austraLasia 865

 

[Though still 'keyboard-challenged', which in effect means that I am still teaching the right hand to work again, it seems that some effort should be made to get aLa off and running again, even if it's a mainly left-handed effort.  If you can imagine someone holding bagpipes by the right arm, without the pipes, then you have a reasonably accurate image of what it looks like, and how I move, sit, or sleep at the moment.  But on with the task.... ]

 

Mission Seminar at Hua Hin: Jn 10:10 is the key

 

HUA HIN (Thai): 1st August '04 -- A little over 70 members of the Salesian Family are presently gathered in Hua Hin, Thailand, to consider the challenges of mission 'ad gentes' in today's Asia.  The key to discussions is 'life, and life to the full'.  This time, the mission seminar is concentrating on Asia proper, rather than trying to also come to terms with the sometimes distinct challenges of Oceania, as has happened in the past.  A second seminar is planned for the latter region.

15 countries from the East Asia-Oceania Salesian Region are involved in the seminar, which has meant an internal challenge to the organisation as they attempt to find a common language.  This is English, but it still means that Fr. Klement, the Salesian Regional Councillor for EAO, fluent in Korean, Italian and English, and with a broad knowledge of Chinese written characters, has found himself to be something of a language bridge.

Present at the meeting also are the FMA General COuncillor for Missions, Sr. Ciri Hernandez,  and Fr. Francis Alencherry, Salesian Councillor for Missions.  There are 32 SDBs, 24 FMAs, 6 CSM, 5 SIHM, 1 DMQ (for the last three check your lists of the Salesian Family!  All groups of Religious women founded by Salesians), 2 Cooperators, 2 VDB and 2 other lay Salesian formators from the Cebu CLAY Institute.

The logistics are backed by 4 Thai Salesian prenovices.  The Seminar, which began 30th July, is due to conclude 3rd August.