By Felipe Salvosa II | CBCP News
October 21, 2023
Archbishop Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo (center) speaks to the media during a press briefing at the Vatican on Oct. 20, 2023. ROY LAGARDE/CBCP NEWS
VATICAN– “Come in but take off your shoes” is a widespread custom observed by visitors to Asian homes that Westerners may not be used to.
But for Archbishop Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo, Asian-style hospitality may just be what the stiff, Western structures of the Church need to be able to welcome more people.
“I think we have to really introduce our hospitality spirit into parish activities,” Kikuchi said in a press briefing on Friday (Oct. 20, 2023) at the sidelines of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops.