Sistema
Precolonial en Sierra Leona
Antes de la
llegada de los europeos y el establecimiento del dominio colonial, Sierra Leona
poseía un sistema precolonial rico y complejo, caracterizado por una sólida
organización política, estructuras sociales dinámicas, intercambios económicos
activos y creencias religiosas profundamente arraigadas. Cada grupo étnico —desde
los Mende y Temne hasta los Limba, Loko y Sherbro— desarrolló sus propios
sistemas tradicionales de gobierno y cultura que guiaban su vida cotidiana.
1. Sistema
Político
En la Sierra
Leona precolonial, la política estaba en gran medida descentralizada y se
basaba en el parentesco y la jefatura. Cada grupo étnico tenía su propia forma
de organización política, pero el liderazgo generalmente se fundamentaba en la
autoridad y el linaje tradicionales.
Entre los Mende y
Temne, la jefatura era la unidad política suprema, encabezada por un jefe
supremo que gobernaba con el consejo de los ancianos y los miembros del
consejo. Estos jefes eran custodios de la tierra, garantes de la paz y jueces
que aseguraban la justicia en sus territorios. La autoridad del jefe se
equilibraba con el consejo de ancianos o sociedades secretas como el Poro (para
hombres) y el Sande (para mujeres), que desempeñaban un papel fundamental en el
asesoramiento y la regulación del liderazgo.
En comunidades
más pequeñas como los Limba y los Kono, la autoridad política era más
igualitaria y la toma de decisiones solía ser colectiva. Los sistemas políticos
precoloniales se regían por el respeto a la tradición, la participación
comunitaria y el orden social, lo que garantizaba la estabilidad mucho antes de
la intervención colonial.
2. Sistema Social
La organización
social en la Sierra Leona precolonial se basaba en el parentesco, el linaje
familiar y la vida comunitaria. Las familias eran extensas y cada miembro tenía
roles y responsabilidades definidos. Tradicionalmente, los hombres se
encargaban de la agricultura, la caza y la defensa, mientras que las mujeres
desempeñaban un papel fundamental en las labores domésticas, el comercio y la
crianza de los hijos.
La sociedad era
jerárquica, con clases que incluían nobles, plebeyos y, en ocasiones,
sirvientes o esclavos, especialmente en los reinos más grandes. Sin embargo,
incluso dentro de estas divisiones, el espíritu comunitario era fuerte. La
gente se apoyaba mutuamente mediante la agricultura colectiva, proyectos de
construcción y ceremonias comunitarias.
Las sociedades
Poro y Sande eran esenciales para la vida social. Estas instituciones educaban
a los jóvenes en valores culturales, disciplina, respeto y responsabilidades
comunitarias. También contribuían a mantener el orden moral y la unidad dentro
de la sociedad. El matrimonio, las festividades y las ceremonias de iniciación
eran eventos sociales importantes que fortalecían los lazos comunitarios.
3. Sistema
Económico
Económicamente,
la Sierra Leona precolonial era autosuficiente y se basaba en la agricultura,
el comercio y la artesanía. La fertilidad del suelo y el clima favorable
convirtieron la agricultura en el pilar de la economía. Los principales
cultivos eran el arroz, la yuca, el ñame, el mijo y el aceite de palma. Las
comunidades practicaban la agricultura de subsistencia, pero también
comerciaban con las regiones vecinas.
El comercio
desempeñó un papel fundamental, tanto a nivel local como regional. Los
agricultores intercambiaban alimentos, los cazadores pieles y carne de
animales, y los artesanos vendían herramientas de hierro, cerámicas y textiles.
Los grupos costeros, como los Sherbro, comerciaban con mercaderes europeos y
africanos, intercambiando productos como sal, marfil y nueces de cola.
La riqueza en la
sociedad se medía por la propiedad de la tierra, el ganado y las relaciones
comerciales. El sistema económico promovía la interdependencia entre las
comunidades y fomentaba las relaciones pacíficas mediante el comercio y la
cooperación.
4. Sistema
Religioso
La religión en la
Sierra Leona precolonial era profundamente espiritual y estaba ligada a todos
los aspectos de la vida. La mayoría de la población practicaba la religión
tradicional africana, centrada en la creencia en un Ser Supremo, espíritus
ancestrales y dioses de la naturaleza. Creían que los ancestros guiaban y
protegían a los vivos, y se realizaban ofrendas o sacrificios para obtener
bendiciones o perdón.
