Cardinal Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo on Palm Sunday called on Catholics to reject apathy and embrace solidarity, especially with communities in Myanmar reeling from a powerful earthquake.
In his Palm Sunday message, the cardinal reflected on the meaning of Christ’s passion and resurrection, urging the faithful to anchor their lives in hope and compassion.
“Let us once again reflect on the passion, death, and resurrection of our Lord, which is the origin of our faith, and return to the experience of hope that comes from our encounter with Him,” he said.
The prelate also drew attention to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Myanmar after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck central regions on March 28. Major damage was reported in Mandalay and Naypyidaw, while structural collapses were also recorded in Bangkok.
Kikuchi underscored the long-standing relationship between the Tokyo Archdiocese and the Church in Myanmar, particularly the Mandalay Diocese near the quake’s epicenter.
“Immediately after the earthquake, we received a call from the Mandalay Diocese, who told us that many of the church facilities had been damaged and that they were working on rescue work for evacuees, and requested support,” he said.
While affirming the importance of financial assistance, the cardinal emphasized that spiritual solidarity must come first. “More than that, it is also important to show solidarity in the bond of faith,” he said.
Recalling his own experience during the 2011 Tohoku earthquake when he led Caritas Japan, Kikuchi said the international outpouring of prayers reminded him of the deep bonds that unite believers across borders. “This experience really made me realize the bond that is found in faith,” he said.
He warned, however, against the danger of detachment from distant suffering. “When a major disaster or war occurs… we somehow tend to look at it as if it is someone else’s problem… That kind of attitude is indifference. Indifference takes life. It was the ‘indifference’ of the great crowd that crucified and killed the only Son of God.”
Kikuchi encouraged the faithful to reject passivity and instead take an active role in supporting others, fostering compassion, and walking together in solidarity.
