By Ms. Sakura Izumi

The Salesian Youth Day was organized jointly by the Youth Ministry teams of the different groups of the Salesian Family in and around Tokyo to commemorate the Bicentenary of our Founder Don Bosco. One of its events was held on 25-26 April. The youth from different groups, aged 18~30, came together for the event entitled: “Salesian Youth Day, Night-walk Pilgrimage, Now is the time to enkindle Don Bosco’s fire!” 50 youths and staff walked the distance of 23km through the night, completing the route which connected the main houses of the 3 religious congregations of the Salesian Family.

The youths gathered at the formation house of FMA in Akabane, Tokyo, where they cooked and had dinner together. All the participants received the gift of a DB200 commemorative T-shirt. After getting to know each other over dinner and games, they reflected on the meaning of the bicentenary of Don Bosco, on the Salesian Youth Movement, and listened to the message of the Rector Major, Fr. Fernandez.

The pilgrimage started out at 10:30 pm, led by “the fire of Don Bosco” which was lighted from the Paschal candle. The young pilgrims arrived at the mother house of the Sisters of Caritas of Jesus (SCG) in Suginami at 2 am. The Caritas sisters had been praying for them before the Blessed Sacrament. They had a light snack prepared by the sisters, had a moment of adoration and resumed their walk. At 6:30 in the morning, all 50 members of the pilgrimage reached the goal of the SDB Seminariate in Chofu.

At the different congregations where they visited, the members and novices of the congregations introduced their respective history and mission. The presentations were spirited with enthusiasm to propose the way of religious life to the young people.

At Chofu, the youths participated in the Sunday mass celebrated by the Salesian Provincial, Fr. Mario Yamanouchi, at the Salesian parish St. John Bosco Church, neighboring the Seminariate. The young pilgrims felt relieved from their fatigue as they gratefully took lunch prepared by the Salesian Cooperators.

At the end of the 2 days program, the youths shared their experiences: “During these two days, I could feel we are connected with and supported by many people as a Family” (teenager, female); “The project seemed too ambitious, so I was surprised to see 50 people showing up! It was fun to meet various people from different parishes and schools! I want to say thank you to everyone!” (20s, male); “I felt the unity among us, journeying on the way that God shows us through Don Bosco” (20s, female).

Another event with the teenage youth, “Salesian Youth Day!! Don Bosco Cup – Sports Fes and Stay overnight: Run, Jump, Make Noise, but do not sin!!” was held on 6-7 June. The young participants got together at the FMA formation house in Akabane, Tokyo, played sports, prayed the vespers and had dinner together. On the next day, they attended mass at the Salesian parish, Santa Maria of Edo, and continued to enjoy their sharing.

The Salesian parishes which used to flourish with activities for many children and young people have been experiencing decline in number of youngsters and youth leaders in these few decades. This may be caused by different factors such as decline in number of children among the population, or less young Salesians available than before to accompany the young. As it had been difficult to gather many youngsters for an event these past few years, 50 youths and leaders turning out for the pilgrimage was a happy surprise for the youth teams. The Salesian Family would like to make the Salesian Youth Day an ongoing movement, taking up the fire of Don Bosco, set ablaze during the Bicentenary, to light the hearts of many more young people.

The Salesian Family in Japan will conclude the Bicentenary of Don Bosco’s Birth on 23 November 2015 with a commemorative meeting at the Cathedral in Tokyo. A symposium on the Salesian mission for youth, presentation of a drama on Don Bosco, a commemorative solemn mass will mark a new start for the Salesian Family in Japan.