By our own correspondent

       Sal Fam Days EAO Region, 16 January 2021 -- One Salesian Sister from Myanmar shares after this first historic online encounter: "Congratulations! It was very beautiful. We enjoyed the day and we became more hopeful. Thanks!" This exclamation probably expresses the feelings of the great majority of EAO participants. Indeed it was long anticipated and for the past month a well-prepared moment: about 50 members of the 'steering team' - more than 10 translators (8 languages - Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indonesian, Mongolian, Tetun, Thai and Vietnamese), a strong IT support team from Filipino Past Pupils (GEX) lead by Mr Neil Evangelista and Mr. Jonas Rivera, all 12 EAO provincial delegate for Social Communication and for the Salesian Family with the strong support of their superiors.

       It was family team-work. In spite of large geographical distances, 9 hours time zone difference, language challenges or simply due to weak internet connections (Pacific and Timor Leste) - more than 750 devices (cell phone, PC or Ipad) were connected to two digital platforms (English speaking to the 'Salesian Family - East Asia Oceania 2021' FB page and for those in need of simultaneous translation there is a Zoom platform with multiple channel choices. Including the EAO Regional Councilor Fr. Joseph Phuoc, many SDB provincials and superiors of many SF groups were present.

       On the first day no fewer than 7 videos: Opening Prayer (Myanmar Past Pupils), Visit to Valdocco Don Bosco House, Testimonials of Young people from all five continents (Salesian Youth Movement - one video by SDB and one by FMA), Pakistan persecuted Christian interview, Concluding prayer (FIN Salesians) and Goodnight by Bishop Joseph Prathan (Surat Thani diocese, Thailand).

       At the end of the day after two hours virtual encounter, for most of the participants Province level group meetings followed based on a three-fold question: Watching the Hope centered videos - What struck you? What inspired you? What challenged you? Almost 100 small online and offline groups were gathered in the evening time around most of the EAO provinces.

       One of the small groups after an hour long sharing offers it's wisdom: "We are challenged to spend more time with young people as individuals. As Salesians we are asked to offer relationship and not just service (accompaniment & encounter). One is reminded that Salesians are not social workers but pastoral witnesses. We are called to be witnesses as a “community that loves.”

       After a two hour break following the EAO regional and province level encounters (ending somehow for the majority between 5-7 PM) a good number of participants followed on the ANS Facebook pageat World level with the Strenna 2021 official video, sharing of the Rector Major and Hope in Action talk by an Italian diocesan bishop (Pinerolo-Piedmont).

       The family spirit helps the EAO participants to overcome their large distances and share in many different social media platforms. We hope and pray that this first day of exploring the roots of Hope will inspire some wise resolutions as to how to witness to Hope in today's world, especially to young people.

• EAO Regional level input and shared materials (Word)
• EAO Regional level meeting is available on Facebook (Jan 15)
• Japan Province streamed in Japanese langauge on their YouTube channel
• Related resources: Strenna 2021 poster made in Japan (Mr Guru Suzuki)
  Available to all with two conditions: acknowledge the author and report the use to the Japan province SC office

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