Ordo Fratrum Minorum Capuccinorum EN

Log in
updated 11:54 AM UTC, Mar 20, 2024

A New Capuchin Bishop in Japan

Vatican City. Pope Francis, after having accepted the resignation from pastoral governance of the diocese of Naha (Japan) of Most Rev. Berard Toshio Oshikawa OFM Conv., has appointed Br. Wayne Berndt, OFM Cap. as the new Bishop. Br. Wayne is currently pastor in Yonabaru.

Br. Wayne Berndt, OFM Cap., was born on May 15, 1954 in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, USA (diocese of Worcester). He entered the Capuchin Order in the Province of New York-New England, USA and made temporary and then perpetual religious profession on August 16, 1976 and June 28, 1980, respectively. Arriving in Japan in 1981, he first studied the Japanese language for two years in Tokyo. He was ordained priest on May 21, 1983 in Yonkers, New York.

Following ordination, Br. Wayne served in the following ministries: parochial vicar in Miyako (Naha diocese, 1983-1984), parochial vicar in Koza/Futenma/Awase (Naha diocese, 1984-1986), pastor of Futenma (Naha diocese, 1986-1997), professor at the University of the Ryukyus (Naha diocese, 1986-1998), Vice Provincial Minister (1994-2000), pastor of Kumagaya (Saitama diocese, 2000-2002), Open House migrant center (Saitama diocese, 2001-2005), pastor of Higashi Matsuyama (Saitama diocese, 2002-2005), pastor of Omiya and migrant ministry (Saitama diocese, 2005-2010), Vice Provincial Minister/Custos (2009-2014), pastor of Oruku (Naha diocese, 2010-2014). Since 2014 he has been pastor of Yonabaru (Naha diocese).

One can therefore see that the bishop-elect arrives at this new service to the Church with extensive pastoral experience. Furthermore, having been in Japan for more than thirty years, he will be well equipped by his ability in the Japanese language and his knowledge of the history, culture, and traditions of the country. The Capuchin Order is honored to have one of its sons raised to this challenging service for the glory of God and the good of the Church in Japan. All the best to the new bishop!

Vatican.va 17.12.2017.

Last modified on Thursday, 21 December 2017 07:14