austraLasia 1468
Salesio matsuri in Hamamatsu
From our Tokyo correspondent
NAGOYA: 28th February 2006 -- Matsuri is a
magical word in Japan. It is used for feasts tied to Japanese tradition
(from the verb matsuru meaning to honour, venerate, hold a
feast in honour of). Usually matsuri has strong local
connotations when, for example celebrated in honour of a local kami
(god), or as an annual feast of a shrine. Often the high point of matsuri
involves a procession where a float representing the temporary home of
the kami is accompanied by flutes and drums.
This brief explanation of Japanese culture is necessary for
understanding what comes...
In Hamamatsu last Sunday, not far from Nagoya where Fr Hiha
worked for 13 years and Fr Angel Yamanouchi
since last year, more than 1500 people gathered in a spirit of
camaraderie in Don Bosco's name. The main participant groups were
Brasilians and Peruvians. There were many Japanese, obviously, as well
as Filipinos, Vietnamese, Chinese, Bolivians and many other
nationalities working in nearby industries with well-known names like
Yamaha (of musical instrument fame), Honda, Suzuki, Toyota.
The celebration began with Mass in four languages with plenty of
participation encouraged by Fr Angel. Brasilian volunteers saw to
well-stocked stalls with food for lunch afterwards, at a reasonable
price as is the custom in Japan for these occasions; games for the
kids, singing, various youth groups performing and then the crowning
moment - the famed Caritas Sisters of Miyazaki Choir all the way from
Tokyo, a good four hours drive away. There was Bingo to fill in the
dull moments and keep everyone busy till late afternoon. The proceeds
of the day were on behalf of the young, especially those who come to
the Hamamatsu Salesian Centre. The kami carried in procession at the
end of the feast, to the sound of drums and the sight of ballerinas,
was one all Salesians would recognise - none other than Don Bosco!
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