Tokyo: 12 October 2010 -- The Venerable Monsignor Cimatti,
affectionately known as 'Don Cimatti' by all who knew him, died 45
years ago on 6 October 1965. Cultural figure as he also was,
outstanding amongst other things for musical talent honed in the
crucible of the Second World War, this year's annual concert in his
honour evoked strong emotions of prayer and peace on a day when another
war, in faraway Afghanistan, claimed yet more victims
The concert in honour of the Venerable Mons. Vincent
Cimatti, the 45th anniversary concert, was held on 11 October, although
the commemoration of his death is some days earlier. Since 6 October
was a weekday this year, it was celebrated with a solemn Mass in which
various confreres, members of the Family and friends of Cimatti took
part. Fr Andrew Wong, Regional for EAO, who is currently carrying out
the Extraordinary Visitation in Japan, was also there.
The national holiday recalling the Tokyo Olympics in
1964 is held on 11 October, so offering an opportunity this year
for many more people to be involved in the commemorative Cimatti
concert, which took place in the huge Italian Institute of Culture Hall
in central Tokyo.
The Vice Director of the Institute greeted people,
praising Cimatti, and recalling his contribution and that of the
missionaries not just in the religious area but also for fostering
culture in Japan. At the end of his welcoming address he invited those
present to observe a minute's silence in prayerful memory of Italian
soldiers who died this day in Afghanistan, carrying out a mission of
peace.
The Oratorio Bonus Pastor composed by
Cimatti in 1944, when Tokyo was under constant bombardment, was
performed first. The performers were outstanding in evoking the
yearning for peace and reconciliation that Cimatti sought to infuse in
this work during that sad time.
After interval his operetta Carma was
performed, a story of conversion. The finale to this operetta is
marvellous, a powerful chorus of invocation and thanks to Mary Help,
and her powerful intercession in the missionary apostolate. In
Cimatti's music, the Marian pieces are amongst the best and become an
invitation to prayer.
The key performers (professionals) and choir from
four Tokyo churches ( Chofu, Shimoigusa, Himonya and Fuchu) truly gave
honour to the occasion. The hope is that Don Cimatti will soon be
proclaimed Blessed. _________________ AustraLasia is an
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