The Salesian Spirituality Seminar 2018

By Mr. Chihiro Okawa, EXDB

Tokyo, Japan, 10 February 2018 -- The Salesian Spirituality Seminar 2018 for the Tokyo zone was held on the 10th February in the Provincial House of the Caritas Sisters of Jesus (SCG, Suginami Ward, Tokyo). About 150 members of the Salesian family near the metropolitan area gathered.

In the morning, We listened to commentary about this year's Strenna of Sr. Hiu, SCG who participated in Salesian Family Spirituality Days held in Valdocco, Torino, last January 18-21.

One of the key words of this year's Strenna is 'Listening'.

"The first major service of us is to listen rather than to speak. Beginning with listening to the voice of God, we can listen to the stories of the brothers and sisters. We have to put God, the youths and important people for us at the center, and to get out of your cozy shell. It is necessary to have courage and patience not to be afraid of change.It is our Salesian family that is invited to such a way of life, It is a magnificent grace."

And another keyword is "Accompaniment".

"It is Don Bosco, our example that tells the young people seeking some involvement," I am here for you "with a gaze and full presence. Youth is a guide to change our way of life and lead to the salvation. We have to be together, listening to the voice of young people, and responding to them with life and existence. And rather than trying to solve the problem, it is important for us to pray for them and to provide space for young people's wishes and expressions, to bring out their own self as they are."

In the afternoon, a lecture was given by Fr. Shinjiro Urata, SDB and a commentary on "Biographies of the Young people" of Don Bosco. (A Japanese translation published by Don Bosco Press in March) was given.

"This book tells us the inner nature how Don Bosco faced God through the life of three boys, Domenico Savio, Michele Magone and Francesco Besucco, who were boarding students in the Oratory of Don Bosco. It has been therefore regarded as one of the most basic works to understand Don Bosco."

"When we look at the accompaniment of Don Bosco with these three in the Oratory, you can see that his accompanying is quite natural. Of course he always watched his young people carefully, keeping track of the situation, but he respected their autonomy as much as possible. That is Don Bosco's style. He gave direct advice only at the appropriate and needed timing. Don Bosco was a very balanced person and caring for his children, he was able to make them feel relieved."

In this seminar, in addition to the regular participants of the main groups of the Salesian family, took also part the lay mission partners of "Salesian Family Educational Training Course" (bimonthly formation) and young people of the SYM (Salesian Youth Movement).

Fr. Mario Yamanouchi, Provincial SDB said. "This time, differently from the former years, the new wind blew, because we've listened to the commentary of Strenna by a Sister, not by a SDB, we've been introduced a new work by Fr. Urata, and educational staffs (lay mission partners) and young people is here. We are constantly asked as to how to accompany as educators. To continue to convey the Salesian Spirit among young people and to realize the Soul of Don Bosco, we are all invited to the mission and spirit of Assistance."

This seminar will be held also in Beppu, Oita (17th Feb) and Omura, Nagasaki (18th Feb, 2018).

---

---