From Archbishop Okada’s Talk at the Cologne Confirmation Service
29th May 2004
To the Faithful of Cologne Archdiocese:
On the 50th Anniversary of the sister church relationship between
Cologne and Tokyo, Cardinal Meisner kindly invited me to visit
Cologne Archdiocese. I wish to thank you from my heart for 50
years of friendship, support and prayer. We of Tokyo Archdiocese
are also offering heart felt prayers for the Church of Cologne and
especially for priestly vocations.
The people of the Tokyo area are faced with many difficulties and
problems. In addition the situation of the modern world is very
severe with wars and unending conflict: a situation that gives
little ground for optimism. Hence the Church’s role of working for
peace in the world is of increasing importance. The Church has
been entrusted with the mission of contributing to world peace and
progress. I hope that Tokyo’s contribution to this mission can be
carried out through deepening ties with the churches of Asia,
especially that of Myanmar (formerly Burma). With the support of
the Cologne Church, we work for stronger and lasting support for
these churches. So as before, I earnestly seek your prayers, your
guidance and your assistance.
Peter Takeo OKADA Archbishop of Tokyo