Newsletter No. 51 Summary (March 28,
2026)
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- Newsletter No. 51 — Together with
Sierra Leone, Together with the Sisters, Together with the Supporters
(March 28, 2026)
- To the members of Walking Together (January 16, 2026): A message from Mother Marta G. Hernandez (Superior General of
the Missionary Claretian Sisters) expressing gratitude for the group's
support and reflecting on the fruits of the Holy Year.
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- Time of Gratitude: Sister Josephine
Kamara reported on the December 2025 celebrations in Lunsar marking three
milestones: the 65th anniversary of OLG Primary School, the 60th
anniversary of OLG Secondary School, and the 35th anniversary of Tamagawa
Shirayuri Kindergarten.
· "Faith" (p. 2)
January 22, 2026 Sister Kazuko Shirahata
Peace be with you. I hope this finds
you all well. I am currently spending my time at the convent in Tokyo, keeping
myself busy with embroidery while waiting for my visa. I was truly relieved to
hear that Representative Kanno has been discharged from the hospital and is
recovering.
Thinking back, my life has been a
series of trials, but it was during those difficult times that I was able to
deeply feel God's presence. In the midst of suffering, I have come to realize
that "faith" is not about things going the way we want them to, but
about trusting in God's plan and entrusting everything to Him.
I pray that this year will be a year
of hope for everyone in the "ともに歩む会"
(Walking Together) group. Even when we face challenges, let us move forward
together, believing that God is always with us. I offer my heartfelt prayers
for your health and for the mission in Sierra Leone.
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- Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Secondary School in Lunsar: Student Favor
Josephine Jaba described the December 12, 2025, festivities, including a
Thanksgiving Mass and a brass band parade.
- What was Sierra Leone like in the past? Part 2: The Colonial
Era: History teacher Alimamy Joseph Conteh explained the British rule from
1787 to 1961, including the "Hut Tax War" of 1898.
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Voices from
Supporters (p. 5-7)
- From M. H in Nagasaki Prefecture:
Regarding Ms. Tomoko Kaneda's "I Thirst," I felt that Sister
Shirahata's way of life overlaps with that of St. Thérèse of the Child
Jesus of Lisieux. I have felt this for some time, seeing her trust and
hope in God's calling, which lived deep within her despite great
opposition from her family, including her sister and father. I am
encouraged by witnessing the incredible reality of her unwavering love for
the people of Sierra Leone, which she held even before going there, and
which remains unchanged despite the daily mundane tasks, difficulties, and
hardships.
Sister
Shirahata's words in her letter—"I try not to get
carried away when I am lucky, and I do not resent fate when I am unlucky; I
think about how much I was able to be true to myself within the circumstances
given to me. Everything we have—life, family, sadness,
and joy—will eventually vanish into the flow of time
within our relationship with God. God has given this day to me and continues to
let me live. Whether someone is doing great work or small work, I pray that the
work worked hard at today becomes God's joy, and the modest patience of this
day becomes an offering"—are the most important
suggestions for me, who tends to whine especially since developing a new
illness. I believe this is an indirect gift from God. I am grateful.
- From H. M in the United States: As
we have entered the season of Advent, I am sending this Christmas
greeting. Thank you very much for supporting "ともに歩む会" again this year. This newsletter does not simply provide
reports; it gives me the courage and encouragement to strive to do good
things. I am truly grateful for the wonderful newsletter prepared every
time. I pray for God's protection so that Sister Shirahata and Mr. and
Mrs. Kanno may be blessed with health and continue their activities next
year.
- From T. N in Osaka Prefecture:
Advent has begun. The autumn leaves at the entrance of the Toyonaka Church
sanctuary are at their peak. In Osaka, the warm days continued for a long
time, but recently the mornings have become chilly. Some old stamps have
turned up again. They are few, but please make use of them. To everyone in
the group, please take care of your health.
- From Y. H in Hyogo Prefecture:
Peace be with the Lord. Christmas is coming soon, and another year is
about to pass. Breast cancer was discovered during my checkup. I am
scheduled for surgery. At the age of 87, various parts of my body are
failing. I am always encouraged by the sight of the elderly Sister
Shirahata being active in Sierra Leone. I will be hospitalized, but I want
to entrust myself to the Lord, trust Him, and do my best toward Heaven.
