Seicho-No-Ie Brazil National Convention Attracts 8,321 People held in Commemoration of the Centennial of Japanese Immigartion to Brazil
Seicho-No-Ie Brazil National Convention commemorating the centennial of the Japanese immigration was held on September 21 at the Ibirapuera Gymnasium in Sao Paulo. The number of attendees was 8,321.
In the past, the Japanese-language National Convention and the Portuguese-language Convention were held separately, but this year, a joint Convention was held under the theme, “The Flame of the Truth That Connects Japan and Brazil.”
The lecturers included Rev. Tatsufumi Yukishima (Ordained Minister, Chief of International Department), who was dispatched from the International Headquarters; Rev. Yoshio Mukai (Ordained Minister, Bishop of Seicho-No-Ie Latin America); and Rev. Marie Murakami (Ordained Minister, Chairperson of Brazil Missionary Headquarters). Rev. Yukishima gave two lectures with Portuguese interpretation: “The Truth of Salvation Beyond National Boundaries” and “The Enlightenment Movement in a New Age.” He talked about his own religious experience from the time when he was first led to the Seicho-No-Ie teaching, as well as the significance of the International Peace by Faith Movement. He stressed that spreading the truth of oneness of the self and others to the world contributes to the realization of environmental protection and world peace.
Rev. Mukai lectured on “Forerunners of the Seicho-No-Ie Enlightenment Movement in Brazil.” He praised the great accomplishment of the forerunners who built the foundation of the Enlightenment Movement in Brazil. Rev. Murakami’s lecture was entitled “The Sundial Way of Life.” She introduced the Seicho-No-Ie faith that enables everyone to gain happiness by looking at the bright side of things.
There was performances, including singing and dancing, in commemoration of the centennial of Japanese immigration. There was also a chorus of 500 people, Japanese Brazilians and non-Japanese Brazilians, which was organized for the Convention. The local Nikkei Newspaper carried an article about the Convention.
Rev. Yukishima commented: “It was an honor for me to attend the National Convention, when Brazil is commemorating the centennial of Japanese immigration. I got a first-hand sense that the teachings are spreading from Japanese Brazilians to non-Japanese Brazilians, and then to the young people who will shoulder the next generation. I felt confident that the Humanity Enlightenment Movement will expand further in Brazil.”
REMARKS BY REV. YOSHIO MUKAI, BISHOP OF SEICHO-NO-IE LATIN AMERICA
“We received a message from the President of Brazil both at this National Convention and the Youth and Young Adult Association National Convention. That is proof that the Seicho-No-Ie teachings, which Japanese immigrants introduced to Brazil, have spread to every corner of the country and are contributing to the progress of Brazil. Recently, thanks to our TV programs, the general public is taking interest in Seicho-No-Ie and this Convention attracted many newcomers. I am determined to promote the Humanity Enlightenment Movement and International Peace by Faith Movement with the combined forces of all the Associations.”
