4382(I)_We experience the power of the youth

EAO Tokyo 2017, follow up 2

May 17, 2017

By Mrs Veronika Taeko Nakamura, ASC
Member of the EAO 2017 – Japan Organizing Committee

Tokyo, Japan, 17 May 2017 -- Interview with a member of the JOC (Japan Organizing Committee) of the 9th EAO regional congress of the Salesian Cooperators in Tokyo, May 7-10,2017.

With a grateful heart for the sacrificed work of the 60+ Japan volunteers (SDB, Salesian Cooperators, Friends of Don Bosco and the Youth) we ready the faith-testimony of one key member of the JOC-GIA.

What does mean the journey of the 3 years long preparation for the Tokyo ASC EAO Congress to you as Salesian Cooperator?

It was really a long way for us all, sometimes easy, and sometimes tough. Looking back this journey, I can say that it was like “Pilgrim’s Progress” written by John Bunyan. I learnt that even though we had troubles or obstacles, we could overcome them if we believe in God and help of St. Mary. Now the Congress was successfully over, and I know that all problems could be ignored in front of the most important thing; communion. This journey made me notice the importance of communion among our members as well as Salesian Family.

What do you treasure as gift, fruit, inspiration or insight from the 4 days EAO 2017 Tokyo Congress?

The most valuable fruit for me is the power of young people. They are super! Only existing there, people can be happy.

What is your dream about the future steps on the journey of the Salesian Cooperators in Japan?

It is difficult to think about the future at this point. Yet, at least I’m sure that the way we walked was not wrong. The starting point of my activity as a member of Salesian Cooperator is DBVG (I’m still working for it as a member of Secretariat), and I hope to expand this activity more wider in the future. In Japan, we still have a lot of young people who have a will to do something good for others; however, they cannot find an appropriate opportunity to do so. DBVG is one of a good opportunity for those young people to find their way and possibility.

What do you like to share with the AustraLasia readers?

So far, so good. We are planning to make a translation team to translate the ASC Formation Guidelines (ed. 2016), but before that, we want to have some rest.

Thanks! I hope to see you again in the near future.