With my prayers.
- From Y. T in Tokyo: Thank you for
sending Newsletter No. 50. On the anniversary of Sister Negishi's death
this past November 1st, I was fondly remembering her along with the words,
"When I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink" (Matthew
25). In this newsletter, I was deeply moved to learn that Sister Shirahata
also holds the words of Jesus on the cross, "I thirst," close to
her heart, as if echoing Sister Negishi. I was profoundly touched that the
thoughts of these two sisters, who always wished to stay close to and satisfy
the thirst of their neighbors, have refreshed the hearts of everyone in
Sierra Leone and are now bearing great fruit.
- From K. U in Tokyo: The previous
newsletter contained a description of Sister Shirahata's upbringing. I had
heard a certain amount from her younger sister, who was my classmate, but
there were many things I did not know. I thought about how her parents
felt when they sent their precious daughter to distant Africa. I
understand that her father bore the entire cost of the travel to Africa,
which I imagine was a massive amount of money at the time. Considering
that, while Sister Shirahata's own determination was surely immense, one
can similarly see what a huge decision her parents made.
I send my
heartfelt respect to Sister Shirahata, who, at 84 years old, continues to give
everything for the people of Sierra Leone without wasting her own determination
or her parents' great decision. And I would like to give a round of applause to
her parents for respecting her wishes. I constantly feel how miserable the
current world is, filled with wars, and how foolish humans are. But I feel
relieved when I see the "ともに歩む会" newsletter.
I am saved by knowing that there are people who act with the wish that even one
more person can become happy. Please keep doing your best!
- From Y. N in Toyama Prefecture:
This day feels like a break in the heavy snow. Today, I received the
"ともに歩む会 Short Report" and learned about
your illness. I am praying that you take good care of yourself and get
well. As in Sister Shirahata's words: "It is truly thanks to many
people that I can be well like this. I am grateful for having been allowed
to live until now, and for living now." Please take care of yourself.
- From K. T in Kanagawa Prefecture:
Thank you always for the newsletter. Every time, I am energized by the
bright smiles of the children in Sierra Leone. I found Sister Shirahata's
memories of her youth and the state of Sierra Leone in the past very
interesting.
- From T. O in Tokyo: I will also try
to think even a little about what Sister Shirahata said: "I think
about how much I was able to be true to myself within the circumstances
given to me." Stay well! Merry Christmas.
- From K. K in Hokkaido: In the
interview with Sister Shirahata, her words about being attracted to the
"poverty of Sierra Leone" at her first encounter led to her
current path of walking and helping people. I would be happy if I could
continue donating for the poor children.
- From M. S in Tokyo: Thank you for
sending Newsletter No. 50. The interview with Sister Shirahata and the
history of Sierra Leone were wonderful articles. They made me realize the
significance of my continuing modest support.
- From N. M in Tokyo: Every time the
newsletter arrives, it makes me think about "true wealth." I
hope the "sparkling smiles" of the children in Sierra Leone will
continue to shine in the new year.
- From S. S in Nagano Prefecture:
Reading the article based on the interview with Sister Shirahata, I was
able to learn about her background and her younger self, who held an
earnest desire for impoverished Sierra Leone in her faith. I deeply felt
Sister's unwavering faith and God's guidance in the fact that her passion
continues to this day along with deep love.
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- News from Headquarters — Regarding the
second remittance of this fiscal year: On
January 19, 3.8 million yen was sent to support school meals,
scholarships, and teacher salaries.
- News from Headquarters — Regarding the
transport of relief supplies: Following a
meeting on November 23, the group decided to discontinue general donation
shipments due to rising costs, though specific books will still be sent.
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- Current status of Sister Shirahata and Sister Yoshida: Sister Shirahata is staying in Tokyo, and Sister Yoshida is
scheduled for an assignment in Africa from mid-February to April.
- Personal Matters: Representative
Katsujiro Kanno detailed his emergency hospitalization on January 3 for a
pulmonary embolism and his subsequent recovery.
- Editor's Note: Mr. Kanno explained
that due to his illness, this issue was edited by staff members Mr. and
Mrs. Maruyama.
- Blessed Anniversary Mass: Sister
Josephine shared a photo and note about the generations of women educated
by the sisters over the past 65 years.