CIMATTI DAY 2016: celebration in Chofu

By Fr. Gaetano Compri, SDB
Vice-postulator of the Beatification cause of Mons. Vincent Cimatti

Tokyo, Japan, 6 October 2016 -- As every year, also today on the memorial death anniversary of Venerable Mons. Vincent Cimatti (1979-1965) gathered in the Chofu, Salesian Seminary Chapel about 100 faithful and Salesians (8 priests and 8 clerics, brothers and novices of Chofu community to celebrate the Eucharist. The Mass was presided by the EAO regional councilor and the homily was translated by Fr. Gaetano Compri. Fr. Klement reflected on the poster of Salesian Holiness with 167 model members of Salesian Family, on the humility and service life-style of Mons. Cimatti and also invited all present to pray for the reshaping of Japan Salesian Province, to become a provincial community especially for the poor youth.

At the end of the Eucharist the Vice-Postulator of the Cimatti cause shared some information: (1) publication of the new Cimatti Photo Calender 2017 'Don Cimatti and his disciples', each month one group of Salesians, on the cover is the mixed Korean-Japanese Novitiate group with the Venerable and late Fr. Moskwa. (2) invitation for the incoming Opera 'Hosokawa Grazia' in Chofu Art Hall (October 15), (3) presentation of many Cimatti books, CD and DVD available in the Cimatti Museum close to the Salesian House.

As usually the devotees presented during the Mass Offertory their written prayer-petitions through the intercession of Mons. Cimatti and after the final song (Cimatti: Ave Maria) all went to the underground crypt with the mortal remains - tomb of the Venerable for a short prayer. Each month on the 6th is celebrated a special Mass with participation of 60+ devotees - Catholic and non Christians, who come to entrust their difficulties and struggle to the intercession of Mons. Cimatti.

As one of the most senior Japanese Salesians Fr. Kaneko confess: 'We learn from Monsignor Cimatti a lot: 'How to be united with God through the short prayers. How to be always joyfully available, ready for any service or ministry 'Faccio volontieri e subito!' - Yes, Mons. Cimatti helps us also today follow joyfully Jesus like Don Bosco!'

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