(44)The Missionary Heart

Miyazaki December 23, 1926
To the seminarians of Sordo Antonio

Dear Antonio,

I hope to arrive in time for your baptismal name celebration in January. Reading your letter fills me with joy. I was about to give up because it took so long to receive your letters. Now I'm not hopeful, I'm certain. That you still remember me in writing.
I never doubted anything else.

I'm happy about you. Always my good Antonio. What you need is this:

‡@	Cheerfulness and work.
‡A	Maintaining unity with God through short prayers, or salutations.
‡B	Good control of the nerve under the tongue (ipoglosso), which controls the muscles in your mouth. You know what I mean.

As for your students, love them prayerfully, keep an eye on them, report any problems to responsible people, and work for them with dedication.

There is a place for you in Japan, but on the condition that you abide by what I have just written. (...)

As for me, everything is going well. I'm doing well and cheerful. I've gone back to being a student in order to learn this difficult language. I've already given five concerts and spoken twice in Italian about St. Francis of Assisi and Italy in front of over 2,000 people. When I start my activities next year, I will first seek out believers, strengthen them, and lay the foundations. Then I will build new ones and spread the word about Mary and Don Bosco. My little singers have become very good at singing songs about Don Bosco and Mary. It's a bit cold, but no one is thinking about the stove. The rain and wind are about the same as in Italy, but they don't last as long. Greenery, smiles, and bows everywhere.

As for music, tell me what you want and I'll send it to you.

Please continue to pray for me. I will never forget you and my Valsalice friends. I greet each and every one of you. I bless you all.

Your Father V. Cimatti