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"Wa" is a Japanese concept "Wa" stands for harmony, unity and peace. It blends naturally with the spirit of the Japanese American community which continues to infuse its cultural heritage to enrich the greater American scene. The circle is peculiar to the Japanese culture. It signifies the attitude that a straight line between two points does not necessarily represent a short cut or a solution. The Japanese approaches daily situations with the heart, not the head; that the shortest cut is meandering or circular. Because the straight line is the route traveled by evil spirits, the meandering path to the center of a Shinto shrine or the winding course through a Buddhist garden is designed to deflect the direct charges of evil forces. The eye is forced to see from many angles and perspectives. The circle is closed. There is no easy way to enter. The Japanese say the only way to enter is to circle round and round - and before you know it, you will be invited into the circle. In the same respect, the faith which planted the Catholic missionaries in Los Angeles is present and it must be cultivated for the many others to discover and be at home in the Mystical Body. Adopted from an article by Harry Honda, March 15, 1987 |
which Maryknoll Japanese Catholic Center has adopted to symbolize the history, achievements and aspirations of Saint Francis Xavier Japanese Mission. The mission dates back to 1912 when Bishop Berlioz of Hakodate promised John Kumataro Hatakeyama that he would send a Japanese speaking priest to tend to the spiritual needs of the Japanese Catholics in California.