austraLasia #3042
Japan celebrates a first Profession
TOKYO: 26 March 2012 -- Monday 26 March was a special day for the Chofu, Tokyo Salesian community. The morning was given over to a meeting of Rectors: those coming to the end of their term, or continuing, or the four of them newly appointed to this service. In Japan the financial year and the school year come to an end on 31st March and the new year begins on 1st April.
The Rectors were given the province budget for this 24th year of the Heisei era, which they then approved. Heisei (平成) is the current era in Japan. The Heisei era started on 8 January 1989, the first day after the death of the then reigning Emperor, Hirohito. His son, Akihito, succeeded to the throne. To convert a Western era year after 2000 to Heisei, take the year, subtract 2000 and add 12. Example for 2012: 2012−2000+12 = Heisei 24.
Another important topic was discussion of the “protocol” or document on protection of minors and prevention of abuse against minors. The action plan for the new year was approved, and much interest was also shown in discussion of the much-awaited visit by the Rector Major planned for 21 to 26 September next.
Then in the afternoon there was the first profession of brother Tran Quang Trung. The newly professed is of Vietnamese descent but was born in Japan 20 years ago of parents who came to Japan as boat people in the early 70's. This day's ceremony as well as the priestly ordination that took place on the 15th of this month are the first results of the ministry that has been carried out towards immigrants in the Land of the Rising Sun.
The ceremony, at which the provincial, Fr Aldo Cipriani, presided, was simple but impressive. There are no new novices for this coming year, but we sincerely hope there will be others for the year that follows.
Japan celebrates a first Profession
The Rectors were given the province budget for this 24th year of the Heisei era, which they then approved. Heisei (平成) is the current era in Japan. The Heisei era started on 8 January 1989, the first day after the death of the then reigning Emperor, Hirohito. His son, Akihito, succeeded to the throne. To convert a Western era year after 2000 to Heisei, take the year, subtract 2000 and add 12. Example for 2012: 2012−2000+12 = Heisei 24.
Another important topic was discussion of the “protocol” or document on protection of minors and prevention of abuse against minors. The action plan for the new year was approved, and much interest was also shown in discussion of the much-awaited visit by the Rector Major planned for 21 to 26 September next.
Then in the afternoon there was the first profession of brother Tran Quang Trung. The newly professed is of Vietnamese descent but was born in Japan 20 years ago of parents who came to Japan as boat people in the early 70's. This day's ceremony as well as the priestly ordination that took place on the 15th of this month are the first results of the ministry that has been carried out towards immigrants in the Land of the Rising Sun.
The ceremony, at which the provincial, Fr Aldo Cipriani, presided, was simple but impressive. There are no new novices for this coming year, but we sincerely hope there will be others for the year that follows.
