4890_Young Volunteers reflect on the DBVG 2018

Salesian Mission Day Japan 2018

By Mr. Chihiro Okawa, EXDB

Tokyo, Japan, 20 October 2018 -- The annual "Salesian Mission Day" Provincial gathering was held at Chofu Salesian Parish. In this gathering, members of the DBVG (Don Bosco Overseas Youth Volunteer Group) who were dispatched to Don Bosco Rural Training Centre in Tetere, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands for 2 weeks of shared activities over the summer, reflected on their experience. The DBVG was founded in 1991 by the late Bishop Francis Mizobe, SDB (at that time, he was the Provincial) and the youths who wanted to do some good for others.

Fr Daisuke Kitagawa, SDB (the group leader) and Cl. Ryosaku Tsutsumi, SDB, who is now in Papua New Guinea as a young missionary, took part in the DBVG for the first time, but 4 young volunteers were all involved in this overseas dispatch for the second time or more, so we were able to listen to their sophisticated and heartwarming report on the work, the exchange with the students at the DB schools, the visit to Sali village, the cultural activities etc. Fr Kitagawa reflected that it was a very nice opportunity for him to join the DBVG, and praised the spiritual growth of the youths.

After that, Fr Michael Haruyama Lap, SDB who worked as a missionary in the Solomon Islands for seven years from 2006, talked about his missionary experience with humor, remembering the simplicity and honesty of the people of Tetere parish, and shared his zeal on evangelization in Japan.

Then Fr Hideaki Hamaguchi, SDB the Provincial, presided over the prayer for the Salesian Missions, with the intention that each one would be a good witness for Christ in each place of this world.

At the dinner party, Fr Achille Loro Piana, SDB, the Provincial Delegate for Missions gave thanks that we were able to gather in a homely atmosphere, and gave a toast. And in the end Fr Shin Mishima, SDB, the Secretary General of the DBVG, gave the Good Night Talk, and this rich gathering was closed.

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