By Prenovice Lorenzo Ruiz Hasegawa

Tokyo, Japan, 16 October 2019 -- The Assembly of the Salesian Family was held at the Salesian Formation house, Chofu, Tokyo on 14 October 2019. This assembly was set for the occasion of the visit of the Mother Superior of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, Mother Yvonne Reungoat, FMA in Japan. More than 200 participants of 5 Groups of the Salesian Family — the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB), Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), Caritas Sisters of Jesus (SCG), Association of the Salesian Cooperators (ASC), ADMA as well other related groups - Don Bosco Kikin (DBK; Don Bosco Fund Raising Foundation), VIDES Japan (FMA Volunteer movement), and the Hamamatsu Parish faithful who offer educational assistance to the children of migrants—were well represented by the attendance of the members of each group.

The assembly started with the celebration of the Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. Jacob Hamaguchi, SDB, the Salesian Provincial. In his homily, Fr. Hamaguchi emphasized the importance of finding joy through serving young people who are in need of help. This joy is the force that sustains the zeal and commitment to the mission of the entire Salesian Family.

“And if anyone gives to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward (cf. Mt.10:42).” This divine command lays out the missionary activities of the Church to take care of the people who are poor and marginalized. As the Church continues journeying, its members are called to be the tangible sign of salvation. By proclaiming the Gospel, Jesus unites people who obey his command in good faith. Each is called to preach salvation and reign of the Kingdom of God through the grace and inspiration that comes from the Holy Spirit. The Salesian missionary activities are manifestations of the graces bestowed to the members of the Salesian Family to carry out the deeds of Christ to the young people in need. This Salesian identity claimed by each of the members becomes deeds of witnessing Christ.

After the celebration of the Holy Mass, reports were sharedon the activities of each group, along with an inspirational talk by FMA Mother General. Sister Yvonne, who expressed her feelings of joy at the various activities of the members of the Salesian Family in Japan helping young people in need of help in realization of the Salesian mission. Mother Yvonne herself was a missionary in Africa. Her stories of her own missionary experiences enlightened the people about the Salesian missionary activities around the world.

Fellowship followed after the talk of Mother Yvonne. The SF encounter happen during the animation visit of FMA Superior General in Japan(Oct 6-16, 2019).

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