(ANS – Tokyo – October 8, 2026) – Fr. Fabio Attard, Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco, continued his visit to Japan as celebrations marking 100 years of the Salesian presence in the country officially concluded on October 4. Fr. Attard then traveled to Miyazaki, the birthplace of the Japanese Salesian mission, where he paid tribute to Venerable Fr. Vincenzo Cimatti.
Tokyo: Closing the Centenary Celebrations
On Sunday, October 4, a solemn Mass and gathering brought together the Salesian Family, educators, students, staff, and young people. The events expressed gratitude for a century of service and renewed commitment to accompanying young people.
The day began with a visit to Tokyo Salesio Gakuen, the boys’ home. In the afternoon, at Don Bosco School, Fr. Attard presided over the closing Mass.
In his homily, he recalled the arrival of the first Salesians in 1926, led by Fr. Cimatti and accompanied by eight missionaries. Reflecting on the Gospel of the vineyard, he spoke of gratitude for the legacy received, responsibility in the present, and faithful service in the future. As the second century of Salesian presence begins, he invited the Salesians to continue their mission among young people with humility, strength, faith, hope, charity, and wisdom.
The Provincial’s Words of Thanks
At the conclusion of the celebrations, Fr. Atsushi Hamasaki, provincial of Japan, described the Rector Major’s visit as a great grace for the province. He also thanked Fr. William Mathews, general councilor for the East Asia–Oceania Region.
Fr. Hamasaki explained that the centenary had been a time of sincere reflection. The province had asked itself, “Have we really seen the young people? Have we listened to their voices?”
It had also acknowledged its own limitations, including closed-mindedness, fear of change, and distance from young people.
Young People Share Their Experiences
After Mass, students presented a cultural program featuring a high-quality orchestral performance. Four young people then engaged in a dialogue with the Rector Major, sharing how their schools, parishes, and relationships within the Salesian community had shaped their faith and sense of belonging.
They emphasized the importance of welcoming communities, authentic role models, and personal accompaniment. One student recounted how the Salesian community in Tokyo had helped him overcome isolation.
Fr. Attard identified family spirit, hospitality, and joy as common threads running through these stories. He reminded educators that St. John Bosco’s approach speaks to young people across cultures because it touches the heart.
He also urged them to use social media and artificial intelligence wisely, as tools that serve human relationships rather than replace them. Young people, he said, need adults who are present, approachable, and ready to listen and pray with them.
Miyazaki: Where It All Began
On October 5 and 6, the visit to Miyazaki brought together young people, educators, Salesians, the Sisters of Charity of Jesus, and collaborators. It was here that the first missionaries, led by Fr. Cimatti, arrived in 1926. In 1946, Hyuga Gakuen was founded, with Fr. Cimatti serving as its first rector.
On October 5, during a Mass attended by nearly 700 students, staff members, and collaborators, Fr. Attard recalled Don Bosco’s poverty and determination to pursue an education. He encouraged students to appreciate the opportunities education offers and to remember the many young people who lack access to it.
During a question-and-answer session, he expressed his admiration for Japanese culture, particularly its harmony, respect, beauty, and order. He encouraged the students to learn about their own history, explaining that appreciating one’s heritage opens the way to appreciating other cultures.
That evening, during a gathering with staff members and former students, Fr. Attard delivered his traditional “Goodnight” message. He invited educators to look beyond young people’s mistakes and recognize the good in everyone.
Drawing on the example of Valdocco, the place where Don Bosco developed his educational mission, he spoke of gentleness, relationship-building, and patient guidance. He encouraged educators to put “the person before the fault,” even when results are not immediately visible.
“Cimatti Day”
On October 6, the province celebrated Cimatti Day, commemorating the anniversary of the death of Venerable Fr. Cimatti.
Fr. Attard visited the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and the Caritas Missionary Museum before celebrating a Mass of thanksgiving. The sisters welcomed him, recalling that Miyazaki is the birthplace of both the Salesian mission in Japan and their congregation.
In his homily, Fr. Attard retraced Fr. Cimatti’s journey. At the age of 46, Cimatti had accepted the responsibility of leading the mission in Japan. Fr. Attard highlighted his humility, faith, commitment to education, and appreciation for Japanese culture.
Cimatti’s work among young people was characterized by music, wisdom, kindness, and personal closeness, even during the difficult years of the war. His life, Fr. Attard observed, offers a concrete expression of the Salesian Preventive System, founded on reason, religion, and loving-kindness.
Sister Kyoko Miyawaki, superior of the Sisters of Charity of Jesus, gave thanks to God for inspiring Fr. Cimatti and Fr. Antonio Cavoli to found the institute. She also expressed her hope for renewed collaboration in serving young people.
Commemoration in Chōfu: Prayer at Fr. Cimatti’s Grave
While the Rector Major celebrated Mass in Miyazaki, Fr. Marsiglio, director of the Cimatti Museum, presided over Mass in the Memorial Chapel in Chōfu.
Those gathered afterward prayed at Fr. Cimatti’s grave, asking that he soon be beatified and seeking the grace to follow his example through prayer and daily acts of love and service.
Many members of the Salesian Family participated in the celebration, making the gathering a moment of unity centered on the memory and legacy of Venerable Fr. Cimatti.