Fr. Josph Di Prinzio, SDB passed away

By Fr. Mario Yamanouchi, SDB

Kyushu, Japan, 24 April 2017 -- 22nd of April at 4 PM was called to the House of the Father Salesian Priest Joseph Di Prinzio, Italo-Argentinian missionary in Japan at the age of 90 years, after 70 years of Salesian life, 65 years as missionary and 61 years as Salesian priest.

Before arrival to Japan (1927-1952)

Joseph was born in Chieti, Italy on 23rd Mard 1927. As many of Italians, also his family migrated to Argentina, a promise land. After his studies in agrotechnical school of St Joseph (La Trinidad, Ferre, province of Buenos Aires) entered secondary Salesian school in Bernal. In 1946 joined the Aspirantate in Ramos Mejía (Buenos Aires) followed by the Novitaite in Morón with a first profession on 31st January 1947. Between 1950-52 did his practical training in Misiones, San Jose.

Missionary Life in Japan (1952-2017)

He arrived to Japan as missionary on 31st October 1952 and after initial studies in Chofu, Tokyo was ordained in Tokyo in 1953. After ordination did work in Miyazaki (High School – teacher, footbal coach) and since 1959 start his long pilgrimage as pastor in may Oita Prefecture Catholic missions: Beppu (1959-60), Hita and Kusu (1960-67), Kusu parish priest and kindegraten principal (1967-72), Hita (1977-81), Tsukumi (1981-86), Beppu parish priest and rector (1991-96) and again in Kusu (1987-2003). Due to his ill health was assigned in 2003 as confessor in Miyazaki and since 2004 as confessor in Mikawashima (Tokyo). Since 2013 was resident of Salesio House in Beppu, base camp for the Kyushu missionaries and house for old and sick confreres. During past 4 year Fr. Di Prinzio spent many hours in prayer for many people, as witness also many letter received from many parts of Japan, especially from the Catholic he baptized during his lifetime. Always offered his sickness with serenity for his own purification and unión with the Passion of Jesus. Last 10 months spent already in one hospital in Beppu, where Fr. Simoncelli helped him daily with Holy Communion.

Fr. Joseph went with serenity to the Salesian garden on 22nd April, surrounded by members of local community (Rector Fr. Orlando Puppo) and some Friends of Don Bosco.

Vigil Mass on April 24 was presided by Fr. Provincial, who stressed his missionary spirit, very much visible in his annual Christmas Letters. He was also a spiritual guide to the Yamanouchi Family that migrated in 1964 to Argentina, where four of them received Salesian vocation. The Funeral Mass was presided by Oita Bishop Paul Hamaguchi Sueo. During the funeral were present also many members of the Salesian Family – FMA, Caritas Sisters and many Catholic from Kyushu and Tokyo.

We wish, that his favourite Scripture verse will help all of live faith in Japan with enthusiasm: ‘I’m the resurrection and life, who does believe in me will live for ever!’ (John 11,25)

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