Many thanks to the Holy Family Church of South Pasadena volunteers who headed out to Dolores Mission 4/8/11,  a chilly spring evening,  to march in solidarity with Dolores Mission parishioners  in support of those suffering in Japan.  Walkers stopped periodically throughout the 1+ mile trek to pray the Stations of the Cross. The walk ended at  St. Francis Xavier Church in Little Tokyo where the entire delegation was met by  Father Richard Hoynes, Pastor of Saint Francis, and several members of that church.  Together, Fr. Scott Santarosa, S.J. lead us in prayer for those suffering the devastating effects of the earthquake, tsunami and radiation in Japan.

In a moving tribute, a few of the St. Francis Xavier parishioners, including Angie Nakamura, expressed their gratitude for the show of solidarity as well as the financial contributions from the parishioners of Dolores Mission and Holy Family Church. Mrs. Nakamura also shared some of her painful memories from World War II and her mother’s admonition to “endure”. Cambria Smith, Holy Family’s Parish Life Director,  presented the check to Fr. Hoynes on behalf of the entire congregation.

After prayers and welcoming, St. Francis’ parishioners invited the other church members into their hall for hot tea, cocoa, delicious baked goods and fellowship.  It was truly a beautiful reaching across both literal and figurative bridges to share the Christian message of love and neighborly concern.  For, as Jesus teaches us in the parable of the  “Good Samaritan”,   the true neighbor to the robbers’ victim was  “the one who treated him with mercy….go and do likewise.”   Luke 10:36-37