austraLasia #3165
MIYAZAKI: 2 December 2012 -- 75 years ago, on 20 December 1937, the Salesian Province of Japan took on a formal canonical status. Fr Cimatti was informed of the news on 29 January following, and communicated the fact to confreres in a letter on 22 February. (Communications moved more slowly then than they do now!). It was just 11 years after the arrival of the first group of missionaries led by Fr Cimatti. The Rector Major was in Japan recently to highlight the solemn celebration of this anniversary.
When they arrived in Japan in 1926, the Salesians began their work at Miyazaki, the city that can be regarded as the cradle of Don Bosco's sons in Japan. For this reason the annual Rector's Meeting this year was held in Miyazaki, on 30 November and 1st December.
The first day was given over to reflection on the basic topics for the next Provincial Chapter: how to be mystics, prophets and servants for the young in Japan today. Confreres are contributing already to preparations for the Provincial Chapter by responding to questionnaires drawn up by the preparatory commission.
On the second day the Rectors dealt with practical issues in the Province. The event concluded with a visit to some areas where pioneer Salesians were working, before the War, and where the Sisters of Charity of Jesus came into existence as a flourishing women's institute.
Rectors Meeting, Japan, at Miyazaki on 75th anniversary
When they arrived in Japan in 1926, the Salesians began their work at Miyazaki, the city that can be regarded as the cradle of Don Bosco's sons in Japan. For this reason the annual Rector's Meeting this year was held in Miyazaki, on 30 November and 1st December.
The first day was given over to reflection on the basic topics for the next Provincial Chapter: how to be mystics, prophets and servants for the young in Japan today. Confreres are contributing already to preparations for the Provincial Chapter by responding to questionnaires drawn up by the preparatory commission.
On the second day the Rectors dealt with practical issues in the Province. The event concluded with a visit to some areas where pioneer Salesians were working, before the War, and where the Sisters of Charity of Jesus came into existence as a flourishing women's institute.
