Tokyo, Japan, 3 March 2022 -- One among the most senior members of Japan Province (95 years), Fr. Dominic Savio Kennosuke Kaneko went to the Salesian Garden on 26 February 2022. Father Dominic was born on 10 March 1927 in Oita Prefecture, Kyushu Island. He made his first vows as a Salesian of Don Bosco on 26 March 1944 and was ordained priest on 14 May 1953. We give thanks for his joyful life witness as a Salesian religious for 78 years and a Salesian priest for 69 years - amidst the young people and Catholic community in Japan.
We share some of the lasting witness of his last few years journey:
Apostle of the Mass
As a priest, he lived for the Mass. He made the Mass the pillar of his life and lived by it until the end. Every morning when he woke up, the first question he would ask was, "What time does Mass start?" And during the day, he often asked the same question. And he asked the same question again and again during the day. Many times he went to the sacristy to look for his alb and stole and was ready to be vested for Mass.
The heart of the community
Father Domenico was the centre of the Community. In the last few years, each member of the community supported him, because he suffered from dementia and was both blind and deaf. But his presence made the community united, full of joy and happiness. His community said: “We can only truly live as a community when we take care of those who are the most vulnerable. Without his weakened form, we would not have known how to suffer and rejoice together as brothers. It is precisely with his presence that he taught us to live together in the love of Christ. Now that he is gone, there is a huge hole in our hearts.”
Three 'S's he cherished: “Santità” - “Salesiano” - “Sacerdote”
He always repeated three Ss: Santità, Salesiano, Sacerdote (Holiness, Salesian, Priest) simply because these words the Venerable Fr Vincent Cimatti whispered in his ears long time ago! May he rest in Peace! May his joyful life witness inspire others to follow Jesus!
