Japan Salesian Cooperators prepare for the World Congress 2018

By Fr. Achille Loro Piana, SDB

Tokyo, Japan -- On Sunday 15th of April about 40 Salesian Cooperators, SDB and FMA Delegates of the Japan Province have gathered at Chofu - Tokyo for their annual General Assembly.

Some of the partecipants came from as far as Kyushu, Osaka and Yokkaichi. Besides the SDB Provincial Fr. Mario Yamanouchi and FMA Provincial Sr. Wakayo Morishita, who both gave the opening address, also the SDB delegate Fr. Achille Loro Piana and FMA delegate Sr. Sumie Kenjo make a vibrant speech to welcome, thank and cheer up the Assembly.

After the Mass celebrated by Fr. Provincial some feedback took place on the cooperators’ activities during this first year that follows the succesful Tokyo EAO Salesian Cooperators Assembly of May 2017.

The provincial coordinator Mr. Yoshiki Uchiyama underlined that in some local Centres something new is taking shape, but not all the goals have been reached. A remarkable example comes from Beppu, where a lively Oratory has been created and three of its animators will make their promise and become coopeators on June 3, 2018.

After lunch a good deal of time was dedicated to sharing: some of the Cooperators who made their promise last year during the EAO Congress narrated their vocation story edifying the assembly with their interesting happening and faith journey. It was then presented the Action plan for the new school year that in Japan has just started a couple of weeks ago.

Much is expected from incoming ASC World Congress (October 25-28,2018) in which the SDB Provincial delegate, Provincial Coordinator and one Young Salesian Cooperator will partake.

At the end Fr. Mario Yamanouchi, SDB Provincial, appreciated the wonderful meeting that brought many fruits and was characterized by an authentic joy and heartfelt fraternity.

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