austraLasia #2921
Japan: 6 months later, a sombre memory, then celebration....
TOKYO: 26 September 2011 -- More than 6 months have gone by since that terrible 11 March, when a catastrophic earthquake and an apocalyptic tsunami of almost unimaginable extent and power devastated more than 500 km of Japan's north-west coastline, resulting in some 20,000 fatalities. Recalling this moment of disaster was the topic and tenor of prayer and a fraternal afternoon involving more than 250 people representing the 6 Salesian parishes in the Tokyo area.
This is also a yearly traditional gathering, which took place this year on 25 September, Sunday, in the Himonya parish church at Tokyo Meguro. It has been a 42 year tradition thus far. It began with the rosary lead by the parish youth, who did so creatively and devoutly. Taize hymns created a particular setting, as one of the older participants commented: “it was the first time for me to experience this”.
The Provincial, Fr Aldo Cipriani, who seemed in good form despite two visits to hospital and a serious operation, gave the traditional welcome, reminding everyone that that day in Turin, 31 Salesians and another 30 or so members of the Salesian Family from 40 countries would be receiving the Crucifix from the Rector Major before leaving for their new mission as missionaries.
The fraternal meal that followed gave everyone a chance to catch up again and share their happiness at being part of Don Bosco's spirit, the common, tangible and visible experience shared in all six parishes.
There were a number of impromptu performances, like the women who presented some Hawain dances, while the kids offered some rather noisier musical efforts!
The Parish Priest at Himonya, Fr Louisi Kosaka, thanked his parishioners for all the preparations they had made and farewelled the group with a warm “see you next year in Mikawajima” where the 43rd such gathering is planned.
Japan: 6 months later, a sombre memory, then celebration....
TOKYO: 26 September 2011 -- More than 6 months have gone by since that terrible 11 March, when a catastrophic earthquake and an apocalyptic tsunami of almost unimaginable extent and power devastated more than 500 km of Japan's north-west coastline, resulting in some 20,000 fatalities. Recalling this moment of disaster was the topic and tenor of prayer and a fraternal afternoon involving more than 250 people representing the 6 Salesian parishes in the Tokyo area.
This is also a yearly traditional gathering, which took place this year on 25 September, Sunday, in the Himonya parish church at Tokyo Meguro. It has been a 42 year tradition thus far. It began with the rosary lead by the parish youth, who did so creatively and devoutly. Taize hymns created a particular setting, as one of the older participants commented: “it was the first time for me to experience this”.
The Provincial, Fr Aldo Cipriani, who seemed in good form despite two visits to hospital and a serious operation, gave the traditional welcome, reminding everyone that that day in Turin, 31 Salesians and another 30 or so members of the Salesian Family from 40 countries would be receiving the Crucifix from the Rector Major before leaving for their new mission as missionaries.
The fraternal meal that followed gave everyone a chance to catch up again and share their happiness at being part of Don Bosco's spirit, the common, tangible and visible experience shared in all six parishes.
There were a number of impromptu performances, like the women who presented some Hawain dances, while the kids offered some rather noisier musical efforts!
The Parish Priest at Himonya, Fr Louisi Kosaka, thanked his parishioners for all the preparations they had made and farewelled the group with a warm “see you next year in Mikawajima” where the 43rd such gathering is planned.
