(25) Japanese language study, health status, contents of moral education books

(25) Japanese language study, health status, contents of moral education books

Miyazaki, June 29, 1926
To Father Rinaldi Filippo

Always my dear and good daddy,

Today, June 29th, is the Feast of St. Peter. Many thoughts come to mind: Rome and the Holy Catholic Church, the Pope and Don Bosco, what we must do to emulate the zeal of our father Don Bosco, and the difficult task of making the Pope known in Japan.

Today is our monthly retreat, so as usual I will give you a personal report and update you on the state of my family's teaching, and in the attached document I will share various events and news.

There is no shortage of study and work. My Japanese is coming along, but even aside from kanji, it's still quite difficult. Studying kanji will probably take me a lifetime. (Omitted)
I believe I am fulfilling my duties by setting a good example first, and by observing and ensuring that the Constitutions are observed. (Omitted) The Lord has blessed me more than I deserve. Oh, good Father, please help me so that I may not waste these many blessings, but may accumulate merit and save my soul.

Just a quick update about our little family.

Father Tanguy He always does everything well. He is truly a treasure. He is careful, experienced, and a true Salesian. He has recently complained of occasional headaches and toothaches, but these were temporary. He will study diligently and I am sure he will succeed.

Father Piacenza He is also excellent in every way. Nothing special to mention.

Father Cavoli His health is not excellent. He is nervous, sleeps poorly, and seems to have not yet adjusted to the local environment. When he is in good spirits, he has a good personality and is cheerful. He has excellent abilities, but finds language acquisition difficult and lacks perseverance. He needs treatment and recuperation to regain his health and mental stability. He is otherwise excellent.

Father Livia Bela His health is not great. He had a flare-up of a chronic illness a week ago. He is otherwise in very good health. He has great leadership skills among young people.

Father Marjaria He has a rather frail constitution. His stomach needs to be adjusted. He recently underwent a thorough checkup and is feeling much better and more energetic. He speaks Japanese well. Everything else is going well. (Omitted)

Starting today, we will begin our third-grade elementary school textbooks. We have already read and studied six books on Japanese language and moral education. Moral education merely teaches etiquette based on Japanese traditions and customs, and encourages students to pray at a home altar (which every home has) to honor their ancestors. There are some anecdotes and poems, but the content is sparse and it is intended to foster a brave fighting spirit. The final part we read was an unpleasant glorification of the desire for revenge. Our kind Japanese teacher also said, "Priests, please work to have this content removed as soon as possible." May God do so! (Omitted)

There was a small earthquake last night around 11 o'clock, but most of the members were sleeping soundly, including me.

Your dear Father D.V. Cimatti

Father Tanguy	He always does everything well. He is truly a treasure. He is careful, experienced, and a true Salesian. He has recently complained of occasional headaches and toothaches, but these were temporary. He will study diligently and I am sure he will succeed.
Father Piacenza	He is also excellent in every way. Nothing special to mention.
Father Cavoli	His health is not excellent. He is nervous, sleeps poorly, and seems to have not yet adjusted to the local environment. When he is in good spirits, he has a good personality and is cheerful. He has excellent abilities, but finds language acquisition difficult and lacks perseverance. He needs treatment and recuperation to regain his health and mental stability. He is otherwise excellent.
Father Livia Bela	His health is not great. He had a flare-up of a chronic illness a week ago. He is otherwise in very good health. He has great leadership skills among young people.
Father Marjaria	He has a rather frail constitution. His stomach needs to be adjusted. He recently underwent a thorough checkup and is feeling much better and more energetic. He speaks Japanese well. Everything else is going well. (Omitted)