(18) Talking about Japan to his students

Around April 15, 1926
To my student, Seminary Student Amerio Franco

My good Franco

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I'm so pleased that you write to me. What are you saying? You say you have no time? You have time for everything, if you use it well. I think what I sent you arrived, but so far I have received nothing from Valsalice except your envelope. This is also because we are far away.

I haven't heard the music of the Japanese instrument called koto yet, but I would like to learn it if possible. It has an oriental and lonely sound. It goes like this... [Only one line is set to music on five-line staves]. I taught this song to my children. They sing it pretty well. If you send me the Italian lyrics next time, I will write a Japanese melody. Here, their school has music classes, and they also teach Western music. For Easter, I composed "Regina coeli, Rejoice, Queen of Heaven" in Japanese. Well done. I will send it to you along with the other compositions I want to make until May.

Don't be afraid, just do your best! 　If you do it with good intentions, there's nothing to be afraid of. Leave it to God.

It's fine to imagine Japan, but no matter how you paint it, you can't imagine the external beauty of this country. It's so unique that there's no other country like it anywhere else in the world. Believe me. This is no poetry. But what about its soul?...

Pray, pray, pray. It's the Lord's job. The Lord has to do it.

I am celebrating mass here when you go to bed. Let us be especially united at that time.

Best regards to you, mom and dad. I hug you with all my heart. If there's anything I can do to help you, just tell me. I'll do what you say.

Your brother, Father V. Cimatti, your good father