Salesian Family Spirituality Seminar 2019 in Tokyo

By Mr Chihiro Okawa, EXDB

Tokyo, Japan, 9 February 2019 -- The Salesian Family Spirituality Seminar 2019 (Tokyo) was held on 9 February at the Provincial House of the Caritas Sisters of Jesus (Suginami Ward, Tokyo). About 120 people participated while the snow was falling.

Under the direction of Fr Michael Haruyama Lap , SDB (the Vice Provincial), the first lecture was taken up by Fr Peter Mishima, SDB.

Fr Mishima explained this year 's Strenna “Holiness for you, too" with reference to the Apostolic Exhortation "Gaudete et exsultate" by Pope Francis and the message of our Rector Major Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, SDB.

In particular, Fr Mishima emphasized that Holiness is not difficult but very close to us.

1. All people are called toHoliness.
2. Holiness is "joy", "happiness", and Jesus Christ.

Also, it was pointed out that out of the 168 saints of the Salesian Family, 46 are young people. Fr Mishima emphasized that we need more Salesian saints who walk with the young, for the young, like Don Bosco. full of joy and humour.

After lunch, the 2nd lecture was given by Fr Alexander Abe, SDB, entitled "Sound of Joy". Fr Abe pointed out that in practicing the Strenna, the theme of Scripture is important, and he explained very clearly the line "So that my joy may be in you" (Jn 15,11).

According to Fr Abe, Holiness is being "familiar" with Christ and his goodness. From there, we have to deepen the Joy in the three dimensions that is exactly what Pope Francis is aiming for.

1. Joy of being with Christ as an individual feeling (Gaudium)
2. Joy of togetherness with others (Laetitia)
3. Joy at the level of the cosmos (Exsultatio)

Then Fr Abe advised the participants to deepen their ordinary daily lives keeping pace with Christ, growing through teaming with others in familiarity, affection and compassion, and letting us sound the Joy of Holiness all around the world.

After that, the participants were divided into small groups, and shared and reflected based on the two lectures. Finally, a Strenna rap music was performed by Fr Paul Tamura, SDB, and the seminar concluded in an atmosphere of Salesian-like Joy.

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