Originally published at National Catholic Register
In far-flung outposts of the Catholic Church, great distances from Rome, marvelous devotion and dedication are encountered, often at high levels.
Perhaps that’s one reason why Pope Francis continues to elevate Churchmen from the peripheries to the College of Cardinals.
The Holy Father’s announcement on Oct. 6 of 21 men to be awarded red hats included five from Asia. Following the Dec. 8 consistory, more than 20% of the cardinal-electors will be eligible to vote for the next pope.
Tokyo’s Archbishop Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi, who will turn 66 on Nov. 1, is one of the newly appointed princes — the second Japanese cardinal named by Francis. Six months ago, I chatted with Archbishop Kikuchi for several hours at St. Mary’s Cathedral, a gigantic modern sculpture of a church.
Spending time with this relaxed workaholic gave me insight into the qualifications Pope Francis values and the way Christ marks some men for lifelong service. And he came into focus as papabile.
A Missionary’s Missionary
Cardinal-elect Kikuchi was born in Miyako, on the coast in Northern Japan, to a Catholic household. His father, who converted to the faith in high school, worked as a parish catechist; his mother taught in the parish
