(19) Report to the Apostolic Nuncio

April 20, 1926 from Miyazaki
Bishop Mario Giardini to the Apostolic Nuncio in Japan

Dear Apostolic Nuncio,

We read your letter of the 16th, which we had been waiting for, with the utmost gratitude in our community. We are filled with gratitude for the unexpected honor of having you here this time.

Now, let me report on our current situation.

Thanks to you, we are all doing well. We got a little sick while getting used to the climate, but now we are moving forward without any worries.

My Japanese studies are going well. I've finished the second volume of the elementary school textbook, gotten used to katakana, and have started learning kanji. I think my current study method is good, so I'm planning to go through all 12 volumes of the elementary school textbook. This is also to get a general idea of what is taught in Japan. Once I learn how to read and write, I'll be able to walk far on my own. Every night, my teacher teaches me new words through various conversations, so that I can get used to the structure of Japanese thinking.

When will we separate into chapters? Could you please recommend the best time? ...I hear Bishop Converse wants the Paris Mission priests to take over at the retreat in September. I wonder if we will be fully prepared for the handover at that time so that the faithful will not suffer any loss. Even though we are full of good intentions, it is still too early to say...

Some sort of date has to be set. Unless we are free, we cannot work effectively with young people without creating problems. On the other hand, if we wait until we are completely ready, the day will never come. As Don Bosco said, "You have to jump in to swim"...

Miyazaki is teeming with young people, like ants. ... We tried it and got very good results among the young believers, who responded fully to us. I think that non-believers will also come. But we have to go slowly, otherwise the bishop might scold us. ... Having said that, we Salesians cannot just stand there and watch the young people before our eyes. ...

Please pray for us, we remember you fondly every day.

　　　　　　　　

Servant of His Excellency the Papal Nuncio, Salesian
Father Vincenzo Cimatti