Chofu, Tokyo, Japan, 16 October 2024-- The first meeting of the Salesian Family Japan Provincial Council (Consulta) was held in a combined in-person and online session on 16 October. Responding to the call from Fr Joseph Shoichiro Nakada, SDB (Vice-Provincial), the Delegate for the Salesian Family in Japan, 9 participants from 7 groups of the Salesian Family in Japan (SDB, FMA, SCG [Caritas Sisters of Jesus], ADMA, ASC, EXDB, Unione (EXFMA)) gathered. The Advisory Council was established at the idea and suggestion of Fr Joan Luis Playá, SDB, the Delegate of the Rector Major for the Salesian Family, who visited Japan this year.
The meeting started with a prayer for the Salesian family. After the participants introduced themselves, Fr. Nakada explained the purpose of the Consulta, which is to enable the groups of the Salesian Family to ‘think together, work together and pray together’ in a spirit of unity, cooperation, and co-responsibility, while animating their charisms and getting to know each other better. Fr Nakada also shared some of the points of the meeting of the Delegates for the Salesian Family in the EAO region recently held. He also pointed out that the purpose of Consulta is in line with the Synod, which is currently being held in Rome, which is aiming for “Synodality” in the Church.
The participants shared their positive views on finding fruitfulness as the Salesian Family in the future through a series of opportunities.
They also confirmed that the SF groups will work together to make concrete preparations for the 100th anniversary of the Salesians' arrival in Japan, which is coming up in February 2026.
The meeting closed with the Lord's Prayer, and it was decided that the Council would meet as needed, with a basic meeting schedule of about three times a year, including the SF Joint Council meeting in January.