Los líderes
religiosos, como sacerdotes, adivinos y herbolarios, gozaban de un lugar de
respeto en la sociedad. Mediaban entre el mundo espiritual y el físico,
interpretaban sueños y ofrecían curación mediante la medicina tradicional. Los
lugares sagrados, como bosques, ríos y montañas, eran considerados moradas de
espíritus y se les profesaba gran reverencia.
La religión no
estaba separada del gobierno ni de la vida social; moldeaba el comportamiento
moral, guiaba la justicia y unía a la comunidad durante festivales y rituales.
Posteriormente, el islam comenzó a difundirse a través del comercio y el
contacto con mercaderes musulmanes, sobre todo en el norte, influyendo en las
costumbres y creencias locales.
Conclusión
El sistema
precolonial de Sierra Leona era una sociedad bien estructurada y equilibrada
donde la política, la organización social, la economía y la religión
funcionaban de forma conjunta. El liderazgo era respetado, la cooperación
comunitaria era sólida, la economía era autosuficiente y la religión
proporcionaba guía moral y espiritual. Estos sistemas autóctonos sentaron las
bases de la identidad cultural y la unidad de los sierraleoneses mucho antes de
que el dominio colonial trastornara la gobernanza tradicional. Incluso hoy en
día, muchos elementos del sistema precolonial —como la jefatura tradicional,
las sociedades secretas y la vida comunitaria— siguen influyendo en la sociedad
sierraleonesa moderna.
Página 6
En memoria de
Kuniaki Sato
Toshiko Akamatsu,
Miembro del Comité de Auditoría de la Sede Central
Creo que mi
primera conversación cercana con Kuniaki Sato fue durante una auditoría
contable hace tres años. Trabajamos en parejas revisando los recibos de
donaciones que el contador Maruyama recopilaba mensualmente y los registros de
la Asociación "Caminando Juntos". Era la primera vez que formaba
parte de un comité de auditoría y me impresionó profundamente la gran cantidad
de simpatizantes en todo el país, gracias al trabajo meticuloso y eficiente de Sr.
Sato.
Tenía muchas
ganas de volver a encontrarme con Sato este año el día de la auditoría, el 8 de
septiembre, pero me impactó saber que falleció hace unos días y que su funeral
fue el 7 de septiembre.
El representante
Kanno y el Sr. Sato fueron compañeros de clase desde su primer año en la
Universidad de Tamagawa. Tras graduarse, ambos impartieron clases en su alma
máter, y supe que el Sr. Sato era un excelente profesor de ciencias.
El Sr. Sato creó
un "molino de viento de cesta" con bambú que crece de forma natural
en los terrenos de Tamagawa Gakuen, y lo utilizó para promover los almuerzos
escolares para niños en Sierra Leona. (Sr. Kuniaki Sato sosteniendo un molino
de viento de cesta)
El bambú se corta
en tiras de 3 mm de ancho, y cuatro piezas se tejen juntas para formar cestas
redondas de 1 cm y 1,5 cm de diámetro. Ocho tallos de bambú que irradiaban
desde la cesta se sujetaron a las puntas de dos adorables trozos cuadrados de
papel chiyogami japonés de 1 cm y 1,5 cm, que luego se superpusieron para crear
las aspas. Un palillo de bambú se enhebró a través del centro de la cesta y se
sujetó a un palillo desechable de 20 cm. Soplando aire por delante o por un
lado de las aspas, el adorable molino de viento gira.
El Sr. Sato tenía
por costumbre fabricar uno de estos molinos de viento a diario, y supe que
llegó a hacer más de 3000. El molino de mi casa sigue girando.
Muchas gracias,
Sr. Sato, por todos estos años.
Página 7
<<Obituarios>>
Fumie Masuda
Akira Yoneyama
Kiyoshi Denpoya
Kotaro Nishi
Keiko Yamaguchi
En los tres meses
transcurridos desde la publicación del Boletín n.° 49, hemos recibido noticias
del fallecimiento de las familias de las cinco personas mencionadas. Todos
ellos nos brindaron un apoyo incondicional a lo largo de los años, y aunque
nunca tuve el gusto de conocerlos personalmente, sus nombres son imborrables.
Ruego al Señor que conceda a sus familias un profundo consuelo.
