Diamond Jubilee of Salesian arrival in Tokyo |
(ANS – Tokyo, 13th Oct
2008) - On Sunday 12th October, the Archbishop of Tokyo, Peter Okada
The coming of the Salesians to Tokyo was the crowning fulfilment of Fr Cimatti`s dream. He appointed Fr Peter Piacenza as the first superior of the community. The joy was short-lived. Fr Piacenza died just two years later, leaving Cimatti with the task of finding a new man for the task.
Sunday`s Mass was well-attended not
only by local parishioners but by parishioners from nearby parishes
including those administered by the Salesians. The celebration was
especially significant for the presence of Fr Andrew Wong, the new Regional
Councillor for EAO, who has just arrived in Japan to begin the consultation
for the appointment of a new provincial.
The Mass was followed by an unforgettable fraternal 'agape' and a number of folk presentations, amongst which the ritual opening of a fine bottle of 'sake' for the toasts, and a concert of traditional Japanese drumming performed by young parishioners. The current parish priest is Fr Joseph Nishimoto. |