Ordination of Ken Masuda in Japan

The Archbishop of Osaka, Most Rev. Thomas Aquinas Maeda ordains Claretian Missionary
Rev. Ken Masuda on 19 March in Japan

On March 19, 2016, coinciding with the feast of St. Joseph the husband of Mary and patron of the priests, took place in the simple but majestic cathedral of Osaka (Japan) the priestly ordination of Francisco de Jesus Ken Masuda.  He was ordained by the Archbishop of Osaka, Thomas Aquinas Maeda. Ken Masuda from a very young age had a close relationship with the Claretians in Japan. He was a student of the Claretian-run kindergarten at Hirakata and later the Institute of secondary education. 

Fr. Ken During his "first mass"

It was a simple and intimate ceremony attended by faithful and friends of Ken who came from various parts of the diocese of Osaka, especially from Hirakata (parish) and Imaichi (where he served during his pastoral year), as well as Tokyo and Saitama. 

Laying on of Hands by Archbishop of Osaka, Most Rev. Thomas Aquinas Maeda

 Fr. Ken Masuda will continue to work for a year in the diocese of Nagoya in parish communities. His command of English and Spanish, besides Japanese, his native language is helpful when addressing the many immigrants in the diocese. 

It is certainly a moment of grace for the Delegation of East Asia and we rejoice in the Lord because he has been great with us. At the same time, we ask that you continue to bless us with vocations filled with the missionary spirit that animated St. Anthony Mary Claret.