austraLasia

Akira Taniguchi (left) with Mr. Chihiro Okawa, DB Past Pupil

Shizuoka Salesio Cooperators are growing in vocation

Shizuoka, Japan, 26 May 2017 -- Among the 27 newly promised Salesian Cooperators coming from 6 different countries in the EAO Tokyo Congress was also one former Salesian of Don Bosco. Mr. Akira Taniguchi is now a teacher in Shizuoka Salesian (larger school complex of 1200 children and youth from the Kindergarten up to the Secondary level) still managed by the FMA Sisters. We are grateful for sharing his story, that may inspire many more former Salesians to continue their Salesian Vocation journey as Salesian Cooperator.

Looking back at my life, the Lord always leads me at all times. Besides myself, it is my whole family, my father and mother, my brothers and sisters – yes, everyone in my family, was always involved with Salesians in various ways. The way of involvement changed with time, but nevertheless the relationship never broke. Eleven years ago, I left the Salesian Congregation. Nevertheless, I was led to Nakatsu & Shizuoka two Salesian communities. And taking advantage of what I cultivated until now, I am walking together with young people on a daily basis. Don Bosco said that he dreamed about Mt. Fuji. He always whisper to me: "Coraggio!"

I’m living in city of Shizuoka already for nine years. Here is a wonderful school of FMA Sisters with about 1200 students. I have learnt many things from the way how Sr.Morishita, the current provincial, was doing in a wonderful way as a homeroom teacher. However, as number of the FMA Sisters are decreasing, the role of the Lay teachers became more important, and I was chosen to be the Head of the Department for Religious Studies – a kind of Catechist.

Fortunately, our Shizuoka Salesio has already nine Salesian Cooperators. Besides them there is also a large number of Catholic and Christian teachers. My mission was to bring together the synergy and energy of those people. In this way the religious atmosphere of the school is animated well with many club and volunteer activities. Meanwhile, Sr. Nonaka whispered that in view of the EAO Tokyo ASC Congress, you may decide to join the Salesian Cooperators.

Many FMA Sisters have pushed me. I was invited to many people. And I have reflected for a longer time. Now is the time. I was being prepared for six months with other four teachers of Salesio Shizuoka. And finally last May 9th, I make my Promise as Salesian Cooperator in Chofu Parish Church during the EAO Congress with other 26 other Cooperators from 6 different countries. It was also a surprise at that time for many! One colleague of the Aspirants, Toshifumi Bando said that he would also join this time. I realized again that God takes a long time to train us and let us participate in His Mission.

hizuoka Salesio school does flourish in Japan where the busy school life of world top schools is regarded as necessary step for a successful life. But also in this not-so-easy environment the Salesian spirit is able to transform the hearts of the young with joy and involve them in the family building. All of us Salesian Cooperators in Shizuoka Salesio are ready to fulfill the Salesian Mission in our school with our whole heart and mind!