A blessed talent
For the Venerable Vincenzo Cimatti, music was not only a passion, but also a natural talent.
He joined the Salesian Congregation, which values singing and musical instruments,
and while studying for the priesthood there, he taught music, played the piano and organ, and studied at the Parma Conservatory,
where he obtained a diploma in choir conducting at the age of 21.
He remained active in Italy until he was 46, during which time he delighted the Salesian community with numerous piano concerts and operettas he composed,
becoming a celebrity.
His first beautiful composition was "Ave Maria" in Italian, and his most famous and moving operetta, "Marco the Fisherman," was known throughout the world.
The first music concert was held
In 1926, at the age of 46, he was sent to Japan, where he began to promote the Salesian Order, particularly through music.
One of Father Cimatti's principles of life is:
"Never miss an opportunity to do good to others.
To make Jesus Christ known.
To comfort and bring joy to others."
Father Cimatti tried to do this in every way possible, especially through his musical talent and dedication.
The year 1926 marked the 700th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi,
and the event was made known not only to the Kagoshima Church but also to the citizens of the town.
The Franciscan priests working there invited the Salesians, and thus the first music concert was held in a large hall in Kagoshima City.
It consisted of a piano sonata and accompaniment by Father Cimatti, some Italian songs by two Salesians, and religious talks.
It was a great success. The words of Father Cimatti at the time remain:
"Even though we couldn't speak Japanese yet, this was our first time as Salesians appearing in public in Japan.
It was great.
Many Japanese people were deeply moved and learned about God for the first time through music.
It was an opportunity to teach us how to devote ourselves to evangelism."
Foreign monks came to Japan
This event was reported in the Japanese newspapers and became known to everyone, and the newspaper said:
"Foreign monks have come to Japan with very interesting and new ways of spreading the word about religion."
From this point on, Father Cimatti became known for this type of missionary work, visiting churches, towns, and places all over Japan
more than 2,000 times over the next 20 years.
What was his attitude when he gave the concert? Bishop Furuya of the Kyoto Diocese said,
"Father Cimatti always played the piano in his cassock, and when he saw people happy, he would smile like a child."
The Bishop of Osaka said,
"Father Cimatti was a man with the power to inspire people."
There was an article in a newspaper at the time that read:
"Father Cimatti's piano playing technique is something no Japanese person can imitate. His playing style is unique, his rhythm is perfect,
the melody flows beautifully and comfortably, and the accompaniment is superb. Everything is unique and far beyond our skill level."
Cimatti Museum Father Marsilio
June 6, 2022
Go to the index page of Father Cimatti's life
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