Vatican City, Apr 14, 2011 / 10:48 am
The Japanese Ambassador to the Holy See says he’s “very grateful” to Pope Benedict XVI, after the Vatican announced that earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan would benefit from money collected on Holy Thursday at St. Peter’s Basilica.
Hidekazu Yamaguchi told CNA April 14, “My message to the Pope is that I am very grateful for his charity and all the people of Japan are very grateful for his support.”
The ancient custom of distributing alms on Holy Thursday is seen as a response to the “new commandment” of Christ at the Last Supper to “love one another, as I have loved you.” The name of Maundy Thursday or “Dies Mandatum” meaning “Day of the New Commandment” is drawn from this tradition.
Ambassador Yamaguchi explained how the money raised would be put to use. “All this money will be directed to the victims because they have flown from their homes with nothing, completely nothing. ID cards, everything is missing. Every family needs money to survive. So the money will go towards them.”