By Fr. Mario Yamanouchi, SDB

Tokyo, Japan, 10 January 2017 -- The venue of first 2017 Provincial Assembly was in Tokyo – Chofu, near the tomb of Venerable Fr Vincent Cimatti, participated by 45 Salesians from the metropolitan area.

First day of the Provincial Assembly was started by a motivation of short Lectio Divina of the Epiphany Feastday celebrated in Japan on last Sunday. Fr. Provincial quoted Pope Francis reflection on Epiphany Feast – the Magi went in search for the newly born King, they departed from the world’s periphery – the place you can meet God. And for us Salesians the poor youth are the sacrament of God’s presence in this world. There was a time for examination of conscience and confession.

Our Province has decided to walk with courage into the future focused on poor young people in the Japanese society. We have chosen two main goals - strengthen our relationship with the youth in need and strengthen also our (ongoing) formation – including the lay mission partners. We remind ourselves this provincial direction every day with simple but clear intention taken from the Provincial Chapter 2016 Delibrations.

After the Vespers, Eucharistic Benediction and Dinner there was a family time of recreation especially highlighted by our Gospel Magician, Fr. Mickey who suprised us with new ítems involving also his new disciple novice Maki Iguchi.

Second day of the Provincial Assembly was focused on our relationship with the poor young people of Japan. A concrete good practice of one NPO working for the migrant use (15-20 years of age) who have no Access to the Japan secondary school. Wonderful private initiative of one retired teacher working with a whole team of volunteers struck us very much. As a province we would like to open one of our communities in Tokyo for this kind of apostolate.

All 14 canonical communities embarked on this new journey according our fundamental option of the whole Japan province. There are some new projects how to help our Alumni (schools and social Works) in their social and working life. Some Kindergartens will open in April (new school year) some after school activities for their Alumni of elementary schools. It’s a meaningful help for many families where both father and mother work until late evening and have no chance to welcome their children after school time. Also the government does assist these centers with special funds.

The Youth Ministry Delegate Fr. Shin Mishima presented the ‘Salesian YM Framework of Reference’ as a point of reference for the whole Congregation, how to walk today with the young people – both in our traditional works or in the new frontiers.

Followed an ample time for the group reflection and sharing in the assembly about the provincial community journey towards this vision. The whole encounter was concluded by the presentation of group workshop and summary of Fr Provincial with the Blessing of Mary Help of Christians.

Two days of genuine fraternity have strengthen our sense belonging to the provincial community. Although there is a large gap between our reality and dreams, but we know that without Gospel and Salesian dreams and without the passion of Da Mihi Animas we can’t become true servants of the youth today.

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