From my second home, Miyazaki, to Tokyo
In 1939, when Father Cimatti declined his position as Parish Rector of the Miyazaki Diocese, the Vatican selected Father Deguchi Ichitaro,
the Parish Rector of Kagoshima, as his successor, and his installation ceremony took place on February 23, 1941. All the Salesians,
including Father Cimatti, attended the installation ceremony, and there is a record of Father Cimatti speaking briefly.
"This is also for the good of the Church. For us, it means praying, remaining silent, and doing what we can.
Just as we recited a 'prayer of thanksgiving' when we entered Miyazaki City 15 years ago, we also offered a 'prayer of thanksgiving' to God on this occasion."
Needless to say, his bond with his second hometown, Miyazaki, and its people never faded from his heart or prayers until the very end.
Father Cimatti was the parish priest of the Mikawashima Church until 1944, when he went to live at the Salesian Seminary in Ikuei until the end of the war.
War breaks out
War broke out between Japan and the United States on December 8, 1941. That year also marked the 100th anniversary of Don Bosco's ordination,
and Father Cimatti celebrated it twice solemnly with concerts and ceremonies. The second one marked the start of the war.
From this time on, foreign missionaries were always accompanied by military police wherever they lived and traveled,
were forbidden to have any contact with foreign countries, and were even forbidden to travel within Japan.
Things were good for a while, but the four-year long war brought hardships and financial and emotional burdens
that were difficult for foreign missionaries to bear.
As superior of the Salesian Society, Father Cimatti was tasked with looking after all the approximately 40 members, especially their spiritual well-being.
What did Father Cimatti recommend to the Salesians?
These words were used to encourage the people at the start of the war.
"Do not be afraid. Remember what Don Bosco did in Turin during the cholera epidemic. To be protected from misfortune,
wear the medal of Our Lady of Help around your neck and say three Ave Marias to Mary every day."
He also wrote to each Salesian in a letter, writing these words:
"Keep calm, continue doing the work you can, be kind to everyone, and maintain good relationships with your parishioners.
Put yourself in the Lord's hands to be wise in what you write and speak. Then, whatever happens, you will have the protection of Our Lady and Don Bosco."
Great Tokyo Air Raid
These words were spoken to members during the Great Tokyo Air Raid.
"Let us continue to have trust in the Lord. I believe that Salesians have been watched over by God up until now.
Not only have there never been a time when we lacked what we needed, but we are not lacking now either.
In order to respond to that love, let us now, especially in this moment, place our trust in the Lord and offer ourselves to him, according to his will."
In these words we can see how the spirit of Don Bosco and St. Francis de Sales permeates the heart of Father Cimatti.
Cimatti Museum Father Marsilio
February 6, 2023
Go to the index page of Father Cimatti's life
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