21st March, 2004 Tokyo Archdiocesan Office

On behalf of all the laity, religious and clergy of Tokyo Archdiocese, it is with great pleasure that I welcome the delegation from Cologne on the occasion of the 50th anniversary celebrations for the sister church relationship between Cologne and Tokyo.

During this Cologne Week, Cardinal Meisner will hold a discussion meeting with the youth of Japan. Last year in May, when I met the Cardinal in Cologne, Cardinal Meisner expressed his wish to be able to meet and to discuss deeply with young Japanese during his visit to Tokyo. On my return, I spoke with the youth of Tokyo Archdiocese, who expressed their joy at being able to participate in such an event. At that time the preparations for this youth prayer and discussion meeting with Cardinal Meisner began. The Church in Japan is small and the number of youth maybe few, however I am sure you will be affected by the enthusiasm of the youth, as they have been waiting expectantly to hear the talk of the Cardinal.

There is one more important point. That is during Cologne Week, two representatives from the Myanmar Bishop’s Conference will also be participating. 25 years ago the Churches of Tokyo and Myanmar began sister church activities. At this time, we hope that deeper friendship and cooperation will be engendered between the three churches of Cologne, Tokyo and Myanmar as we gather under the one roof for these celebrations.

I especially desire that today’s meeting will be a blessed time for furthering mutual understanding and cooperation between our two dioceses.