Japan Province mourns former Provincial Fr Stefano Fujikawa (1943-2018)
By GIA SC
Tokyo, Japan, 2 November 2018 --- Father Stefano FUJIKAWA (1943-2018), former provincial of Japan (1997-2002) passed away this morning after a period of serious health problems. He was 75 years of age (1943-2018), with 53 years of faithful Salesian apostolic consecrated life, 44 years of priestly ministry and many years of leadership as rector, formator and provincial. Fr. Fujikawa was born in Osaka,was a former Salesian school student, well-known and appreciated for his deep humanity, for his love of traditional Japanese culture and for Don Bosco. Asa former novice master and rector he closely accompanied a generation of young confreres of Japan.
Fr Fujikawa took part as delegate in the 25th SDB General Chapter (2002) on 'The Salesian Community Today' in Rome. During his term as provincial he initiated the regular joint formation for quinquennium confreres of two provinces Korea & Japan. After his term as provincial he spent a long time in Chofu Parish and recently in the Adachi-Arakawa community in Tokyo.
We give thanks for 75 years of life, 53 years as faithful Salesian religious, 44 years in the priestly ministry and 6 years as provincial.
Dear Fr. Fujikawa, welcome to the Salesian garden!
4933(I)_Very Zealous and Free Missionary
4887(III)_Shining model of first Spanish missionary in Korea
A warm and friendly person. My few months in Japan were enjoyable. He was hospitable and made sure that I was well prepared for the Solomon Islands. It was a joy to welcome him to Henderson. Rest in Peace Fr Fujikawa.