Página 7
Mensaje de
nuestros colaboradores de todo el Japón
Página 8
Nos agradecen el boletín
con las noticias y fotos de la mision
Aviso del Comisión
de Caminando Juntos
Confirmamos todo
el personal continuará en sus puestos este nuevo periodo 2025-2026
El 14 de
Noviembre se enviaron 2 millones de yenes para el comedor escolar, el lunch
especial de Diciembre y los obsequios de Navidad
Fotos
Página 1: comienzo del
año lectivo estudiantes del secundario con sus nuevos uniformes
Página 2: a picnic, la
Hna. Bernadita y con los profesores del jardín infantil y sus niños
Página 3: Profesora Tomoko
Kanata y la Hna. Bernardita
Página 4: Izquierda: Graduación
de la Hna. Bernardita junto a su hermana gemela
Página 4: Derecha:
Ordenación de la Hna. Bernardita
Página 5: Profesor de
historia OLG Alimamy Joseph Conte
Página 7: Profesor
Kuniaki Sato
Página 7: frente a la
tumba de la hermana Leticia Neghishi en Lunsar
Página 8: Hermana Sandra,
Profesora Kanata, hermana Bernadita, hermana Josefina.
Clase de música
con la hermana Bernadita, las alumnas estudiando con dedicación.
＜Traducción
por Marta Tanaka＞
Walking
Together Bulletin No. 50
P1
“EVERY ACADEMIC
YEAR BRINGS NEW HOPE”
NOVEMBER14,
2025
Sr. Josephine
Kamara – Regional Superior
On September 8th 2025, according to the
Ministry of Education’s calendar, schools nationwide should have reopened, but
unfortunately this was not possible due to a strike action by the National
Teachers Union. The major reason being: the demand for better working conditions.
Teachers are poorly paid and most of them are not approved by Government, so
they do not receive a salary but rather a stipend from the parents and school
administration. After negotiations between the Union and the Government,
schools finally reopened a week later, that is on the 15th September
2025.
As a tradition of the school, each new academic year is
welcomed with a Holy Mass celebrated in the Parish Church and in which all the
pupils participate; to thank God for the gift of life and the opportunity given
to us to start afresh. Since the reopening of schools, we have as always
concentrated in making a positive impact in the life of our pupils. We have
planned in accordance with the calendar of the Ministry of Education various
activities to be carried out during the academic year. This year 2025 – in
December we shall have Thanksgiving celebrations at the different levels of the
school for various anniversaries:
·
35th Anniversary of Tamagawa
Shirayuri Kindergarten, Lunsar
·
60th Anniversary of Our Lady of
Guadalupe Secondary School, Lunsar
·
65th Anniversary of Our Lady of
Guadalupe Primary Elementary School, Lunsar.
In all these, we would like to thank God for and honor
the missionary Sisters who have given their lives and energy in the service of
the people of Sierra Leone; among them is Sr. Bernadette Shirahata who is still
serving in this mission. Since 1960, the Sisters have worked so hard to change
the lives of thousands of girls nationwide and they in turn are now changing
lives in and outside Sierra Leone. For this reason we are really very grateful
to God, to the congregation and to our many benefactors/supporters.
We are really hopeful that through education we will
continue to make a difference in the lives of our pupils.
Thank you.
“TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE WALKING TOGETHER
ASSOCIATION”
NOVEMBER 10, 2025
BY SISTER KAZUKO SHIRAHATA
On October 11th, about 40 kindergarten teachers and their children boarded two minibuses for a picnic at the beach. It took two and a half hours, but the teachers were delighted and sang songs the whole time. Because the water was deep at the beach, we made sure to stay within two meters. We played there, ate, and then played games and sang songs until 3:30 p.m. The day before, Sister Esmeralda prepared chicken, popcorn, and soft drinks. I bagged the popcorn. We returned to Lunsar around 6:30 p.m. It's a once-a-year trip, but everyone was happy, it didn't rain, and it was a wonderful day.
On October 22nd, Sisters Blanca and Angela, one candidate, and
one middle and high school dorm mother went to Rome for the Inesian Family
International Conference. The candidate obtained a visa in Italy and was
scheduled to travel to Mexico afterward. Please pray for her, that she may
remain faithful to her religious vocation until the end. From October 24th to
31st, I spent a week of retreat at the Lunghi Monastery with six other sisters.
The father held a conference and celebrated Mass once a day, but I spent the
rest of the time talking to God and praying the rosary as I chose. The week
felt very short.
