On November 8, 2025, the Piarist community joyfully celebrated the priestly ordination of Kim Jaeyong Sch.P., Truong Quoc Cuong Sch.P., and Vu Duc Hung Sch.P. The solemn celebration took place at Nodamachi Catholic Church in Fukushima Ken, Japan, a parish rich in faith and history.
The ordination Mass was presided over by His Excellency Rt. Rev. Oscar Gacutan, CICM, D.D., Bishop of Sendai. With deep pastoral warmth, Bishop Gacutan conferred the sacred order of priesthood upon the three candidates, reminding them of the self-giving love of Christ and the mission of service entrusted to every priest.
The celebration was graced by the presence of Fr. General Carles Gil l Sch.P., who traveled to Japan for this significant occasion, as well as Fr. Miguel Artola Otamendi Sch.P., Provincial of the Asia Pacific Province. A large delegation of Piarist Fathers of the province from the Philippines, Vietnam, and Japan also joined the celebration, expressing the unity and missionary spirit of the Order across the region.
This ordination coincided meaningfully with the 75th anniversary of the Piarist presence in Japan, adding historical depth and spiritual significance to the event. The faithful, benefactors, collaborators, and friends of the Piarist mission gathered in gratitude for the Lord’s enduring guidance since the arrival of the first Piarists in Japan, and in hopeful expectation for the future of the mission.
During the celebration, the newly ordained priests expressed their heartfelt gratitude to God, to their formators, to the Piarist communities that shaped their vocations, and to all who accompanied them on their journey. Their families—some present and others joining through spiritual closeness—were lovingly acknowledged.
The liturgy was beautifully animated by the local communities of Nodamachi parish and Matsukicho parish and visiting Piarist sisters. After the Mass, a reception was held where the faithful offered their congratulations and shared joy with the new priests.
The ordination of Fathers Kim Jaeyong, Truong Quoc Cuong, and Vu Duc Hung stands as a moment of deep grace for the Piarist Order in Japan and the Asia Pacific region. As the Piarists commemorate 75 years of educational and pastoral mission in Japan, the gift of these new priests strengthens the commitment to continue serving children and young people, especially the poor, according to the charism of St. Joseph Calasanz.
