General Chapter of the Salesian Congregation
The Salesian Congregation held a general chapter in 1938, bringing together the heads of each Salesian province at their headquarters in Turin.
Father Cimatti, who was in charge of the Salesian Society in Japan, also took his second trip to Italy since coming to Japan to take part in this event.
At this time, travelling was not convenient for Father Cimatti due to a lack of manpower and financial reasons.
He was 60 years old, parish priest of Miyazaki Ranch, head of the Salesian Society of Japan, director of Miyazaki Minor Seminary,
teaching music, philosophy and science to 46 minor seminarians, and had been unable to find anyone to take his place.
Father Cimatti to Italy
He extended his participation in the General Chapter a little longer, borrowed money for his travel expenses and set off for Italy,
leaving the Salesians with the following goals:
"Let us carry out our duties where we are placed, uphold the constitution of our religious order,
and live with the aim of drawing closer to the love of Christ."
The diary of the minor seminary conveys the feelings of the young people regarding Father Cimatti's departure.
"Today, May 11, 1938, Rector Cimatti, the person most important to us after God, our spiritual father and mentor, has departed for Italy.
Everyone prays for his speedy return to Japan."
From Hong Kong, Father Cimatti sent a picture with an exhortation to each of the 46 minor seminarians, which was a great joy for all.
Father Cimatti in Italy
The theme of the Salesian General Conference in Turin, Italy, was "Evangelization and Missionary Activities."
Father Cimatti's voice was heard frequently throughout the conference, but he seemed listless. He didn't show any signs of illness,
but in fact he had been suffering from dysentery for a long time.
After the General Assembly he was asked to give some 50 talks all over Italy, and he accepted, but his illness did not improve.
Father Cimatti became so famous that he was featured in the Italian newspapers. Here is an excerpt from an article written about Father Cimatti in an Italian newspaper:
A newspaper from his hometown of Faenza
"Missionary Cimatti's two-hour talk was even more interesting than we expected. The guests were delighted and their interest in Japan was aroused.
The talk ended with a long round of applause."
Bologna newspapers
"Cimatti... this name is the pride not only of the Salesian Society but of all Italy.
This missionary, who has given himself entirely to the salvation of people, is filled with the spirit and charity of Don Bosco.
He is dressed very simply and his face is obscured by his long beard, but his generosity of heart and missionary zeal are evident enough to resonate with everyone."
Venice Newspapers
"For the past four months, Missionary Cimatti has been traveling around Italy preaching the gospel and giving talks related to it.
He has captivated people with the passion of his talks, the beauty of his singing, and his masterful piano playing.
Everyone feels joy and comfort, and hears an invitation to goodness."
Father Cimatti spoke about Japan in various churches and halls around Italy, but as his health began to decline, he began to think to himself,
"My death is near," and "Will I be a nuisance if I return to Japan?" However, his superiors in Turin told him,
"There is no one to replace me in Japan at the moment," so at the end of 1938, he boarded another ship and returned to Japan,
"waiting for a successor," to resume his previous activities.
Cimatti Museum Father Marsilio
December 6, 2022
Go to the index page of Father Cimatti's life
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