Ordinations of Viatorians Continue Around the World
11/14/2011

The ordination of Br. Tomoaki Sugawara to the diaconate was a first for the international Viatorian community. He is the first native Japanese Viatorian to be ordained.

“While there have been Canadian Viatorians ordained in Japan, and a priest from Okinawa who joined the community after World War II from another congregation,” says Fr. Mark Francis, superior general, “Tomoaki is the first native from Japan.

“He is a convert from Buddhism,” Fr. Francis adds. “It signals an important milestone for the rooting of the Viatorian charism in Japan.”

Br. Sugawara’s ordination took place at St. Viator Church, exactly 60 years after Canadian and American Viatorian priests and brothers established the parish in the Northeast section of Kyoto, Japan. He expects to be ordained a priest next year.

“This parish and our new deacon are joined in a special way to the wider Viatorian family,” Fr. Francis said. “Viatorians are present in 15 countries around the world, underlining the international nature of the Church and of our congregation.

“Together, the parish and our new deacon reveal the very presence of our God of love here in the city of Kyoto,” Fr. Francis said, “as well as to the church in Japan and to the world.”