NEWS PHOTOS
Nairobi, Kenya – April 2024 - The Africa-Madagascar Salesian Formation Centre (Don Bosco – SAFCAM), organised a formation course from 8 to 12 April at the Don Bosco Youth Educational Services" (DBYES). It was on Salesian Spiritual Accompaniment at the level of the Africa-Madagascar Region.The ten participants, eight (8) SDBs and two (2) FMAs came from East Africa (AFE); Tanzania (TZA), Africa Nigeria Niger (ANN) and Southern West Africa (AOS). Fr Cirillo Odia and Fr Philip Lazatin, SDB, were the facilitators for the formation meetings. The course began with the presentation of the Emmaus Experience as an icon of spiritual direction. After personal reflection and sharing in the assembly, participants were given the scriptural and historical context of accompaniment or spiritual direction. Facilitators helped participants understand the nature and process of spiritual accompaniment. The Characteristics of a Good Spiritual Director and the usual Stages of Spiritual Growth were also presented. For the participants it was also fascinating to explore Salesian accompaniment, reflecting on the experience and style of Don Bosco, and thus become aware of the Salesian pastoral and spiritual accompaniment in Formation and Mission. In addition, some case studies on the image of God and other real situations were presented, as well as useful tools for spiritual accompaniment. Participants also had practice sessions on some topics covered. In the final meeting everyone expressed their appreciation for this important course and suggested organising it also for other members of the Salesian Family and in the houses of formation. Special thanks went to the SAFCAM facilitators and team.
Milan, Italy – April 2024 - Fr José Miguel Nuñez, in the name of the Rector Major, has begun the Extraordinary Visitation to the Salesian Province of Italy – Lombardo-Emiliana (ILE). On 13 April Fr José Miguel Nuñez met with the Provincial Council led by Fr Roberto Dal Molin, ILE Provincial. In the coming days Fr José Miguel Nuñez will visit the various houses of the Province.
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia – April 2024 – The Salesian mission in Mongolia began in 2001, started by five Salesians, two of whom are still in the country. Last year, Fr Alfred Maravilla, General Councillor for the Missions, made an Extraordinary Visitation to Mongolia, asking the Salesians a crucial question: what will be the future of the Mongolian Delegation? In addition, during the Team Visit to the East Asia-Oceania Region, the Rector Major, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, stressed the urgency for the Provinces to make decisions on their own future, always giving priority to the option for the most needy. In light of these reflections, and also considering the still tangible consequences of the pandemic, the Salesians of the Delegation of Mongolia met in an Assembly for an overall assessment of what needs to be continued and what needs to be reshaped. The Assembly was held from 8 to 10 April at the Handgait Retreat House, in the presence of all the members of the Delegation and Fr Marcello Baek, representing the South Korean Provincial Council. The purpose of the Assembly was to present the general situation of the mission, so that all Salesians now working in the Delegation of Mongolia are aware of the real situation, as a whole. Subsequently, a second Assembly will be held, in which it will be decided which Apostolates to continue and which to reconsider.
Seoul, South Korea – April 2024 – More than 300 people, belonging to different groups of the Salesian Family, gathered on Saturday 13 April at the Salesian Provincial House in Seoul to celebrate the Day of Spirituality of the Salesian Family. The celebration was led by Fr Joseph Phuoc, Councillor for the East Asia-Oceania Region, who is making an Extraordinary Visitation to the Korean Holy Martyrs Province of South Korea (KOR), on behalf of the Rector Major, in these weeks. The Day opened with a welcome address by KOR Provincial, Fr Timothy Choi Woncheol, who recalled that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the Salesian presence in South Korea. Fr Phuoc congratulated them on this achievement and stressed the importance of giving priority to young people and helping them, planting "joy in their hearts and in their lives". Subsequently, those present attended a presentation conference on the Rector Major's Strenna 2024, an in-depth study on the 70th anniversary of the Salesian presence in South Korea and exhibitions and participatory programs prepared by each group of the Salesian Family. After a break, the appointments continued with a talk on the role of the laity and a moment of group work focused on dreams. The Day ended with Mass, presided over by Fr Timothy Choi Woncheol, during which the second anniversary of the death of Fr Robert Falk was commemorated, who gave his all, from the beginning of the Salesian presence in Korea, planting the dream of Don Bosco in the hearts of young people. Finally, in the homily, Fr Joseph Phuoc recalled the Dream at nine years of age and highlighted Don Bosco's love for young people.