Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major, will officiate Mass in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Turin and, as X Successor of Don Bosco, flanked by the Mother General of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, Mother Yvonne Reungoat, will send Salesians and Daughters of Mary Help of Christians to the destination countries. A new path is thus about to begin. The missionaries of the Salesian Family are still the protagonists, supported by young people who will take part in the Harambee, coming from the Salesian Provinces in Italy.
"We cannot forget our origins and our charismatic identity" the Rector Major repeatedly reminded the Congregation: "a blessing for those who have accepted without reserve the missionary call ad gentes and dedicate themselves, mind and heart, to the needs of the missions."
A life that is not easy, that requires time, dedication, but above all absolute availability. But it bears fruit: in recent years there have been more and more vocations in the countries where missionaries are present: "Search with the good example and with the word of saving souls even in that state that the Lord destines you," Don Bosco would say!
The 25 Salesian missionaries will be sent to Ireland, Belgium, Ukraine, Turkey, Italy, Mongolia, Laos, Chile, Mexico, Argentina, South Sudan. The new presence in Gambia, which is the 43rd nation in Africa and the 136th in the Congregation, is especially noteworthy. The missionaries sent abroad are thus: 2 Salesian brothers, 6 priests and 17 young trainees. The origins of the missionaries are the following by continent: 2 from America, 3 from Europe, 8 from Africa and 12 from Asia. It is worth noting the presence of 9 Salesians from missionary India. All will attend a short course on the subject of missions and Salesianity before their departure.
In addition to the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, this missionary feast will also be attended by 25 other Salesians from the five continents, who will be engaged in a three-month permanent missionary formation course.
