austraLasia

?

Shortcut

PrevPrev Article

NextNext Article

Larger Font Smaller Font Up Down Go comment Print Attachment
Views 3995 Comment 0

20160323_GIA.jpg


By Fr. Chang Andrea, SDB


Tokyo, Japan, March 23, 2016 - After living 35 years in Korea, since last February 20, 2016 I’m now starting a new adventure in Tokyo, Japan. According the mutual agreement between the provinces of Korea and Japan, I’m now learning another language and culture here among the Japanese confreres in Chofu formation house. I was sent here in order to share my life, contribute with my priestly ministry in the Salesian province of Japan.


For those who know the past of Korea – Japan historical relationship might be not easy to understand my option. When Europe was suffering the First and Second World War, in Korea our ancestors suffered 35 years the colonial rule of Japan. Although our two countries are located very close to each other, until now is not easy to come together.


Whatever is our social and political history the Salesians in both countries are very closely related and have a great impact on each other. First Salesian missionaries were sent to Korea from Japan in 1954, just few months after the end of the Korean War. Until 1972 Korea delegation was part of the Japan province, but until now there are many contacts between the two nearby provinces.


Especially since last 2002 started the biannual exchange of young Salesian priests and Brothers in their quinqennium period. Every second year their meeting is conducted once in Japan, next time in Korea. Although there are many similar traits in our cultures, we can learn from each other the specific points and enjoy our communion.


Indeed my first inspiration to volunteer for this temporary missionary commitment to Japan was the previous quinquennium meeting at the end of 2014. Knowing the situation of the Japan Church and SDB province, I have understand the need of more young confreres. Moreover the total numbers of Catholics in Japan are really small compared to the whole population. After one year of discernment with our provincial I arrived finally to Tokyo last February 20 and I’m now living in the formation house (Chofu City, Metropolitan area of Tokyo) for the period of 3 years.


In this place, I’m now studying the language and adapt myself to a new culture. It’s like to become again a small baby and start to walk slowly on my own. Indeed now during the Holy Week I’m first learning the Incarnation of Jesus. Thanks to the family spirit in Chofu community I can express myself even beyond the poor language communication level. I’m very grateful to both Provincials of Korea and Japan for this experience of growing anew in my Salesian vocation.


I don’t’ know, what will happen after 3 years. However I fully trust the Holy Spirit who has guided me up to this point in this ongoing adventure. Like the 2016 Strenna of the Rector Major, I’m already living amidst the adventure on my journey.


Dear confreres, please, pray for me and welcome to Chofu community breathing the family spirit!





20160323_GIA1.jpg


20160323_GIA2.jpg


20160323_GIA3.jpg


Attach

Drag and drop your files here, or Click attach files button.

Maximum File Size : 0MB (Allowed extentsions : *.*)

0 file(s) attached ( / )

  1. 4827(V)_The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us

    The SYM Japan Pilgrimage 2018 in the Holy Land By Mr. Chihiro Okawa, EXDB Tokyo, Japan, 20 August 2018 -- The Holy land pilgrimage of the SYM (Salesian Youth Movement) Japan took place from August 9th to 19th. Among the 22 participants were...
    Date2018.08.23 CategoryGIA Reply0 Views4329 file
    Read More
  2. 4619(II)_Building bridges between Japan and Korea province

    Visit of Korean Salesian provincial in Tokyo By Fr. Mario Yamanouchi, SDB Tokyo, Japan, 22 January 2018 -- During last weekend Fr. Stefano Yang, provincial of Korea, visited most of the Salesian presences in Tokyo, accompanied by Fr. Andrew...
    Date2018.01.23 CategoryGIA Reply2 Views4154 file
    Read More
  3. 3949(II)_Another mobile Salesian: From Korea to Japan

    By Fr. Chang Andrea, SDB Tokyo, Japan, March 23, 2016 - After living 35 years in Korea, since last February 20, 2016 I’m now starting a new adventure in Tokyo, Japan. According the mutual agreement between the provinces of Korea and Japan, ...
    Date2016.03.23 CategoryGIA Reply0 Views3995 file
    Read More
  4. 3622_Founding of the National Federation of Salesian Past Pupils

    By Fr Yoshiki Sekiya, SDB Tokyo, Japan, May 9 - The board meeting for the founding of the National Federation of Salesian Past Pupils was held at the Salesian Polytechnic in Machida, Tokyo. Board members and representatives of alumni associ...
    Date2015.05.19 CategoryGIA Reply0 Views3041 file
    Read More
  5. 4237(III)_'The Silence' and the tomb in Salesian Seminary Chofu

    By Fr. Gaetano Compri, SDB Tokyo, Japan, 28 December 2016 -- In these days is released the ‘Silence’, another masterpiece of world-wide famous movie director Martin Scorsese. Almost 3 hours long movie is based on the 1966 novel Silence (沈...
    Date2016.12.28 CategoryGIA Reply1 Views2950 file
    Read More
  6. 3565_Religious professions on the Solemnity of the Annunciation

    By Sakura Izumi On 25 March, the Solemnity of the Annunciation, two young Salesians made their religious profession at the Salesian Seminary in Chofu, Tokyo. Bro. John Bosco Fukagawa Nobukazu made his first vows, while Bro. John Bosco Tanig...
    Date2015.03.27 CategoryGIA Reply2 Views2836 file
    Read More
  7. 4502(V)_Don't worry about numbers and help one person at time!

    Missionary Animation in Japan - Cardinal Fernando Filoni By Our Own Correspondent Tokyo, Japan, 22 September -- This year there are two provinces in our Region with a significant number of special visitors - Myanmar (MYM) does benefit from ...
    Date2017.09.22 CategoryGIA Reply1 Views2832 file
    Read More
  8. 3680_Young Salesians are growing in Chofu

    An interview with two novices after 50 years of Mons. Cimatti's death, Oct 6, 1965 By Philip Neri and John Baptist, Salesian novice Chofu, Tokyo, Japan Who is Jesus for you? Who was the person who introduced you in the Catholic faith? Jesus...
    Date2015.07.21 CategoryGIA Reply0 Views2827 file
    Read More
  9. 4862(V)_"May we become one body and one spirit in Christ"

    Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Mario Yamanouchi, Saitama diocese By Mr. Chihiro Okawa, EXDB Saitama, Japan, 25 Sep 2018 -- The Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Mario Michiaki Yamanouchi, SDB took place at Jubilee Hall of Urawa Akenohoshi Gaku...
    Date2018.09.26 CategoryGIA Reply1 Views2777 file
    Read More
  10. 3948_"My heart is full of joy", Salesian profession in Tokyo

    By Fr. Michael Lap, SDB GIA Novicemaster Tokyo, Japan - Last March 19, 2016 was a day of blessing for the Salesian Province of Japan and for many members of the Salesian Family and Youth. A young novice Philip Neri Tsutsumi Ryosaku, 21 year...
    Date2016.03.22 CategoryGIA Reply0 Views2611 file
    Read More
List
Board Pagination Prev 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 ... 25 Next
/ 25