Gospel Magic - the value of surprise
digital interview with Fr Petro Yasutaka
Muramatsu, aka 'Mickey'
NAKATSU (Kyushu, Japan) June 21, 2014 -- What follows is an
interview across the ether with Fr Petro Yasutaka
Muramatsu, aka Fr Mickey to many who have benefited,
including spiritually, from his Gospel magic. It is a
fascinating interview. Now, over to 'Mickey' ...
1. How and when did you start
with magic? Who was your inspiration, master?
When I was a little child I watched a magic show on TV with my
family and it gave me a big surprise and left a strong
impression on me. And I got to know that there was joy and
pleasure in surprising people. I also came to think that I
would like to become someone who pleased and delighted people.
Then when I was 10 years old, I performed a cheap trick alone
for the first time at a class party at elementary school. My
mother had bought me a book on magic, so I decided to put it
into practice. This is my first memory as a magician. But I
didn’t want to be a magician. I had already decided to be a
priest since 'graduating' from my Catholic kindergarten!
Following this I forgot about magic and I didn’t play magic
anymore until I was a university student. I don’t know why.
Perhaps it was because I only considered becoming a priest.
But when I read a book about Don Bosco as an aspirant, I used
to think that I wanted to be like Don Bosco (an entertainer
priest, if you like).
Mr. Maric (the Super Magician) appeared on TV when I was a
university student and senior aspirant. And he lit a fire in
my magician's heart. I picked up on the earlier intuition of
wanting to be someone who could please [ surprise and ] and
delight by magic. And little by little I begun to collect
magic items and books. I started to learn more and show my
magic to my friends. And little by little I performed magic
shows at academies (little concerts) and at the Seminary under
the pseudonym of “Mr. Muramaric”. Even when I was a
novice I was doing this.
When I was in Philippines as a seminarian, one day I performed
some minor magic at a party, and I was regarded as a magician
ever since. That’s why I have always had to prepare some
tricks for any gathering, and constantly find new tricks. This
led to me honing my magic skills and performance techniques.
On return to Japan, I found a good class for learning magic on
a DVD, “Monthly magic lesson”. I became much more
professional. I also found a Magic Bar near the provincial
house when I was provincial secretary. Occasionally I would go
there and watch professionals perform. At the same time
I made friends with professional magicians here and there.
While the magic skills improved, the opportunities to perform
magic also increased. Now, I belong to the "Oita magic study
group", take part in their regular monthly meeting.
2. Who are the first
beneficiaries of your Gospel Magic? (why this term? It
sounds so interesting) - Salesians,? Kids? The Sisters ... ?
As for the term “Gospel Magic” there are many genres in magic.
“Gospel Magic” is one of them. I have to say that I did not
know of a genre called gospel magic, but my Facebook friend
who researches magic taught me that there can be gospel magic.
And also he taught that the first
gospel magician in the world was Don Bosco: (you can
check out his Wikipedia article to this effect).
So, while I didn’t know about the term “Gospel Magic”, I
was in fact already performing “Gospel magic”. As a university
student, I was a magician who merely surprised and delighted
people. But I came to consider that as insufficient when I was
a theology student in the Philippines and I tried to mix
catechesis or God's message with my magic performance, and
continue to do so now.
As a Gospel magician, I want people to sense God's existence,
and can notice that the blessings and work of God are in our
surroundings. Seeing my magic helps people to sense God's
presence.
3. This is a fascinating
apostolic activity. What are its results?
1. You can share joy with every generation. They all love it -
kids to the elderly.
2. It is a way of sharing God's message, which we can
express in various ways, such as: “God is always with us.”
“All we need is hope to live and God provide it for us.” “Even
if the blessing of God is not a foregone conclusion, it is
always there.” “Family should be one.” Etc…
3. Magic is memorable and leaves a strong impact.
4. What gave you the
idea of sharing it on YouTube? Who helped you?
Magic on YouTube is also a good magic class. That’s why
I use YouTube. I note that it is effective for introduce my
gospel magic. Fortunately my compact digital camera has a
function for taking movies to put on YouTube. So I thought
that I had to use this and share my Gospel magic with many
people around the world.
When I began, I made my magic movies alone at midnight (to
avoid noise) and I needed to do it many times over because of
mistakes (performance, patter ...) I needed patience, too. But
live shows are more interesting, so if possible, I try to do a
live show and ask someone who knows how to use a digital
camera to take the movie. Then I do the editing work myself.
Since there is no assistant, I add music to the movie and
attach captions one by one, after my normal work. Normally it
takes about 3~4 weeks to make a magic movie this way.
5. Any future dreams for
Gospel Magic?
Yes, setting up a Gospel magician team, proclaiming the Gospel
message through Magic, sharing good ideas to perform.
Oh, and writing a Gospel Magic 'Bible' or book on how to
perform Gospel Magic. I find doing magic easy but
getting the message across is much more difficult. I
would also like to help form Gospel magician priests and
religious.
6. Any message for the young
people of Japan and/or our EAO region?
Everyone is given a special talent by God. Find it and polish
it. Harness the talent given from God.
Don't use your talents to satisfy yourself, but use them for
helping God and His will.
By doing so, you could make people happy. And you will notice
that you are also happy without being aware about it. It is
important to humbly pray: Lord! Please, use me that your will
be done”.
Fr.
Muramatsu Petro Yasutaka (email: mickey_sdb@hotmail.com_)
(at present Rector, Economer of Nakatsu community (Kyushu
island, Japan) . Working at Boys and Girls home as Chief
childcare worker and foster parent support counsellor.
