Salesian Formation - Chofu style
Tokyo, Japan, 3 October 2016 -- In our Salesian Formation House in Chofu we live as happy family of 18 Salesians from Japan, Poland, Vietnam, Korea and India with two Novices and three Senior Aspirants who attend different Universities in Tokyo. We are 9 Priests, 3 Brothers and 6 candidates for the priesthood. As community we are proud to be the only Formation house in Japan, founded in 1950. Venerable Mons. Vincent Cimatti passed away in Chofu on October 6, 1965 and we remember every 6th of the month this day with many Catholics coming for the Eucharist.
Chofu parish (St John Bosco) with 1500 Catholics, Sunday School, Youth Center, Vocation ministry, Cimatti Museum and Salesian Family (Cooperators and ADMA) offer a wonderful experience to our young candidates and Salesians. We are also lucky with one community of FMA sisters who are looking for our kitchen and laundry.
As international and multicultural community we notice a wonderful leap in English language (even our Aspirants and Novices are able to communicate well!) and in the same time our house is becoming the first ground for the initial formation of incoming missionaries to Japan (Vietnam, Korea and Timor Leste).
Among the healthy Salesian traditions of Japan province we foster the joyful music environment left by Mons Cimatti. Starting from ordinary community prayers song and music, up to the mastering of different musical instruments and young confreres choir. Presence of five elderly confreres, priests and brothers, gives our community a special touch of large family.
