THE TAMAKI SISTERS OF SOUTH SACRAMENTO SHARE THEIR STORY OF WORLD WAR II INTERNMENT, CONVERSION TO THE CATHOLIC FAITH, AND HOW THEIR EXPERIENCES HAVE AFFECTED THEIR LIVES...........

The 'Catholic Herald' magazine, September/October 2011, issue has included among it's several feature stories, a wonderful story by Editor Julie Sly, about Jean and Lil Tamaki, Japanese American sisters who who like myself are South Sacramentans and sixty six year parishioners of St. Rose's Parish, on Franklin Boulevard.  They profoundly, poignantly, but positively, share their story, as children, who with their parents, and thousands of other Japanese Americans, were interned in a Tulelake, California camp, set up to remove the Japanese, including native born, Japanese Americans from their homes and the general society, following the controversial, if not unconstitutional, decision to move against them, following Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, on December 7, 1941.  It was an experience Jean and Lil Tamaki acknowledge, meant, "their lives would be forever changed".  From their temporary housing at Camp Walerga, in North Highlands, Sacramernto County, which was located not far from I am blogging, in east Del Paso Heights, where the Tamaki sisters met Rev. Msgr. Thomas Kirby, priest secretary to Bishop Robert Armstrong, and Chancellor of the Sacramento Diocese; and the Franciscan Sisters of Penance and Charity, and they discovered the Catholic Faith.  Jean says, "You know God brings good out of evil"....."This is so true for us.  If it hadn't been for the war, we just wonder if we would have been introduced to the Catholic Church and our faith, because we didn't know any Catholics at this time and we certainly didn't know anything about the faith".  Throughout my lifetime my family and I, can testify to the fruitfulness of Catholic-Christian Faith, by which Lil and Jean, fervently live.  Having seen and come to know them from my boyhood as an altar server, lector, eucharistic minister, catechist, and youth minister, at St. Rose's their weekly presence and participation at Mass, and in interaction with other parishioners has always been, and is stellar.  Their ministries and work on behalf of the parish and the diocese, are yeoman examples of Discipleship.  Like so many people, bishops, priests, religious, laity, co-workers, fellow parishioners, neighbors, and personal friends, my life continues to be enriched with their friendship, faith, fellowship, and hospitality.  I am pleased to count them in the vanguard of my dearest South Sacramento friends.  At my First Mass as a Priest of Jesus Christ, on Sunday May 3, 1987, I asked Jean to open the Liturgy, with an Introduction of Welcome, to those who were present.  As ever, she made an awesome presentation, that I continue to cherish, on the videotape of that Mass.  She and Lil were both an integral part of that day as the women and men of St. Rose's / St. Patrick's helped with the Luncheon Reception that followed the Mass.  As I round the corner to my Silver Jubilee, next May, I look forward to again sharing with them, and my cherished circle of South Sacramento, diocesan, national, and international friends, their part in my life, priestly ministry, challenges, and struggles.  One last quote from the, 'Catholic Herald' magazine sory, "God Brings Good Out Of Evil", summarizes more than sufficiently, the Tamaki sisters philosophy and theology of life.  "We felt good about being Catholic.....We didn't have a big battle of conscience.  We felt God just called us and we just followed".  That is the attitude and action of Catholic-Christian Discipleship, all of us would be wise to envelop...........With Love, Prayers, And Heartfelt Appreciation, For Their Affect On My Life,   Fr.  Troy
**********All quotes in this blog column taken from The Catholic Herald Magazine,  September / October 2011, issue; and the story entitled "God Brings Good Out Of Evil", by my diocesan colleagues, Julie Sly, the Editor and reporter; and Cathy Joyce, the photographer.**********
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