austraLasia #2830 Joy amidst sorrow in Japan: newly professed
TOKYO: 27 March 2011 -- Japan is trying to get
back on its feet having been brought to its knees by such a
violent cataclysm that, at least the japenese say, is a once
in a thousand year event.
There is an air of sadness around the nation
because of the tragedy, for those who have died, those not
yet found, people who have lost everything, and there is
also fear of the many aftershocks and the as yet unresolved
nuclear emergency. But government agencies and associations,
private initiatives at various levels, aid groups from
around the world and the citizens themselves are making
themselves useful in one way or another and sharing the
sorrow of the many.
And right amidst this atmosphere of sorrow the
Salesian Family has gathered for a day of reflection in the
morning and some happy moments in the afternoon.
On the morning of Saturday 25 March, the Feast
of the Annunciation, Rectors met at the formation house at
Chofu. Topics dealt with were: the Province budget for the
new year, which begins in April in Japan. Reflection on the
Rector major's recommendations following the canonical
visitation. An overview of the three year preparation for
the 200th anniversary of Don Bosco's birth. There was
also confirmation of various dates for the Provincein the
coming year and a report on the Team Visit.
In the afternoon, during a solemn and
well-prepared Mass, priestly candidate Brother Okamoto
Francesco Daijiro made his perpetual profession and the two
novices, Takeshita Giuseppe Naokatsu and Yakushiji Gabriele
Daisuke made their first profession.
The Provincial, Fr Aldo Cipriani, presided and
in his homily, emphasised the Archangel's words to the
Virgin Mary: “The Lord is with you” suggesting they could be
applied to the newly professed who have publicly given their
“fiat”. At the end of the ceremony the three professed
expressed their thanks with well-considered and moving
words.
Two hundred people, friends, parents, members
of the Salesian Family, were there for the ceremony which,
given the circusmtances, was not followed by the traditional
fraternal agape.
There are not so many vocations in Japan since
Christains, including many migrants, make up but 1% of the
population.
But taking the place of the two newly professed
another two novices, who have all the best of intentions,
have begun their journey. Deo Gratias.
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