DARKHAN (Mongolia): 22nd May 2005 --  Miracle of miracles, but even in the Mongolian steppes near the border with Russia, in a place whose name means 'blacksmith', there is now an internet connection or two - and two Salesians.  Make that three, or nine even, since Fr Klement has been preaching the retreat there for all the confreres of Mongolia, all eight of them.

    The 17th May saw a very special, albeit quiet ceremony at Darkhan: the blessing of Mary Help of All Who Believe on the new Salesian community and work.  MHAWB is maybe a little harder to handle than MHC but more appropriate for a city where just 20 Catholics gather now for Mass at the Don Bosco Educational Centre.  This does not prevent the confreres from speaking in megatones however; 20,000, no fewer, sometime in the future! 

    In the few months since beginning - it was February 28th 2005 - the Salesian community has begun to focus on its prime purpose for being in Darkhan.  Drawing on experience already gained in Ulaan Baatar, 200 kms away, the DBEC plans to be a youth centre, an English learning Centre, a Neighbourhood apostolate and a Parish community, in other words the home, school, parish, playground model adapted to largely Russian (Soviet)-built 'New Darkhan City'.  The Salesians have been entrusted with the pastoral care of the incipient Catholic community for the next 50 years.  From 20-20,000 in 50 years.  Work out those maths!

    For the Mary's blessing on 24th May, the Rector Major has sent a note of congratulations and support, expressing his admiration of pioneering Salesians everywhere but especially now in Darkhan and Ulaan Baatar.  He reminds them that the whole Salesian world is united with them through 'Project Mongolia', this year's special mission project.  On the 24th itself, Fr Klement will be back in Ulaan Baatar where he will unveil and bless a new statue of Don Bosco.

 

VOCABULARY

steppes: vast plains

albeit: although

MHC: Mary Help of Christians

megatones: cf. #1140 for the use of 'mega' as an intensifier.  In this case perhaps we should say 'kilotones'!

incipient: beginning