Salesian Family Delegates in Seoul (2)

By Fr. Vaclav Klement, SDB

Seoul, Korea, 18 November 2016 -- The first of the three Seminars for the Delegates of the Salesian Family in the EAO Region was a remarkable success. During 3 full days (November 15-17) the 40 participants from 4 different provinces (Australia, China, Japan, Korea) and the Mongolia delegation (VIE) experienced a deep learning experience.

Among the highlights were the testimonials of two provincial councilors of the Salesian Cooperator (KOR) - Andrew (Vocation promotion) and Angela (Formation) and the General secretary of the Federation of Don Bosco Past Pupils, Thomas Moor Kim who participated in the recent 11th EAO Congress in Dili, Timor Leste.

Listening to our Lay Mission Partners and members of Salesian Family was at the center of this encounter. All participants were also grateful for the proactive presence of Mr. Philip Yu (EAO regional councilor of the Salesian Cooperators) and interaction with the Korean Salesians in the Seoul communities of Kuro 3 Dong, Don Bosco Youth Center and Dae Rim Dong.

First presence of the newly established Secretariat for the Salesian Family working as a team (leader Fr Eusebio Munoz), was a good model for the animation at the provincial level. A true synergy and interaction between the Delegates for the Salesian Cooperators, Don Bosco Alumni, ADMA and Secular Insitutes VDB and CDB impressed all participants.

At the end of the meeting all provinces work out their ACTION PLAN for the Salesian Family (2016-2019) with a specific focus on the four strategies: (1) make sure a solid structures in each province: Delegate, Advisory Council - Consulta, Provincial Feast of SF and Joint formation of the SF groups; (2) Formation at all levels: members of each groups, all SDB and FMA, provincial and local delegates; (3) accompaniment of persons and groups; (4) foster a mature responsibility of the lay people as a counter-cultural movement. Fr. Eusebio underlined strongly the centrality of the MISSION as reaching out to the poor youth.

The cultural night on the last evening brought together many young members of Salesian Family groups in Korea: aspirants and postulants of the FMA and Caritas Sisters; complete Provincial council of the Salesian Cooperators and members of two ASC local centers. Their dances and songs were blending with the Chinese and Japanese cultural items.

After the last evening prayer were distributed the badges of the Happy Vocation movement, promoted by China province Salesians Cooperators and the EAO regional prayer cards. All the participants hope to contribute to the growth of Salesian Family with their personal commitment and life witness, being present among the different SF groups as formators of lay apostolic spirituality.

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