November 1st was All Saints' Day. It was also the anniversary of
Sister Negishi's death. I felt the presence of Representative Kanno and others
visiting the grave. November 2nd was Day of Dead, and after Mass, the father
and the faithful came to the monastery garden and prayed for the deceased
Sister Rosa Maria and Sister Negishi. Afterwards, everyone gathered at the
town's memorial.
When we are fortunate, we do not get carried away, and when we
are unlucky, we do not blame fate. Instead, we think about how much we have done
to be ourselves within the circumstances we have been given. Our possessions,
our lives, our families, our sorrows and joys—all of these will eventually fade
away in the flow of time in our relationship with God. God gave me this day and
continues to keep me alive. Whether you are working on a big project or a small
one, may the work you have done today bring joy to God and your humble
endurance become an offering.
To those walking alongside me: I pray that God will always
bestow His grace upon you and your family.
Sister Shirahata.
“I THIRST”
～ SISTER KAZUKO SHIRAHATA’S
YOUNG DAYS AND TODAY ～
BY TOMOKO KANATA – KOBE COLLEGE
My first visit to the Lunsar monastery was in the summer of
2006. I met the late Sister Negishi by chance on a flight from Brussels to
Freetown, and she invited me to visit the Catholic monastery in Lunsar. I took
her up on her offer and visited Lunsar while in Sierra Leone, where I first met
Sister Shirahata (hereafter referred to as Shirahata-san). Since then, I have
stayed at the Lunsar monastery several times and have had the opportunity to
interact with Shirahata-san.
In late August 2025, I returned to Lunsar for the first time in
several years. My husband (Takehiko Ochiai) was conducting a maternal and child
health survey in Lunsar, so I decided to conduct a life story interview with
Shirahata-san. I wanted to hear more about how she joined the monastic order
and why she decided to live a life of service in Sierra Leone, far from Japan.
When I shared my thoughts with Shirahata-san, she kindly accepted, and I
recorded her story on video. She also agreed to make the recording public. Here
are some of them.
Shirahata-san was born in Tokyo in 1941 as the second of five
siblings. Despite being the second daughter, her sister was an identical twin,
and the two were always together. They apparently enjoyed a very close
relationship from childhood until Shirahata-san joined the monastic order. Her
family is a lineage of doctors dating back to the Edo period, and both her
father and brother were also active physicians. Influenced by her
mother, who cherished her Christian faith, Shirahata-san attended church from a
young age and was baptized Catholic along with her twin sister in her first
year of junior high school.
By this time, the family had already moved from Tokyo to
Tateyama City, Chiba Prefecture. Later, when Shirahata-san's younger brother
entered Azabu Junior High School with the goal of becoming a doctor, their
father arranged for them to live in a new home in Azabu, Tokyo, and hired a
maid. From there, Shirahata-san attended the University of the Sacred Heart
with her twin sister, learning tea ceremony, flower arranging, and cooking, and
living the life of a true young lady.
A major turning point came for Shirahata-san while she was a
student at the University of the Sacred Heart. An Italian siting the university
told her about the situation in Sierra Leone. Shirahata-san recalls, "I
didn't even know the name of the country, Sierra Leone. But I learned that
children couldn't go to school and sometimes died because they had nothing to
eat." She also says that she was captivated by the "poverty of Sierra
Leone."
Upon learning about the poverty-stricken children of Sierra
Leone, Shirahata-san (a young lady) who had grown up in a wealthy family with
no hardships up until that point, a desire to go to Africa for missionary work
quietly began to grow in her heart. However, it wasn't easy to convey this
desire to her family. When asked, "How did your twin sister react when you
told her you were joining a religious order?" she replied, "My sister
stopped going to church for six months. I guess she thought that would mean I
wouldn't join. The hardest thing for me was having my sister, the person
closest to me, oppose my decision to join."
P4
Even so, Shirahata-san's determination to join the order and to
serve in Africa remained unwavering. After graduating from university, she
worked in the library at her alma mater, the University of the Sacred Heart,
for a year. Then, despite her family's objections, she finally joined the order
in March 1965. Immediately after joining, she apparently sent a letter to the
General Headquarters in Rome expressing her desire to serve in Africa. However,
it wasn't until nine years later, in March 1974, that her wish was fulfilled.
