Appointment
In the summer of 1925, Father Cimatti and eight Salesians received their appointment letter to work in Japan, along with the following words:
"Departure is on December 29th, boarding the German ship "Fulda" from the port of Genoa, Italy. Make good preparations."
Good preparation means studying Japanese culture and the Japanese language and making sure you are able to live in Japan. What was the perception of Japan in the West at that time?
"Japan, the land of the rising sun, the land of chrysanthemums, cherry blossoms, the color khaki, rice, chopsticks and kimonos, the land of volcanoes and earthquakes," etc.
In Father Cimatti's words at the time, "It is a place that gives foreigners much to laugh at, but at the same time it is a place where they suffer a lot."
Words of Cardinal Cagliero
Now, on the day of missionary work in October of that year, the nine Salesians had the cross,
the symbol of missionaries, placed around their necks in the Church of Our Lady Help of Christians in Turin.
The ceremony was held with great pomp. As it was the 50th anniversary of Don Bosco's first missionary mission,
Cardinal Cagliero, who had survived from the first mission, placed the cross around 172 Salesians and 52 Sisters of Our Lady Help of Christians.
Cardinal Cagliello celebrated Mass and encouraged the new missionaries with these words:
"In the country to which you are sent, focus on three things: prayer, work, and vigilance.
Follow the examples of the Apostle Paul and Francis Xavier.
Spread Jesus, and as you love Jesus, make others love the Lord."
He said, in a powerful tone that shows no signs of weakening.
Words of Pope Pius XI
One week after this ceremony, the nine Salesians who were to be sent to the new mission field of Japan
had an audience with Pope Pius XI, who gave them some memorable words.
"I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of you on your deployment to Japan.
Good seeds have been sown in the evangelism carried out in the country of Japan. Please help them to flourish even more.
Just as Don Bosco sent successful missionaries to South America 50 years ago, so too will this 50th missionary effort be fruitful.
Remember that just as the apostles were sent out by Jesus, so you too have been sent out by Jesus.
With the apostles' mental attitude, work hard in the areas entrusted to you, aiming to advance the kingdom of God."
Words from Rector Filippo Rinaldi
Then the day of departure for Japan arrived. On the morning of December 29th, Rector Major Filippo Rinaldi celebrated Mass
with the nine Salesian missionaries departing for Japan and gave them the following farewell speech:
"You have been selected from among many other members to go to a very distant country. Japan has the highest social and cultural level,
so you are not needed for that kind of service.
We have to bring them what they don't have, and that is the love of Jesus Christ."
What were Father Cimatti and the other missionaries feeling at that time?
Four days after the departure, Father Cimatti wrote the following in a letter to Rector General Rinaldi from the ship:
"This departure requires us to break away from everything.
But I am convinced that it is for the salvation of our souls and the souls of many Japanese people."
Cimatti Museum Father Marsilio
August 6, 2021
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