January 26, 1926, Singapore
To the Superior General, Father Rinaldi Filippo
Dear my daddy,
First, I will briefly write about my impressions of Colombo.(Omitted) No matter where you go in the world, we are all the same human beings. The skin color, the clothing, and the beauty of the scenery may vary, but the children of Adam and the burden they bear are the same everywhere. Coming here, they feel this even more strongly (though perhaps they are not aware of it), perhaps because they have been exposed to so little sunlight from Christian civilization. It was a life of slavery, even if it wasn't called that, it was what it was. I returned to the ship feeling disgusted and depressed. Lord, how long will this situation continue?' (Omitted)
Our Professor Uehara Senroku asked for a Latin Bible, so we presented him with the latest one we had received at Valsalice. I gave it to him on the anniversary of the Chair of St. Peter with a short dedication. He was very happy with it. Senroku-sensei uses the Bible for our Japanese lessons, translating various passages into standard Japanese. (He says that the only Japanese translation of the Bible available today is the classical Japanese.) May the light of Jesus be upon him. (Omitted)
I would like to add my report.
1) Health I'm fine. I had some minor issues, but I offered them to Jesus. I want to take on everyone's issues, but maybe Jesus won't give them to me because I can't bear them. 2) About the job I think I am using my time well. I think I could get more done alone, but the community life and caring for the younger members requires that we be together. 3) About devotional practices I am trying to receive the sacraments regularly. I have also chosen Father Cavoli, who I will be living with, as my confessor, which has been very helpful. 4) Observance of the Vows and Constitutions I try to set a good example for everyone, nothing special. Of course, I always have to control my pride and sensitivity. This is why I wanted to become a missionary. I loved the congregations, the seminarians and the students of the Valsalice Normal School so much. But, my Lord Jesus, what can I do when you have given me such a heart? I want to be completely yours! When I think of my students, who need constant support and advice to become good Salesians, I am moved to tears, Dear Rector Major. I loved them so much! I hope that Jesus will accept my small sacrifice so that the good guidance that Fr. Cimatti was unable to give me can come true. 5) About Brotherly Love I think I get along very well with everyone. President, please don't hesitate to give me your advice and opinions. I will entrust my shortcomings to you. Please bless me for that too. (Omitted) I am writing this in the guest room, kneeling at the foot of the bed. (Omitted) Please say a word for me to Jesus and His Mother [Mary], and also, if possible, to Don Bosco of Valsalice. (Note: At that time, Don Bosco's tomb was in Valsalice.) In the Lord, I embrace my good father.
Your wretched Father V. Cimatti
Testimony of Senroku Uehara (recorded on January 19, 1969)
"I still have the Bible that Father Cimatti gave me as a present. It has the following dedication written on it: 'To Senroku Uehara, with gratitude, from the first Salesian of Don Bosco dispatched to the Japanese missions, on the Fulda.'" Mr. Senroku Uehara