When I asked Shirahata-san, "How did you feel when you
found out you were going to Africa?" she answered simply, "I felt
relieved." When her assignment to Sierra Leone was confirmed, her father
covered all of her travel expenses, despite the monastic order's financial
difficulties. This episode shows the deep love of her family, who were opposed to her joining the
organization.
With the exception of a period during and after the conflict
(1995-2004), Shirahata-san spent nearly 50 years working at the Lunsar Monastic
Order, devoting herself to the education of children, working in kindergartens
and elementary schools. During her time away from Sierra Leone, even while
posted to places like California, she prayed daily for permission to return to
Sierra Leone as soon as possible.
when I asked her, "Why is Sierra Leone so good?" she
replied, "The people are nice. It may be poor, but the people here are
nice."
By the way, the scripture verse that resonates most with
Shirahata-san right now is "I thirst," uttered by Jesus on the cross.
When I asked her why, she said "The 'thirst' here is spiritual, not
material. I'm a missionary myself, so I want to save and help people through my
life. But now I can't get out much. That's why I want to help more people
spiritually." In the past, when children were absent from school for
several days, he would walk several kilometers to visit their homes. At age 83,
Shirahata-san is no longer physically capable of doing so. But her desire to
"serve poor children" remains unchanged. In fact, that desire may be
even stronger than it was in her younger days. This is why I feel that
Shirahata-san feels even more strongly about the scripture "I
thirst." This is what I felt during the interview I conducted during my
return visit to Lunsar.
“ARTICLE ON THE PRE-COLONIAL SYSTEM IN SIERA
LEONE
FOCUSING ON POLITICAL, SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, AND
RELIGIOUS ASPECTS”
BY MR. ALIMAMY JOSEPH CONTEH, HISTORY TEACHDR AT
OLG JUIOR HIGH SCHOOL
The
Pre-Colonial System in Sierra Leone
Before the
arrival of Europeans and the establishment of colonial rule, Sierra Leone had a
rich and complex pre-colonial system characterized by strong political
organization, vibrant social structures, active economic exchanges, and deeply
rooted religious beliefs. Each ethnic group—from the Mende and Temne to the
Limba, Loko, and
Sherbro—developed its own traditional systems of governance and culture that
guided their daily lives.
1. Political
System
In pre-colonial
Sierra Leone, politics was largely decentralized and based on kinship and
chieftaincy. Each ethnic group had its own form of political organization, but
leadership was commonly rooted in traditional authority and lineage.
Among the Mende
and Temne, the chiefdom was the highest political unit, headed by a paramount
chief who ruled with the advice of elders and council members. These chiefs
were custodians of the land, peacekeepers, and judges who ensured justice
within their territories. The chief’s authority was balanced by the council of
elders or secret societies such as the Poro (for men) and Sande (for women),
which played vital roles in advising and regulating leadership.
In smaller
communities such as the Limba and Kono, political authority was more
egalitarian, and decision-making was often collective. The pre-colonial
political systems were guided by respect for tradition, communal participation,
and social order, ensuring stability long before colonial intervention.
2. Social
System
Social
organization in pre-colonial Sierra Leone was based on kinship, family lineage,
and communal living. Families were extended, and every member had defined roles
and responsibilities. Men were traditionally responsible for farming, hunting,
and defense, while women played major roles in domestic affairs, trade, and the
upbringing of children.
Society was
hierarchical, with classes including nobles, commoners, and sometimes bonded
servants or slaves, especially in larger kingdoms. However, even within these
divisions, the community spirit was strong. People supported one another through
collective farming, building projects, and communal ceremonies.
The Poro and
Sande societies were central to social life. These institutions educated young
people on cultural values, discipline, respect, and community responsibilities.
They also helped maintain moral order and unity within the society. Marriage,
festivals, and initiation ceremonies were important social events that
strengthened community bonds.
3. Economic
System
Economically,
pre-colonial Sierra Leone was self-sufficient and based on agriculture, trade,
and craft production. The fertile soil and favorable climate made farming the
backbone of the economy. The main crops included rice, cassava, yam, millet,
and palm oil. Communities practiced subsistence farming, but they also engaged
in trade with neighboring regions.
Trade played a
major role, both locally and regionally. Farmers exchanged foodstuffs, hunters
traded animal skins and meat, and craftsmen sold iron tools, pottery, and
textiles. Coastal groups such as the Sherbro were involved in trade with
European and African merchants, exchanging goods like salt, ivory, and kola
nuts.
