Miyazaki, Japan, 11 December 2020 -- I believe each one of us have had very many experiences. Among those very many experiences we have one such special time that is cherished and remembered throughout. Allow me to share with you one such experience from my side.
What is your practical training experience as a young missionary in Japan?
My experience, which I call my honeymoon experience, began when my path took me to Miyazaki in Japan for my practical training. Miyazaki has been the first cradle for the Salesians in Japan since 1926. Indeed, it was God’s vision for Don Cimatti to carry on His mission in Japan. Don Cimatti along with the first Salesian missionaries, started the Salesian works in this very community of Miyazaki. It is from here that the Salesian mission began to flourish all over Japan.
I consider myself blessed for having been sent to do my Practical Training and be part of this Miyazaki community. In Miyazaki we have got our school apostolate and “assistenza” (assistance) is the hallmark of our school “Hyuga Gakuin”. For teachers, students and support staff 'ASSISTENZA' is not just a mere presence. 'Assistenza' is much more, it is an accompaniment and a learning journey together with the young and those whom we come in contact with. Along with the school apostolate, we also have a volunteer work on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The students and assigned teachers go to a nursing home for the elderly and an infant child care home run by the Caritas sisters. Here we spend our time with the elderly, the young and help by playing games, by helping out with chores but above all making it a learning experience from this volunteer work.
Our School enters into its 75th year of grace in the next year 2021. We continue thanking God for all the blessings received during these many years, especially remembering all those Salesians both past and the present who have toiled hard to spread God’s love through the loving kindness taught by our founder Don Bosco.
Are you enjoying your Honeymoon experience?
Yes, I am. That is not to say there aren’t challenges with ups and downs but I am enjoying my honeymoon experience, through the simple Salesian style of community sharing during daily Eucharist, ‘Goodnights’, monthly recollections, togetherness during meals, and recreation such as playing badminton in the community.
Although busy with the school apostolate, there is always time for humor. The communitarian aspect of greeting each other at the start of the day, good morning (Ohayo Gozaimus), or be it at the end of the day, good night (Oyasumi nasai). This is where I personally feel the sense of belonging to a family I call home. All these small little things add to my experience and make me cherish it each day.
Within a few months this Honeymoon experience of Practical training will be over, but it will always remain alive with me as I carry it through my ongoing formation, in the Salesian way of life. I hope you to have one such honeymoon experience, and get to treasure it!
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