Chofu, Tokyo, Japan, 8 June 2019 –- Provincial Community Day of the Salesians of Don Bosco Japan Province was held in Salesian Seminary at Chofu, Tokyo 8 July 2019. Salesians from various communities in Japan gathered to foster camaraderie and celebrate the zeal and fidelity of the Salesians who commemorate their jubilee anniversaries: namely, Fr Julien Sleuyter who celebrates his 60th anniversary of priestly ordination, Fr Dominic Savio Yukio Nagasawa and Fr. Francis Xavier Higashiki Tadahiko who celebrate their 50th anniversary of priestly ordination, Bro. Anthony of Padua Fumio Akabae who celebrates his 70th anniversary of religious profession, Fr Pawel Glogowski who celebrates his 50th anniversary of religious profession, and Fr Vincent de Paul Tetsu Iida, Fr John Bosco Takashi Maeda, and Fr Joseph Shoichiro Nakata who celebrate their 25th anniversary of religious profession.
Fr Jacob Hamaguchi, the Provincial Superior of the Salesians of Don Bosco Japan Province, said in his homily that the province was indeed in the midst of embracing changes that can evidently be witnessed through the people moving up to further formation and people whose jubilee anniversaries were celebrated. However, Fr Hamaguchi emphasized that there was one thing that remains to be constant – the Salesian identity all Salesians claim. He said it is this identity that unites and makes Salesians realize the sense of family enlivened.
After the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, all who attended the event proceeded to the refectory for a banquet. The jubilee celebrants extended their gratitude to fellow Salesians though speeches. An Academy was also prepared by the young Salesians in initial formation and pre-novices and aspirants in honor of the occasion.
