From the journal of Father Cimatti
On December 29, 1925, the first group of missionaries left Genoa on the German passenger ship "Fulda" bound for Japan. They were to take over from the priests of the Paris Mission who were leaving Kyushu (Oita and Miyazaki prefectures). This was a request made by Bishop Comvers of the Nagasaki Diocese to the Salesian Society and the Pontifical Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, with the consent of Monsignor Degabriand, superior of the Paris Mission. The members of the first mission were as follows (their ages are included for reference):
Vincenzo Cimatti Priest (Age 46) (Italian) From the Valsalice branch Giovanni Tanguy Priest (Age 45) (French) From Spain Antonio Cavoli Priest (Age 37) (Italian) From the Perugia branch Pietro Piacenza Priest (Age 26) (Italian) From the Lanzo Branch Leone Liviavera Priest (Age30) (Italian) From the Rome branch Ajello Marjarian Priest (Age27) (Italian) From Alexandria, Egypt Luigi Guaschino Monk (Age32) (Italian) From the Aosta branch Alfonso Merlino Monk (Age24) (Italian) From the Turin Martinet branch Giovanni De Mattia Monk (Age37) (Italian) From the Faenza branch
Boarding ticket Passenger list The delegation's dispatch took place in the memorable year of the 50th anniversary of the Salesian Society's overseas activities. As this dispatch to Japan was a new project, the superiors wanted the delegation to go to Rome and receive the special blessing of the Pope before departing.
During this special and unforgettable audience, the Pope said the following to us:"You leave with the blessing of your superiors and men of good will, and I also bless your mission. The place to which you are being sent is one that is full of promise, one that has borne much fruit in the past and where the seeds of great missionaries remain. Leave therefore with the firmness of conviction required for your vocation and missionary work (here the Pope blessed us). You leave in the glorious anniversary year of the sending of the first [Salesian] missionaries to Argentina and Patagonia. I pray that your mission to Japan will bring similar results. Leave like the apostles sent by Jesus Christ. With the same attitude of heart, work to spread the kingdom of God in the hearts of those entrusted to you."
Missionaries Sent Out Father Cimatti (enlarged) They also did not forget Cardinal Cariello [a Salesian], who was the greatest benefactor of the Japanese missions, who worked hard to make this mission a reality and who provided the initial travel expenses. Each missionary also gave a performance and wrote letters to friends, benefactors, students, and alumni, asking for support in every way possible, and expanding the circle of friends in the missions so that gifts and donations could be received.
After the moving ceremony before departure, the preparations for the trip, the final farewells to friends and benefactors, and the words of remembrance from superiors, especially the esteemed Rector General Rinaldi, the day of departure from Genoa, December 29th, came before we knew it.
Testimony of Father Margiaria Angelo
Before we left, Father General Rinaldi kindly offered us Mass in Don Bosco's room and left us with the following words: "You are about to depart for a distant country, a country that is developing culturally and economically. Only one thing is expected of you: to bring the love of Jesus Christ, of Christ crucified!" (T,4,35)
Salesian Headquarters (Turin)
Port Said, January 2, 1926
To the Superior General, Father Rinaldi Filippo
Dear Father Rinaldi,
We arrived safely at Port Said. (Omitted) The crew are all Protestants, but they are very kind and serious. They take good care of us in every way.
Most of the passengers were foreigners. The Italians were 29 of us Salesians, three Sisters from the Society of Our Lady Help of Christians, and members of an Italian opera company heading to Japan and China to perform (one of them was a graduate of the Salesian School in Milan). There were a total of just over 50 people. Everyone celebrated New Year's Day in the true Christian, Italian way. A young Japanese person who had studied at the University of Vienna also attended mass with us. (Omitted)
Even though I am in a different environment and surrounded by worldly conveniences and noise, I try to maintain as much peace of mind as possible and actively lead a monastic life.
Father Rinaldi Personally, I offer myself to Jesus as a sacrifice, the abilities he has given me, and the goodness he generously gives me every day. Arrogant as I am, thinking I know everything, I cannot do anything other than what I have just described. I love only Jesus and the souls of those entrusted to me, striving to be completely cleansed of the attachments I cut off when I left. Please pray that Jesus would accept my offering so that my soul may be saved and that, by God's grace, the hearts of the Japanese people may be opened.
Greetings to our superiors. We remember you every day. Bless you all, especially me, who needs you most (it's true!).
Your dearly beloved son, Father V. Cimatti
