austraLasia #2370

Salesian school in Osaka rebuilt

OSAKA: 4th March 2009 -- The opening and blessing of the completely rebuilt Salesian school in Osaka took place on Saturday 28th February. The Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Alberto Bottari de Castello and the Auxiliary Bishop of Osaka, Michael Matsuura Goro were joined by various civil authorities, representatives of Catholic education (there are some 100 Catholic educational institutes in the diocese), the Provincial and director of the administration council, Fr Aldo Cipriani, many confreres and Salesian Family representatives, and many past pupils.
    The rebuilding project, made necessary by the quite rigid new regulations regarding earthquakes and building, started out some 15 years ago, but struck a number of obstacles, including the discovery of important archeological materials in the school courtyard. This slowed progress.  The new building is now not only very solid but roomy, filled with light, and functional.
    Founded in 1949 by Fr Angelo Margiaria, a member of the first Salesian missionary expedition to Japan led by the Venerable Fr Vincent Cimatti, the school "Seiko Gakuin" or 'Shining Light' is well known for the commitment of its staff, its excellent results. Today with 1220 students and 65 teachers, Seiko Gakuin sees many of its past pupils going on to some of the best of japan's universities. However, the current Principal, Fr John Bosco Namiki Toyokatsu, says, the distinctive feature of the school is not so much the academic level, important as that is, but the Gospel, Christian and Salesian spirit which permeates everything: education, activities, the atmosphere in the school
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Title: australasia 2370
Subject and key words: EAO Provinces GIA
Date (year): 2009
ID: 2000-2099|2370