Between history and actuality
Just like 150 years ago, the Porto Antico in Genoa will host the Salesian missionaries. From here on 11 November 1875, on board the steamship Savoie, the first ten spiritual sons of St John Bosco set sail for distant Argentina, after hearing his message: ‘Seek souls, not money, nor honours, nor dignity.’
In this same place, on the morning of today, Wednesday 12 November, the new missionaries of the 156th Salesian Missionary Expedition embarked on a boat to La Lanterna, the port lighthouse of the Ligurian capital, renewing the mandate of the Congregation and weaving a thread with the confreres who set off on the first voyage to transmit the Gospel and God’s love to the youngest, poorest and neediest in Buenos Aires.
This journey from the Old Port is one of the concluding acts of the celebrations for the 150th anniversary of the First Salesian Missionary Expedition.
The celebrations
After the appointments already celebrated over the past few days - the screening of some missionary documentaries on the evening of Monday 10th and the prayer vigil set to music on Tuesday 11th - on Wednesday 12th the programme included, after the journey by ship to La Lanterna, the unveiling of a plaque commemorating the First Salesian Missionary Expedition in the presence of the Rector Major of the Salesian Congregation, Fr Fabio Attard, and the Superior General of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, Mother Chiara Cazzuola; then the Mass in the Salesian parish; and finally the opening of the Missionary Expeditions Museum.
The new museum
It is precisely the museum that is one of the cornerstones in the project to pass on the Salesian missionary heritage to posterity. Fr Pellini, former Director General of the Vatican Printing - Publishing House ‘L'Osservatore Romano and chaplain of the Directorate of Security and Civil Protection Services of the Vatican City State, explains it well.
‘The first part will be dedicated to Don Bosco's stay in Genoa and it will be possible to visit his room,’ the Salesian anticipates. ‘He was here 49 times, he prayed, reflected and planned, doing a great job of discernment and preparation for the new frontier: Salesian missionary expeditions.’
In another space, some of his objects will be exhibited, such as his hat and autograph letters sent to benefactors who helped him in the development of the Salesian work, liturgical vestments and the missionary cross.
Two other rooms have been set up to commemorate the leader of the first missionary expedition, as well as the first Salesian bishop and cardinal, John Cagliero, and the first rector of the Don Bosco - Genova Sampierdarena Institute, Fr Paul Albera, who would later become Don Bosco's second successor.
The tour inside the museum will end with an exhibition focusing on the current missions in the 137 nations in which Salesian missionaries are engaged.
"Today more than ever, presence is important. Our Congregation never pulls back, even on the most complex fronts,’ Fr Pellini concludes. 'Giving strength and courage to young people, encouraging them to look to the future with confidence, is what is asked of every Salesian missionary.’
