By Ms. Izumi Sakura
Tokyo, Japan, October 17, 2015 - Salesian Mission Day of the Japanese Province was celebrated on Saturday 17 jointly with the gathering of the DBVG (Don Bosco Volunteer Group, founded 24 years ago in 1991) youths who made a presentation on their 2 weeks’ experiences in the Solomon Islands.
Prayers and readings of the Triduum preparing for SMD were distributed from the Commission for Missionary Animation, so although on a Saturday, most SDB confreres except those from the formation house next door were unable to attend the gathering held at the parish hall in Chofu, hopefully, we were united in spirit on this day in the special year of DB200.
The 6 youths (2 girls and 4 boys) accompanied by Fr. Peter Shin Mishima, the Delegate for Youth Ministry, gave a state of the art presentation in which we could view their life and activities from various aspects through video, power point and music.
Although the group was smaller and the period was shorter than usual, due to the youth pilgrimage to join the celebrations in Torino this year, it was visible that the DBVG youths had had an intensive experience that touched them deeply and had created a strong bond among each other.
Following the presentation by DBVG youths, the liturgy of the Word was celebrated, presided over by the Provincial, Fr. Mario Yamanouchi. Fr. Mario said in his homily that we should not be discouraged by the small number of laborers in the field and should have the courage to go out on mission. He congratulate the youth for their spirit of going out to meet people, to share with them what they have.
After this time of prayer and reflection, everyone gathered enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by the supporting staff of DBVG, many of whom are also Cooperators.
Many former volunteers of DBVG, young adults, gathered for the occasion, cultivating bonds between the different generations of volunteers. The fact that they continue to return, despite the busy rhythm of life and the many distractions, is testimony that they find something precious that has touched their lives through their experience with DBVG. There are Christians and non-Christians among the youths. Some receive baptism or become active in Salesian works after their volunteer experience.
In the presentation, the words that were reiterated by the youths were, “I realized I shouldn’t take things in life for granted. I’m so grateful for what I’ve received in my life”, “I went to the Solomon Islands thinking I would be giving something, but in fact I received much more than I gave!”
This is the wonder of giving, the wonder of love: you give, you receive more, and you grow as you go out of yourself to meet the other…. This is what is at the heart of the missions as we continue to follow the Missionary of the Father, Jesus Christ to spread the Good News!
Films by the DBVG youths:
