THE JOURNEY OF A YOUNG MISSIONARY
Mika was born to a Christian mother and a Buddhist father in May 1968 in Hokkaido, in northern Japan. She was premature and was given only two or three days to live…
When I look at my life, I have to say: what wonders the Lord has worked for me! When I was young, I was indulged by my father and helped by my uncle, a Franciscan priest. My mother taught me the love of God even if I didn't want to hear about it: I didn't understand. Today, I see how God acted on me through my mother. What a gift!
I was baptized on Christmas Day, 1984. My real passion, however, was the school choir! I had a pretty soprano voice and my teacher had suggested that later on I could study at the conservatory. Instead of going to church, I continued participating in the choir for three years. But since I had to pay for my studies, I had to give up my dream and I decided to sign up for courses in practical nursing. After the death of my father in 1987, I returned to live with my mother, while working in the hospital, although she began to worry about my future…
A LONG WAY
In 1997, I left to join my boyfriend in the Philippines. But married life was
not for me. At the end of my stay, a Japanese priest advised me to go and meet a
Missionary of the Immaculate Conception in Davao, in the southern Philippines.
I was not thinking about religious life at this time. With this Japanese MIC,
I visited several of their houses and learned about their apostolic activities.
While working in a private clinic, I returned to visit with the nuns once a month.
I agreed to go on a discernment retreat with them, despite my weak knowledge of
English. In 1998, I decided to give this life that attracted me a try. But it was
not easy: I didn't know how to pray nor to sit still for five minutes! In addition,
my Christian formation was flawed. I concluded that religious life was not for me.
In November 2000, I returned to my home in Japan.
GOD WRITES IN CURVED LINES
Shortly after my return from the Philippines, I was hospitalized, and so was
my mother. It was a very useful time for me to think! God was always there with
his love and his blessings. I felt the call to religious life again. In March 2002,
I joined the MIC community in Tokyo. A year later, I found myself again in the
Philippines with better English and a better understanding of the Christian faith.
I continued my formation with other young novices at Inter-Asia de Baguio. I often
contemplated the Salvation Jesus brings, giving his life for love… Mary, listening
with her heart, trusting God completely, became a model for me.
After finishing my noviciate, I went back to Japan to take my first vows there. I had the assurance that the Lord truly said to me: I called you by your name (Isaiah 45:4) and I was happy… so happy to answer his call. The MIC's proclaimed to me the Good News of the risen Jesus, whom I did not know and who transformed me! My mother taught me how to say thank you and the nuns taught me about thanksgiving and wonder. When I look back on the path I have travelled since I was born, my heart overflows with gratitude. I am thankful to God and I thank all the people who were with me, helping and encouraging me as I progressed.
by Mika Inoue, M.I.C.
MIC Mission News
October-November-December 2005
Photographs : MIC