762 GIA Salesian Family gathers round Fr Puppo
austraLasia 762
 
JAPAN: FR. PUPPO THE CENTRE OF SALESIAN FAMILY CELEBRATION
 
CHOFU: 29th November '03 -- The Salesian Family in Japan gathered around the SDB Provincial, Rev. Fr. Orlando Puppo, for a night of Eucharist and Fellowship on his name day.  It was the first for Fr. Puppo, who was informed of his appointment as Superior of the Province of St. Francis Xavier exactly a year and a day ago. 
After a two-day meeting with the rectors, school principals and parish priests of the Salesian presences in the whole of Japan, the rest of the Salesian Family -- the Salesians, the Salesian Sisters, the Miyazaki Caritas Sisters, and the Salesian Cooperators, together with their own respective provincials -- braved the cold and the rain just to be present with Fr. Puppo around the altar of the Lord and around the table of a fellowship meal.

The celebration was mainly organized by the Vice-Provincial, Fr. Mitsugi Matsuo, but the representatives from the different groups were very active to lend a hand.  The program was hosted by a young Salesian Sister and a young Caritas Sister.  The "Puppo Quiz" was organized by the Cooperators.  And a one-act play on Dominic Savio (complete with video accounts) was presented by the senior aspirants and young confreres. 

During his speech, Fr. Puppo called on all the members of the Salesian Family to be FAMILY working with zeal and connected in heart.  This call coincides with the present thrust of the Salesian Province in a reflection for renewal as they prepare for their coming Provincial Chapter.  (It would also be good to note that the Miyazaki Caritas Sisters just finished their own FIRST Provincial Chapter since they became a Province six years ago.)

Here is one piece of proof that the Salesian Family in Japan is alive, deep and sincere in continuing the spirit and charism of St. John Bosco and in sharing this with the young, often lost in the fast pace of modern technology, comfort and a seemingly meaningless daily life.
  
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