Fr Joseph Marikazu Furuki passes away in Japan

By Fr Mario Yamanouchi, SDB

Nagasaki, Japan, 11 June 2016 -- Fr Joseph Marikazu Furuki, 66 years old went to the house of the Father on June 8, 2016 after a year-long struggle with a multiple terminal cancer in Aino, Nagasaki diocese, Japan.

An extraordinary Salesian priest, who started his secondary school studies at 25 years of age in Salesian High School – Aspiranate in Kawasaki (Yokohama diocese). His multifaceted 37 years consecrated life witness and 29 years as Salesian priest was marked by a strong spirit of humble service to the young and Catholic community.

Among his obedience destinations: Miyazaki (Hyuga Gakuin, High School) 1987-1992, Tokyo - Suginami (Salesian Polytechnic) 1992-1996, Oita (Kyushu, Center for students) 1996-1999, Aino (Diocese of Nagasaki, Parish and Kindergarten) 1999-2011, Nagasaki diocese service (Deputy administrator; after the 2011 Tsunami was in charge of the Catholic Center for reconstruction in the Ohstuchi City – Sendai, North Japan) 2011-2014 and last destination was a parish of Togitsu (Nagasaki diocese) since 2014 until his death.

As a true son of Don Bosco we put all his talents at the service of the youngsters. He was a good in music (guitar, composing songs), quality coach of table tennis, passion for fishing and cooking, skillful in the landscaping of Salesian houses (Japanese garden), very good partner for a lengthy conversation, expert in trees and vegetation etc.

But foremost the Salesian of St Francis Xavier province remember his spiritual simplicity and depth, very much identified with the Cross of Jesus in his following of Jesus – Good Shepherd. As a good Japanese missionary inter gentes was always ready to reach out to the poor and young people that was not always well understood by the senior Salesians. As a true samurai was little stubborn (also his hairstyle as a samurai) he never gave up his priority for the marginalized youth and also in search of new vocations (for the Salesian Aspirantate or diocesan minor seminary).

Until the last moments of his life, in spite of so much suffering of the chemotherapy side effects was enthusiastic to speak about vocations, familiar with many Catholic communities in Kyushu. We are sure, that from heaven will find all possible means how to ‘fish’ new Salesian vocations in the Japanese sea.

The funeral celebration was presided by Bishop Joseph Mitsuaki Takami in the Cathedral of Urakami, Nagasaki with the participation of 500 faithful, religious and priest, including many SDB and Salesian Family members. Especially the Caritas Sisters of Jesus were his close collaborators, as well Fr. Furuki was an older brother of Sr. Teresia Furuki, their present General Superior. The homily and final greeting during the funeral Mass was addressed by the Salesian Provincial of Japan, Fr. Mario Yamanouchi.

The confreres of Japan are entrusting to your prayers also some other suffering confreres – Fr. Ishii (Tokyo – Adachi) suffering with terminal cancer as well Fr. Fraga recovering after a very complicated operation!

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