On the 8th they received a warm welcome from members of the Salesian formation community at Chofu. The next day they began their visit to the Salesian family in Japan by greeting to the tomb of Fr Cimatti, first missionary and founder of Japan province and praying for the success of this animation visit.
During the six days they were able to meet with the representatives of eight groups of the Salesian Family: Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB), Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), Salesian Cooperators (ASC), Caritas Sisters of Jesus (SCG), Volunteers of Don Bosco (VDB), Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA) and Past Pupils of SDB and FMA.
On 9 May they visited the FMA Provincial House where they received a hearty welcome from the provincial and her councillors, and the elderly sisters in the nursing home. After viewing an exhibit on the history of their presence in Japan, during the luncheon, Fr Playà expressed gratitude in the name of the Rector Major to the FMA members for their work with Salesians in the pastoral activities for youth.
On 10 May they visited the Provincial House of the Congregation of the Caritas Sisters of Jesus. There, in addition to meeting with the representatives of the sisters, they visited a nearby kindergarten, where they greeted the children and sang a song to Mary with them.
On 10 May, they met with representatives of the Past Pupils, who shared their passion to be the members of the Salesian Family. In the afternoon, Fr Playa and Bro. Nam gave a conference to ADMA members gathered from various parts of Japan, followed by a time of friendly conversation while enjoying a Brazilian barbeque.
On 11 May they met with representatives of the VDB in the morning, followed by a reception with members of the Salesian Cooperators in the afternoon.
They had a rush of meetings with these groups of the Salesian Family in Japan, but wherever they went, they left behind strong words of encouragement to the members to work together for the Salesian mission in Japan as people who share the spirit of Don Bosco.
By Fr Michael Lap and Fr Nakada
