（36）Children's Play, First Concert for St. Francis of Assisi

Miyazaki, October 8, 1926
To Father Rinaldi Filippo

Dear Father, Father Rinaldi

I would like to summarize our situation this month and report it to you with gratitude to the Lord. As usual, I will report on major events as they occur.

I'm continuing to study Japanese. This language is a tough bone to chew even for Japanese people, but even more so for us. But... let's move forward without worrying. (...)

During this season, Japanese children play kites (made from paper), menko (with various pictures on them), and bamboo guns using monkey lilies as ammunition. They enjoy a wide variety of games and get bored easily, but are quickly rejuvenated when they find something new. They are also familiar with European games (which vary slightly depending on the location, but some of them are very interesting).

On September 17th, we held a large concert in Kagoshima (to commemorate the 700th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi) for piano, harmonium, and song. The Franciscan priests in charge of Kagoshima asked for our cooperation in honoring this great Italian saint and promoting Catholicism. We gladly accepted, and thanks to God, it exceeded everyone's expectations. With the help of these fine Franciscan priests, we had a very exciting time. Working with Fathers Margiaglia and Liviabella, we presented a program of Italian songs, and the Franciscan priests interspersed them with songs in French and English. We also included piano and harmonium sonatas in two parts. The concert was held in a large theater, with an audience of high school students (over 500 people) at 3pm and a general audience of over 2,000 at 7pm. Thank God! In honor of Jesus and Mary, Saint Francis of Assisi and Don Bosco, I remembered Italy, the saint of poverty (Saint Francis of Assisi), known as "God's acrobat," and Don Bosco, who was willing to put on circus acts for children.。

Scenes from the concert

This was an exciting beginning to the Salesian missionary work that God had planned. Everyone listened attentively to each piece with a reverent attitude. And when the performers bowed deeply at the end or before starting, they were met with bursts of applause. Thank God! Thank God! Music is also a good medium. Japanese music is full of emotion and a cheerful loneliness, but the Japanese also enjoy European music, which is the complete opposite.

On September 24th, we visited a technical high school in Miyazaki.

From October 3rd to 7th, I participated in a solemn Franciscan ceremony held in Kagoshima, together with Father Cavoli, and provided music and a lecture in the press hall. The hall was filled to capacity with over 500 people. I spoke in Italian on the theme of "Italy, Past and Present," emphasizing that Italy's greatness, throughout the ages, comes from the traditions of ancient Rome and the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church of Apostolic Succession. While commemorating St. Francis of Assisi, I also spoke about modern Italy, not forgetting Don Bosco. My faithful interpreter, Father Hayasaka (who has studied in Italy), perfectly expressed my thoughts, which helped sow good seeds.

The Papal Nuncio from Giardini also attended and spoke at the ceremony, and on Sunday there was a confirmation ceremony. In the evening there was a solemn procession in the churchyard, attended by many non-Christians. On Monday there was a solemn Bishop's Mass, and a celebration party attended by dignitaries from Kagoshima. It was moving to hear non-Christians and Protestants speak in praise of our religion, St. Francis of Assisi, and Italy. On Wednesday there was a closing speech. One town newspaper ran articles about the ceremony, Italy, and St. Francis of Assisi for over two weeks. May the kingdom of Jesus spread!

Three singers and Father Cimatti	With a journalist from the Kagoshima Shimbun

Together with the Papal Nuncio, I visited the chrysanthemum exhibition (...) and the volcano that shares its name with Sakurajima. It still bears the scars of the great eruption of 1914. We also toured the Shimazu family garden and museum. On the occasion of a previous concert, we also visited the tombs of the martyrs and the monk who famously debated with St. Francis Xavier (...)

From the Chrysanthemum Exhibition

Right now, the rice in the rice fields is turning a beautiful golden color. I can imagine the cry of the Lord: "Oh, Japan has beautiful fields too. Lord, please do not let the harvest go to waste!"

My beloved Father, remember that your children in this land remember you, love you, and ask for your support, especially through your blessing and the prayers of your superiors, brothers, students, and collaborators. May the kingdom of God come quickly to this land that has seen so many martyrs. How I, your child, long for this!

I love you dearly, Father V. Cimatti