Maria Mukai Yumiko – “Brief historical notes on the foundation of the sisters of charity of Miyazaki” in “The beginnings of the salesian presence in East Asia” Acts of the seminar on salesian history, Hong Kong, 4-6 December 2004. Vol II

This article recounts the historical backdrop of the Salesian missionaries’ arrival in Miyazaki, Japan, in 1926, coinciding with the promulgation of Pope Pius XI’s encyclical “Rerum Ecclesiae.”

The narrative delves into the socio-political and ecclesial context of Japan during the early Shōwa era, marked by imperialism, colonialism, and economic crises. Despite strong opposition and negative prejudices towards Christianity, the Sisters of Charity of Miyazaki emerged from the activities of the women’s Conference of Saint Vincent de Paul. Founded in fidelity to the Holy Father’s wishes and the spirit of Don Bosco, and spearheaded by Fr. V. Cimatti and Fr. A. Cavoli, the Sisters of Charity of Miyazaki became a distinctive manifestation of the Salesians’ missionary efforts in Japan.

Reference time period: 1920 – 1970

Reference institution:
ACSSA