Wealth in
society was measured by land ownership, livestock, and trade connections. The
economic system promoted interdependence among communities and encouraged
peaceful relationships through trade and cooperation.
4. Religious
System
Religion in
pre-colonial Sierra Leone was deeply spiritual and tied to every aspect of
life. Most people practiced African Traditional Religion, which centered on the
belief in a Supreme Being, ancestral spirits, and nature gods. They believed
that ancestors played a role in guiding and protecting the living, and
offerings or sacrifices were made to seek blessings or forgiveness.
Religious
leaders, such as priests, diviners, and herbalists, held respected positions in
society. They mediated between the spiritual and physical worlds, interpreted
dreams, and offered healing through traditional medicine. Sacred places like
groves, rivers, and mountains were seen as dwelling places of spirits and were
treated with great reverence.
Religion was
not separate from governance or social life; it shaped moral behavior, guided
justice, and united the community during festivals and rituals. Later, Islam
began to spread through trade and contact with Muslim merchants, particularly
in the north, influencing local customs and belief systems.
Conclusion
The
pre-colonial system of Sierra Leone was a well-structured and balanced society
where politics, social organization, economy, and religion worked hand in hand.
Leadership was respected, community cooperation was strong, the economy was
self-reliant, and religion provided moral and spiritual guidance. These
indigenous systems laid the foundation for the cultural identity and unity of
Sierra Leoneans long before colonial rule disrupted traditional governance.
Even today, many elements of the pre-colonial system—such as chieftaincy,
secret societies, and communal living—continue to shape modern Sierra Leonean
society.
“IN MEMORY OF MR. KUNIAKI SATO”
BY TOSHIKO AKAMATSU,
HEADQUARTERS COMMITTEE MEMBER
I believe my first intimate
conversation with Mr. Kuniaki Sato was three years ago during an accounting
audit. We worked in pairs to check for errors in the monthly donation receipts
compiled by our accountant, Ms. Maruyama, and in the records of the "Walking
Together Association." As a first-time audit committee member, I was
deeply impressed by Mr. Sato's careful and efficient work, and by the sheer
number of supporters we have across the country.
I had been looking forward to
meeting Mr. Sato on the audit day, September 8th, this year, but I was shocked
to learn that he passed away a few days ago and that his funeral was on
September 7th.
Representative Kanno and Mr. Sato
were classmates from their first year at Tamagawa University. After graduation,
they both taught at their alma mater, and I heard that Mr. Sato was an
excellent science teacher.
Mr. Sato created a "basket
windmill" out of bamboo that grows naturally on Tamagawa Gakuen school
grounds, and it was used to promote school lunch donations for children in
Sierra Leone. The bamboo was shaved to a width of 3mm, and four pieces were
woven together to create a round basket measuring 1cm and 1.5cm in diameter.
Two cute square pieces of chiyogami paper, measuring 1cm and 1.5cm, were
attached to the ends of eight bamboo stalks radiating from the basket, creating
blades. A bamboo skewer was threaded through the center of the basket and
secured to a 20cm disposable chopstick. This adorable windmill spins when you
blow air into the front or side of the blades.
Mr. Sato's daily routine was to
make one of these windmills a day, and I heard he made over 3,000 of them. My
own basket windmill at home continues to spin.
Thank you so much, Mr. Sato, for
all your hard work over the years.
OBISTUARIES
Ms.Fumie
Masuda
Mr.Akira
Yoneyama
Mr.Kiyoshi
Denpoya
Mr.Kotaro
Nishi
Ms.Keiko
Yamaguchi
In the three months since the publication of Newsletter No. 49,
we have received obituaries from the families of the five individuals mentioned
above. All of these people provided unfailing support over the years, and
although I never met them in person, their names are unforgettable. We pray
that God will grant abundant comfort to each of their families. The photo above
shows us praying for Sister Negishi and others’s eternal rest at Lunsa's grave.
VOICES FROM OUR SUPPSRTERS
💙The
Japanese summer was so hot that I couldn't move as I wanted. I pray for Sr.
Shirahata's example of selfless love and for her to fulfill her calling. How is
the weather in Sierra Leone? I hope you all stay healthy. M.T.
💙Thank
you for newsletter issue 49. I hope I can continue to provide the necessary
support for children for many years to come. I am grateful for meeting the
"Walking Together Association." K.K.
💙Although
it's only a small amount each time, I hope to continue so that this small well
never dries up. As long as possible... K.K.
