Report of the 31st JASH Day
The 31st JASH Day took place on March 15 and 16, 2017, welcoming President Marisa de Malcher of AMASC, President Chi Hei Chung and Vice President Haewon Youn of KASH (Korea Association of the Sacred Heart.)
The General Meeting on the 15th was attended by 195 JASH members, out of which 13 were RSCJs and Principals of Sacred Heart Schools in Japan. The Buffet Lunch which followed was both a warm family gathering and a lively reunion of old friends sharing happy memories.
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Local Associations, Committee Members, Volunteers and Participants whose support made this JASH Day a successful Welcome Event for the AMASC President.
Below, are the details of the two memorable days spent in the company of our very special Guests.
March 13 Arrival: AMASC President Marisa de Malcher from Mexico.
KASH President Chi Hei Chung and Vice President Haewon Youn from Seoul,
Korea.
March 15 JASH Day begins.
10:30 Prayer Service at the University Chapel
Opening songs by Miyashiro-kai Chorus Group “Nemu-no- kai” —“May the Sacred
Heart of Jesus” “Mater Admirabilis”
Opening Prayer (Sr. Reiko Tanaka), Prayers of the Faithful, Lord’s Prayer (in English
and Japanese)
Closing song “Coeur de Jesus”
Around 180 attendees move from the Chapel to Miyashiro Hall.
11:00 General Meeting:
Opening Address Sr. Mieko Shinjo JASH Honorary President, & Provincial of Japan
Province, Society of the Sacred Heart
Greetings Yoko Nakayama JASH President
Committee Reports, Local Association Reports with PP
Address AMASC President Marisa de Malcher
12:10 The Guests are led to Dining Hall A for the Archives Committee’s exhibit:
“JASH and AMASC–a Sixty-Year Timeline”
In Dining Hall B, a Buffet Lunch is prepared by the Hospitality Committee. The crowd
milling around enjoying the sumptuous lunch, visits the mini-bazaar where the local
associations sell their goods. In a friendly and lively atmosphere, the lunch goes on
until 14:30.
14:00 After lunch the Guests visit the recently renovated old residence of Prince Kuni in the
University grounds, known as “The Palace”.
15:00 Meeting of AMASC and Asia held in the Miyashiro House. Activity reports given by
Korea, Japan and India (in absentia, based on the report sent in.) Problems are
shared and information exchanged as Asian Associations within AMASC.
A report given by President Marisa on the upcoming 16th World Congress in Merida,
Mexico in February 2018.
18:00 A small Dinner at Restaurant “Gonpachi” with the 3 Guests.
March 16 “A Visit to Fuji Sacred Heart School” “Welcome Reception”
8:15 Bright and early, the 3 Guests and 14 JASH Members boarded the bus for Fuji
Sacred Heart School. The weather was beautiful, and what a treat to be able to see
Mount Fuji from the bus window!
10:00 Arriving in Fuji on time, at the Retreat House the Sisters regaled the visitors with
homegrown tea and homemade cakes.
The first visit was to the cemetery, the final resting place of many Sisters of the earlier
days. Flowers were offered, prayers were said and hymns sung for the deceased.
The next destination was the Archives, where the history of the Sacred Heart in Fuji
and in Japan is on display.
Lastly, a look into the School Chapel gave an opportunity to witness the rehearsal for
the junior high school graduation ceremony. Three of the students greeted the Guests
in English, Spanish and Korean, and the Guests’ response in English was
immediately translated into Japanese by one of the students. The students sang the
Fuji Sacred Heart Anthem as their farewell, and the visitors left Fuji deeply touched by
the thoughtful and warm hospitality.
12:30 After a quick Japanese lunch at a local restaurant, into the bus again for the ride back
to Tokyo. The Guests took a ride on the Bullet Train which is faster, to be in Tokyo
with ample time for the evening program.
18:00 The Welcome Reception for the AMASC President was held with Her Majesty the
Empress of Japan gracing the evening with Her Presence, at the International House
of Japan.
The Sacred Heart Sisters, former JASH Presidents and Executives, present Officers,
Board Members and Committee Members, a total of 54 attended the event. It was an
evening for the Sacred Heart Family who share the common heritage of the education
received at the Sacred Heart schools all over the world.
March 17 Departure: Our dear Guests, Marisa de Malcher, Chi Hei Chung and Haewon Youn
returned to their respective countries, with promises of a reunion next year in
Merida, Mexico.
