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A life-changing synodal experience

By Mr. Raphael Makoto Yamada
Past Pupil of Don Bosco

Tokyo, Japan, 9 December 2021 -- What is the Synod? What is the ynodality about? Where is the space for our young people in this global Catholic Church movement today? One Japanese Bosconian, VIDES JAPAN member, Mr Raphael Yamada Makoto, shares his Rome experience in 2021:

From 8-26 October I was once more involved in the Synodal process (after 2 years) in Rome, initiated from 9 October by Pope Francis. We took part in the process as representatives of young people (young adults) from each country around the world. ‘Synod on Synodality’. The visit was not only fantastic, but also a bit of a life-changing experience in an unexpected way.

On the first day after my long flight from Japan to Italy, I stayed with my colleagues in an Urbanian University accommodation, close to the Vatican. I enjoyed the beautiful scenery of St. Peter's Square. After dinner, I felt something strange and a bit of difficulty breathing. However, over the next two days I had an important meeting, so I simply ignored these symptoms. However, this breathing difficulty continued and one day after the meeting I fell on the floor of my room and needed help.

While I was suffering, two angels came into my room whose names are Émile from Lebanon and Lucas from France. They helped me to go to hospital. Then I had surgery on my lung and stayed there. After arriving in the hospital room, I met another angel of God called Luigi. He was about my father's age and he helped me a lot with my clothes, conversations with the doctors and everything else. After 5 days I was able to leave the hospital and many people contacted me, worrying about me and praying.

This is the reason why I was able to meet many people, including those who came from Japan. There were also two missionary groups: Com Shalome and Idente. They helped me a lot during my stay in Rome, especially Wallace from Com Shalome and Taniya from Idente. Many other angels were around me and they brought me into God's plan to stay there for a long time.

To tell you the truth, it was terrible having to stay in the hospital with a lot of pain and not being able to participate in the full program of our Synod work. However, I felt the great power of God's prayers and angels, including the members of the International Youth Advisory Board. I received many blessings from God and would like to continue to work for the Dicastery and for what the Church needs in the future in Japan and in international contexts. I think this is God's plan.

Finally, I would like to say thank you to everyone especially to the Dicastery, the Laity, the Family and Life, Fr. Joao, Fr. Alexandre and Ms Dorota, Mr Joseph San Jose, praying with your hand on my lungs and giving me the power to recover. And thanks to all members of the International Youth Advisory Board. I feel so blessed to work with these members. Finally I should also appreciate the kindness and prayer of Cardinal Jean Claude Hollerich and Pope Francis.

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