Father Cimatti's final resting day 　　　

Salesians visiting on the occasion
of the 60th anniversary of the Mass

On October 6th, his body was placed
in state at Chofu Salesio Seminary for four days.

　　　October 6, 1965　　　

　Father Cimatti passed away at around 6:30 in the morning on October 6, 1965, at the Salesian Seminary in Chofu, after 86 years of life. He spent the last 15 years of his life in Chofu, three as a librarian, nine as the abbess of a monastery, and the last three years of his life after suffering from various illnesses until his death. He was bedridden for two and a half years and gradually lost his sight and hearing before dying. On September 28, 1965, he entered into his final habits of life when he was unable to receive Holy Communion for the first time due to severe nausea. "Enough is enough," "enough is enough," were his last words as he received the injection on October 5th. At this time, the doctor who was caring for him informed everyone that Father Cimatti was in critical condition.

　　　Father Cimatti entered into a better life　　　　

　That evening, the Chofu Monastery community gathered around the unconscious Father Cimatti, recited the rosary and said their farewells before going to rest. At around 5:00 the next morning, the Chofu Monastery community gathered around the comatose Father Cimatti, and the Sacrament of the Sick and Mass were celebrated in his room. Father Cimatti's eyes remained closed throughout the Mass, but at the most important moment, the Consecration, he opened both eyes for a moment, tears flowed from his right eye, and the doctor said, "Father Cimatti has entered a better life," marking the end of Father Cimatti's life on earth. In this way, God accepted Father Cimatti's life as a fragrant offering along with the Sacrifice of the Mass.

　　　Words from those who witnessed　　　　

　There were quite a number of priests, sisters, seminarians, etc. who were present at Father Cimatti's death, and I would like to share the impressions of some of them.

　"I witnessed the death of Father Cimatti, who was called the Japanese Don Bosco, and I'm sure that sooner or later he will become a new saint of the Church."
　"At the time of Father Cimatti's death, I felt no fear or anxiety in my heart, but rather an indescribable peace and joy.
　　I thanked God for my new protector in heaven.”
　"Father Cimatti passed away quietly and peacefully, as he had done all his life."
　"Father Cimatti's death did not leave me with sadness or regret, but rather with hope that there is new life in heaven."

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 　　　　Cimatti Museum
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Father Marsilio, a seminarian at the time.
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　February 6, 2024

　　Go to the index page of Father Cimatti's life