💙
Thank you for sending me the newsletter. The students and alumni of OLG School
are the "Seeds of Hope" of Sierra Leone. I look forward to your
continued support. N.T. 💙The "Financial Report" reveals your
sincere and steady efforts to ensure that no donations are wasted, and it is a
humbling feeling. I know you must be working hard, but I appreciate your
continued support. N.M.
💙Thank you for your newsletter. I was worried because I saw a mention of Sr. Shirahata in the "Voice from Supporters" section. I wonder if her feeling unwell? Y.T.
💙Thank you for sending me the newsletter (financial
report). I'm grateful that we were able to achieve our goal and finish the
fiscal year safely. I pray for your health. M.S.
💙I
pray for the health of Sr. Shirahata and everyone at headquarters. Y.S.
💙Thank
you for Newsletter 49 and the end-of-year financial report. Even though various
domestic and international circumstances have made it difficult to provide
overseas aid, the kindness of so many people this year has given us a deep
sense of hope.
💙Thank
you for your newsletter 49 and year-end financial report. Even as overseas aid
has become more difficult due to various domestic and international
circumstances, the generosity of so many people this year has given me a deep
sense of hope. Now more than ever, we are reminded of the preciousness of
"walking together." We offer our heartfelt support for your
activities in the new fiscal year. Y.T.
💙Thank you for your informative newsletter 49. I am
pleased to be a part of the expansion and deepening of our efforts over the
years, even if it is just a small contribution. Y.N.
ANNOUNCEMENT FROM HEADQUARTERS
◆The 2026 General Meeting
(September 2025 - August 2026) was held on Saturday, September 13th from 2:00pm
to 3:40pm. Nine members attended, nine members attended by proxy (responding to
the survey), and one member was absent due to illness.
〇 The
2025 activity report, financial statement, and 2026 activity plan and budget
proposal were all unanimously approved. Since sufficient opinions were gathered
through a preliminary consultation questionnaire, the discussions were
productive. Please refer to the insert in Newsletter No. 49 for the main agenda
items, including the financial statement, annual report, and budget proposal.
〇This
year's headquarters committee members are as follows:
Representative: Katsujiro Kanno Vice Representative: Yoshinori
Kasuga
Scribe: Kuniko Nomoto
Accounting officers: Hiroko
Maruyama and Makoto Maruyama
Secretariat: Yoko Kanno
(These six members are in charge of general affairs.) Headquarters Staff:
Atsuko Okano, Marta Tanaka, Ayako Yamamoto
Accounting Auditors: Toshiko
Akamatsu, Fumie Amano, Yukiko Kasuga
Advisory Committee: Kyoko
Okada, Hiroko Goto, Kimiko Howell, Midori Hamamoto,
Chiaki
Yoshihara, Yoko Yoneoka, Kyoko Waki
▼ On
November 14th, we transferred a total of 2 million yen, including 1.8 million
yen for three months' worth of school lunch support, 100,000 yen for special
lunches, and 100,000 yen for Christmas gifts. Until last year, we transferred
the funds in February, but this year we were able to transfer the funds before
Christmas, so we are grateful.
▼On November 23rd, we invited Mr. and Mrs. Goodrich, who have
recovered, to discuss the resumption of container transport. We have confirmed
the local situation and will announce the details of our donation collection in
the next newsletter. It's been a long wait, but we are excited to finally see a
step forward.
Editor's Note: We
are truly grateful to be able to celebrate Christmas and the New Year with the
children and sisters of Sierra Leone, and with all of our supporters. Thank you
so much for the past year. Please take care of yourself. I pray for abundant
blessings. (Katsujiro Kanno)
Pictures:
P1: Junior
high school dormitory students who have just finished the opening mass of the
new school year are wearing their church uniforms.
P3:
Interview with Sr Shirahata by Ms. Kanata.
P4:
(1) Graduation photo of Sr. Shirahata and her sister from Sacret Heart
University.
(2) Sr. Shirahata in her young days.
P5:
Teacher Alimamy J. Conteh
P7:
Mr. Kuniaki Sato holding a basket windmill
P8:
(1) From left, Sr. Sandra, Professor Kanata, Sr. Shirahata and Sr. Josephine
(2) Playing of the melodica is also improving day by day.
(3) The children continue to work hard today, never forgetting
their gratitude.
(Translation
by A. Yamamoto)