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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