GENERALATE-ROME: August 30, 2014
–
Fr
Mario Yamanouchi the vice
provincial of Japan was the tour
guide as 18 confreres made their
pilgrimage to the Salesian
places in France and Italy. They
started on the 18th of August
and they returned on the 29th.
This 10-day pilgrimage includes
Annecy- the place of St Francis
de Sales, Valdocco-Turin and
Castelnuovo with other nearby
towns. Then Rome, of course,
where the 10th successor of Don
Bosco, Fr Angel Fernandez
Artime, SDB is at work.
On August 29, they had
toured the Vatican and other
Roman sites.
Before going to the airport,
their last 5 hours were spent in
the Generalate where they met
the Rector Major, had their
photo sessions and then lunch.
They had a short conference
where they arranged the chairs
in a circle. Fr Urata translated
the Rector Major's talks while
Fr Mario would add some comments
from time to time. During this
session, it was impressive to
note that the Rector Major was
so interested to hear from the
confreres, both young and old.
At two different occasions he
asked for comments and listened
to their reactions.
One of the significant messages
of the Rector Major was that
during the GC27, we Salesians
have discerned where we should
be going to, and we have become
aware again that, like Don
Bosco, we go where we are needed
by the young, to those who are
poor and marginalized (in the periphery).
When a province does not expect
to change, when they want to
remain self-contented, even if
they are already a bit far from
the spirit of Don Bosco, then
that province is going down.
It is good that we are feeling
sensitive about following Christ
radically like Don Bosco;
questioning ourselves about it
always. So, share it with other
confreres. Talk about it in your
province. But be tranquil in
your ways for change, and
continue to have a courageous
heart, without being discouraged
because of the slow changes.
You Salesians of Japan should
have a face of Don Bosco with a
Japanese style, but should also
have the oratorian heart,
Valdocco style.
