austraLasia #2276

Diamond Jubilee of Salesian arrival in Tokyo

TOKYO: 13th October 2008 -- On Sunday 12th October, the Archbishop of Tokyo, Peter Okada Takeo, was surrounded by many members of the Salesian Family as he celebrated a Mass commemorating 75 years since the Salesians came to this city.  The event took place in the Parish of Mikwajima, in the Arakawa area where the Salesians opened their first House in January 1933.  It was one of the poorest areas of Tokyo.
    The coming of the Salesians to Tokyo was the crowning fulfilment of Fr Cimatti's dream. He appointed Fr Peter Piacenza as the first superior of the community. The joy was short-lived. Fr Piacenza died just two years later, leaving Cimatti with the task of finding a new man for the task.
    Sunday's Mass was well-attended not only by local parishioners but by parishioners from nearby parishes including those administered by the Salesians. The celebration was especially significant for the presence of Fr Andrew Wong, the new Regional Councillor for EAO, who has just arrived in Japan to begin the consultation for the appointment of a new provincial.
    The Mass was followed by an unforgettable fraternal 'agape' and a number of folk presentations, amongst which the ritual opening of a fine bottle of 'sake' for the toasts, and a concert of traditional Japanese drumming performed by young parishioners.
    The current parish priest is Fr Joseph Nishimoto. 
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Title: australasia 2276
Subject and key words: EAO Provinces GIA 75th in Tokyo
Date (year): 2008
ID: 2000-2099|2276