1226 Two Japanese Salesians recognised by respective governments
austraLasia 1226

Two Japanese Salesians recognised by respective governments

TOKYO: 7 August 2005 -- Fr John Bosco Kurahashi Terunobu SDB, 68 years of age and 25 years a missionary in Bolivia, has been awarded Bolivia's highest recognition, the Libertador Simon Bolivar award.  The ceremony took place in Tokyo during Fr Kurahashi's visit to Tokyo and was presided over by the Bolivian Ambassador to Japan, Doctor Joaquin A Dabdoub A., himself a Salesian past pupil and close friend of Fr Kurahashi's.
    The event, which took place on 1st August, gained prominence not only in the Tokyo Catholic newspaper, Katorikku Shinbun, but also in the photo gallery of the Japan Times this morning 7th August.
    The citation for Fr Kurahashi's award recognises his courageous efforts and practical projects in the field of education, social welfare, human rights and the like. Present for the award ceremony, other than a circle of confreres from Japan province, were members of the Foundation headed by the Japanese Catholic author Son O Ayako.  The Ambassador made mention of the support this Foundation has offered Fr Kurahashi: "Without you [he] would not have been able to carry out his immense work.  In the name of the Bolivian Government and my own name personally, I thank you with all my heart".  Fr Kurhashi's words of thanks said simply : "I thank the Lord every day for giving me the grace to live for the young".
    Meanwhile, further south in Oita province, another Salesian, Fr Jan Bury, was being recognised for his chaplaincy work in the state prison.  Fr Bury has carried out this precious and at times delicate ministry to 1380 prisoners on behalf of the Diocese of Oita.  He was amongst a group of seven recognised and thanked for their rehabilitation work.
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