Monsignor in Black　　　

Bishop Breton (Father Cimatti on the left) baptized and confirmed at Miyazaki Church

　　　Father Cimatti, the first Monsignor　　　

　In 1935, the Miyazaki mission district was elevated to a pastoral district, and Father Cimatti became its first Prefetto Apostolico (Pastoral Prefect). As a "Monsignor," Father Cimatti wore red robes and was able to use a mitre (cap) and baculus (cane) during solemn Mass. We would have liked to see Father Cimatti like that, even just once, but he didn't want to see it. He had no interest in titles or honorary positions, and hated being in the spotlight, but he did show respect for people in authority.
　Eventually, his Italian friends sent him a "red robe" for the Monsignor. Father Cimatti sent the red robe back with a letter saying, "I want to help the poor, so please send me the money from selling the robe." This was a natural thing to do for Father Cimatti, and his Italian friends understood and didn't mind. Father Cimatti accepted the marble mitre that his Italian friend had sent him, partly out of curiosity, and put it in the museum room of the seminary.

　　　Attitude toward poverty　　　　

　As a pastor and provincial superior of the Salesian Society, Father Cimatti continued to work with his brothers, as one of them, without pretense, and his only concern was to set a good example of life for everyone. At first he protested being called "Monsignore," but eventually he grew used to it. However, his sutan was never replaced and was patched up. He had very little clothing, but no matter how many people offered him new ones, he would never accept them. Born into a poor family, he loved poverty and lived it heroically, but he never forced it on others.
　On the contrary, he generously helped everyone he met. From the outside, Father Cimatti may not have seemed like much of a priest, and he himself wanted to be judged that way. But his external poverty concealed a rare inner wealth, and his attitude towards poverty reflected his unwillingness to look good and his desire to belittle himself.

　　　Absolute faith in providence　　　　

　Fr. Cimatti had absolute faith in Providence. One day, while visiting Bishop Breton of Fukuoka, he asked him the following question:
　"Since you seem to be a capable administrator, could you please give me some good advice?"
　"Yes, of course. But before that, what do you usually do?" asked the bishop.
　Father Cimatti replied, "When I receive a donation, I immediately use it for what is most needed, trusting that providence will help me again."
　"That's best. Do it that way."
　Bishop Breton, who knew and respected Father Cimatti well, encouraged him with a smile.
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　"My Days with Father Cimatti" by Renato Tassinari

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 　　　　　　　Cimatti Museum
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Father Marsiglio
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 　　　　　　　　　　　　July 6, 2025 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 　

　　Go to the index page of Father Cimatti's life