By Br. Naokatsu Takeshita, SDB

       Yamanaka, Tokyo, Japan, 12 June 2022 -- The Japan province (GIA) closed the Provincial Chapter, with 24 confreres, on 10 June. It was held at the Salesian Sisters' retreat house in Yamanaka at the foot of Mt. Fuji, two hours from Tokyo.

       The Provincial, Fr. Jacob Hamaguchi Hideaki, reminds us that the Chapter is a moment of renewal especially for rethinking our Identity, living our Charism faithfully, therefore we must change our mentality.

       The following agenda was set for PC 2022:

1. OPP (Overall Provincial Plan) 2021-2027

2. Reconstruction of local community

3. Listening to the Youth, and lay mission partners.

4. The future of the public relations department

5. Apostolate to foreign residents in Japan

       A very fruitful interaction with Salesian Lay Mission partners was held on the second day through ZOOM. Fourteen mission partners from schools, kindergartens, and boy’s homes around Japan participated. It was a very meaningful gathering with a variety of opinions expressed.

       The same evening, we listened to five young people close to the Salesians: two foreign migrant workers - a man and woman who are joining the Oratory, one member of SYM, one Past Pupil of the Salesian Orphanage and also one young Salesian confrere. We received valuable feedback directly from the young people about their suffering, hardships, and hopes for us. We hope to make use of their voices in our future activities.

       On the fifth day, we shared the current situation and future plans regarding the apostolate to foreigners. We also invited Bishop of Saitama, Yamanouchi Michiaki, SDB - to learn about the current situation of the diocese. Thanks to his sharing we become keenly aware of the need for apostolate for foreign residents in Japan and the importance of taking an interest in them and doing what we can to help.

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