I shouldered the responsibility of being a superior for 24 years.
Father Cimatti served as a director in Japan from 1926 to 1949, and for 24 years he was responsible as superior for the Salesian evangelization in Japan.
Towards the end of 1949, he received a letter from the Salesian headquarters in Turin, in which they thanked him for his long service and informed him of his dismissal.
He sent the following reply to his superior at the Salesian headquarters:
Father Cimatti's final letter to the Turin headquarters
"I have received the letter from the superiors at the Salesian headquarters, and while I am grateful for this, I would like to point out a few points.
The General Chairman's representative has already arrived in Japan, and I have heard that my long-held request for my dismissal has been granted by my superiors.
This request was made with good conscience and conviction, and I believe it will bring great benefits to the Salesian Province of Japan.
I have nothing but words of gratitude to God and my superiors. In the letter I received, my superiors expressed their gratitude to me,
but in reality, it was all the Salesians in Japan who worked so well, guided by the grace of the Lord.
It seems to me that my superiors have had too much confidence in me from the beginning until now.
I certainly have always had the desire to fulfill my duties, but I have made many mistakes, perhaps offending God,
and may have led some members astray in their calling. Furthermore, I cannot say that I have always followed the guidance of my superiors at headquarters.
I would like to say one thing about my future. As for whether I will remain in Japan or be sent to another country, I understand that my superiors wish for me to remain in Japan.
I don't mind either way, and I hope to be happy to do what I can, wherever I am, at the age of 70. Isn't this God's will?
Looking at the decisions and actions that the acting General Chairman has been making recently, I feel that my leadership has been inadequate and that I lack decisiveness.
Now, I ask for forgiveness for my lack of practice, and I apologize for the times when I did not obey my superiors at headquarters, and for the distress I have caused the Salesians in Japan.
The Salesian Province of Japan is in a poor state, but I will be retiring debt-free. As for money, I have never been very good at it.
I have not yet received my order to move to a new location, but I intend to obediently follow the new Provincial Superior.
I intend to walk the path of my life from now on in humility, silence and prayer."
Carrying out God's will
With these words, Father Cimatti evaluates his 24 years of service as superior, and also reveals his hidden feelings towards the Turin headquarters.
Needless to say, Father Cimatti stands out for his humility and his aim in life to do God's will in all things.
Cimatti Museum Father Marsilio
July 6, 2023
Go to the index page of Father Cimatti's life
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