1945-1947 Post-war goals
The end of the war in Japan in 1945 left the whole country in a state of indescribable poverty, yet it was soon on the road to recovery.
With the exception of Beppu City, all buildings in Japan that were connected with the Salesian missionary work were in a situation where they had to be rebuilt.
At the end of the war, the Salesians who had been imprisoned abroad returned and six of the young Japanese confreres went to heaven.
Father Cimatti had been in Japan for 20 years and was now 66 years old. He was increasingly willing to hand over the responsibility
of evangelization to younger members, but his superiors at the Salesian headquarters would not listen to him.
Without worrying about the difficulties he had encountered during the war or bearing any grudges against anyone,
Fr. Cimatti gathered the Salesians who were working in Japan and gave them the following goals for their missionary work after the war:
"The Salesians were to return to their pre-war work and devote their efforts to the Oratory.
Rebuild destroyed buildings to renew the Christian life of the faithful entrusted to them.
Renew ties with those who had cooperated with them.
Focus on printed materials.
Make effective use of the assistance received from the foreign authorities governing Japan.
Say fewer words and do as much good as you can for everyone."
Following this guidance, thanks to the dedicated work of Salesians over two years, from 1945 to 1947, it was possible to rebuild buildings in all the missions in Japan. At the inauguration ceremony of the church in Miyakonojo in 1946, Father Cimatti said,
"The fact that this was accomplished in such a short time is a sign that God is still working miracles."
During this time, Fr. Cimatti was pleased to see that Salesians were able to return to Miyazaki Church and the seminary to continue their work.
He also opened new facilities in Nakatsu, Oita Prefecture, and Kokubunji, Tokyo, for children who had lost their parents in the war.
1947-1948 Father Cimatti's stay in Italy
Fr Cimatti spent 1947-1948 in Italy to take part in the 16th General Chapter of the Salesians, which had been postponed until then because of the war.
During the General Chapter, a pilgrimage was made to Don Bosco's birthplace, and on the occasion he composed "The House of Don Bosco," which is known throughout the Salesian world.
The General Chapter in Turin, Italy, lasted for one month, but Fr Cimatti had to stay for a year waiting for a ship to return to Japan.
It is said that he gave around 250 talks in Italy to introduce Japan and the activities of the Salesian Society.
1949 Change of Provincial Superior
On August 15, 1949, Japan celebrated the 400th anniversary of St. Francis Xavier's arrival in Japan.
Father Cimatti contributed greatly to the celebration by holding musical concerts in various towns in preparation for the event.
Father Cimatti turned 70 in July of that year, and had already consulted with the Salesian superiors to decide on the new Provincial Superior of the Salesian Society in Japan.
At the beginning of November 1949, a representative of the Salesian Rector General visited Japan to announce the new Provincial Superior of the Salesians in Japan.
This was Fr. Tassinari Renato, a former student of Fr. Cimatti.
This fulfilled Fr. Cimatti's long-cherished wish and freed him from the responsibilities of superiority he had held for 24 years,
despite his achievements and the love he had earned for the Salesians.
Cimatti Museum Father Marsilio
June 6, 2023
Go to the index page of Father Cimatti's life
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