TOKYO: 26 March 2012 -- Monday 26
March was a special day for the Chofu, Tokyo Salesian community. The
morning was given over to a meeting of Rectors: those coming to
the end of their term, or continuing, or the four of them newly
appointed to this service. In Japan the financial year and the school
year come to an end on 31st March and the new year begins on 1st April.
The Rectors were given the province budget for this 24th year of
the Heisei era, which they then approved. Heisei (平成) is the current
era in Japan. The Heisei era started on 8 January 1989, the first day
after the death of the then reigning Emperor, Hirohito. His son,
Akihito, succeeded to the throne. To convert a Western era year after
2000 to Heisei, take the year, subtract 2000 and add 12. Example for
2012: 2012−2000+12 = Heisei 24.
Another important topic was discussion of the “protocol” or document on
protection of minors and prevention of abuse against minors. The action
plan for the new year was approved, and much interest was also shown in
discussion of the much-awaited visit by the Rector Major planned
for 21 to 26 September next.
Then in the afternoon there was the first profession of brother Tran
Quang Trung. The newly professed is of Vietnamese descent but was born
in Japan 20 years ago of parents who came to Japan as boat people in
the early 70's. This day's ceremony as well as the priestly ordination
that took place on the 15th of this month are the first results of the
ministry that has been carried out towards immigrants in the Land of
the Rising Sun.
The ceremony, at which the provincial, Fr Aldo Cipriani,
presided, was simple but impressive. There are no new novices for this
coming year, but we sincerely hope there will be others for the year
that follows.
