The Capuchin mission in Okinawa is entering a new phase of life. 

The Custody of Japan was transformed into a delegation of the Province after a decree by the general minister of the Order, Fr. Roberto Genuin, on Jan. 20. This change in canonical status reflects the lack of local vocations in Japan and the dwindling number of friars in the jurisdiction, which has been staffed mainly by friars from Holy Trinity Province, Karnataka, India. A provincial delegation is one degree below that of a provincial custody. Friars in a delegation do not elect a custos (custodial minister) or custodial council. The provincial minister appoints a delegate and two councilors and grants authority to the delegate to govern the delegation. Accordingly, Fr. Robert Abbatiello appointed Fr. Maxim D’Souza as delegate, Fr. Naveen Joseph Sequeira as first councilor, and Fr. Vincent Praveen Kumar as second councilor.

With special gratitude to our brothers from Karnataka, we thank all our brothers in the Custody of Japan for their selfless service of the people of God.