Scholastics Nguyễn Minh Toàn and Naoki Ochi were ordained deacons in Tokyo on 5 March.
Archbishop Kikuchi of Tokyo presided at the ceremony, which, because of Covid-19, was held in the chapel of the Scholasticate with no outside visitors except for three Caritas Sisters of Jesus, who assisted in the singing. The ceremony was carried out with precision after several dress rehearsals the previous days.
Archbishop Kikuchi began his sermon by recalling that the diaconate ceremony was held in the same way last year. At that time he had predicted that this year’s ceremony would be held in the church with many visitors attending. “This time,” he said, “I make no prediction about next year’s ceremony!”
The Archbishop stressed the motif of service especially in this time of Covid-19. He also called attention to the need for prayer to bring peace to Ukraine. The Mass concluded with a rousing guitar rendition of “Set the World on Fire,” the song composed and sung in Xavier High School, Micronesia, where Deacon Naoki did his Regency.
The ceremony was live streamed for relatives and friends of the two new deacons, especially for Deacon Minh Toàn’s family and friends in Vietnam and the U.S.A. Japan Provincial Fr Renzo de Luca SJ and Socius Fr Sanji Yamaoka SJ were present along with former Provincial Fr Yoshio Kajiyama SJ.
In lieu of a party with guests, the scholastics enjoyed a delicious sushi dinner.
“Being ordained deacons is a joyous occasion for us, our families, the Society, and the Church! At the same time, we cannot forget the responsibilities which are asked of us—to serve the Word of God and the altar, to encourage the work of love, and so on. I believe that I will receive enough grace to fulfill the ministry of service faithfully,” said Deacon Minh Toàn
When asked how they would prepare for ordination to the priesthood in September, Deacon Ochi replied: “When I was about to say ‘The Lord be with you’ for the first time at Mass, I felt my nothingness but at the same time some fullness. Please pray that we may have the grace to truly find the Lord among people and sincerely proclaim his presence in all things.”
View more photos of the ordination:
