RMG - Salesian Mission Day 2018: "Whispering the Gospel in Asia"

08 January 2018

(ANS - Rome) - The theme of Salesian Mission Day (GMS) 2018, "Whispering the Gospel in Asia", was presented on the day of the Epiphany. This year the focus falls on the first proclamation of the Gospel on the Asian continent, especially those spoken via the Vocational Training Schools.

The Congregation invites everyone to celebrate the Salesian Mission Day on 11 November, or thereabouts, the departure date of the First Missionary Expedition, but the Provinces may choose to celebrate the day on other dates, according to their own convenience.

As part of the presentation, the GMS poster was released. It sets the new Salesian Missionary Cross at its center, a reminder that the Salesians of Don Bosco and the Salesian Family are called to be missionaries of the young, their hearts shaped according to the Good Shepherd, the source of joy, faith, hope and love.

The radiant golden light descending from above that continues as a stream of water in the background represents the presence of the Holy Spirit who constantly guides and illuminates each missionary in their life of service. That gentle stream indicates, too, the methodology of the First Announcement, one of serene, discreet and respectful patience as it communicates the Good News.

The photomontage of the young people of the Vocational Training Centers represents the field of work in Asian countries, in societies sometimes marked by the contrast between wealth and poverty. In Asia, there are, of course, many young people of different cultural, religious and economic backgrounds which the Salesians, with patience, kindness and gentleness, are called to accompany and instruct in their studies and vocations so they may grow up as honest citizens and good Christians, or children of a different faith, as people who contribute to society experiencing true joy - in this life and in the future.

The poster's visual journey ends with a photo of Don Bosco sitting next to a globe,  reminder of the Founder's missionary dreams: he invites his spiritual children to travel and go around the world bringing Good News to the young. Through a fraternal presence and offers that are educational and pastoral, Salesians foster a welcoming and family-like environment, one that nurtures a sense of personal dignity and inclusion in society, while communicating, like "words whispered to one's ear", words of joy, faith, hope and love: the whispered words of the Gospel.

The GMS poster and prayers, and later also the booklet for missionary animation, will soon be available, in various languages, at the website sdb.org.

InfoANS

ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication, the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007.

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