Mr. Molinari Bortolo of Ecological Fire Group Sella applied for the planting that took place in the garden of the Maximilian Kolbe Church. Since 2011 marks the 70th anniversary of Father Kolbe’s death and also the 35th anniversary of the Fire Group Sella’s foundation, they wished to plant the kaki tree “of peace.” The church’s name derives from Father Kolbe, a Franciscan friar who once lived in Nagasaki for some years. At the age of 47, he died in place of a sergeant in the concentration camp of Auschwitz. He was later canonized. Brescia Ecological Fire Group Sella, to which Mr. Molinari Bortolo belongs, watches, protects and restores the hill area, conducts activities to conserve nature and has been promoting the peace procession called “Green of Valley” for 6 years.
The tree planting ceremony on 17 May was organized by the Fire Group. Many children from nearby kindergarten and primary school attended the ceremony. Kindergarten children paraded and entered the church garden holding a long pole to which a sheet of white paper with a kaki tree drawing attached just like a flag. Children who had already gathered showed their works and messages to Japanese people affected by the earthquake disaster in March.
The ceremony was full of performances of children. After lower graders played the national anthems of Japan and Italy by pianica, they also beautifully played “La Primavera” by Vivaldi and “Ode to Joy” by Beethoven. All the upper graders recited a poem. There were also a cello performance and a singing. At the end of the singing, they threw a lot of white origami cranes high in the air.
After Mr. Ebinuma made a speech, the tree was planted. The planting site was in front of the statue of Maria, which stands on the left side from the entrance. Several children on behalf of others carefully put soil over the tree. They put something that looked like a big white dove next to the kaki tree and a nice stone plate with the inscription “Kaki Tree of Peace from Nagasaki” was also placed. All the participants joined in their group photos at the end.
