There are two main fruits of this “rare” EAO regional workshop, since the ordinary work of the Salesian Translators (both SDB and various Salesian Family members) is hidden, silent and not much publicly appreciated. However without the continuous translation of the SDB institutional documents, Don Bosco sources or the daily Salesian world or EAO regional news, probably the whole Congregation would cease to breath as one world community.
At the end of the Workshop each participant was encouraged to wrap up the long reflection and discernment journey with two personal, two provincial and two regional “Resolutions” in the field of Salesian Translation ministry
Among the province level resolutions stands out: Assist their provincial to acknowledge the translation mission in more serious way, with long term planning mentality for translators formation and accompaniment, activate or found the provincial level team of Salesian translators (main tool translation ministry, that can’t be carried effectively this mission.
At the regional level our translators dream: to keep in touch through the digital communication (e.g. WhatsApp group) and ask their provincial to suggest the most necessary translations for their mission.
During the last two session on August 29 the 30 workshop participants (20 SDB and 10 members of other SF group) were able to finalize the 4th revision of the EAO Salesian Translators Handbook (due for publication on September 30 - the international day of Translators, Feast of St Jerome), put together their personal, province and region level resolutions and evaluate the whole workshop. Before the last evening prayer each participant received from the hands of the hosting provincial the special Certificate of Appreciation with the personal signature of the Rector Major.
Moreover, the Regional Councillor for the East Asia - Oceania region, Fr Václav Klement, has identified a third fruit: “When we read the ‘Resolutions’ of each participant (personal – province – regional level) there is one strongly requested theme of the ‘Provincial team of translators’ (commission or equip). We realize, that without a team work, we can’t produce a quality translation process, that needs to cross-check (copy-editing process) the final product. Hope that each of the translating EAO provinces will witness the ‘official appointment’.
As a matter of fact, in some delegations and provinces we are short of prepared confreres (SDB), Salesian Family members (Salesian Cooperators, Alumni, VDB) or lay mission partners to strengthen the translation ministry. In some provinces we need to call, to prepare and form new generation of Salesian Translators. Without this commitment our charism can’t be deeply rooted in the various cultures or our beautiful Region. In provinces with sufficient number of Salesian translators we need to foster their team-work with the necessary tools and system”.
Gathered in one place after 5 years, the EAO Salesian translators return to their home provinces with more motivation, convictions and concrete tools like the Salesian Glossary (450 terms) and clear guidelines discerned in the Salesian Translators Handbook (20 page-short document with own Glossary and Translators Prayers composed by SDB, FMA, VDB and Salesian Cooperators).
“We are grateful for the organizers, for the expert contribution of Fr. George Thadathil from Sonada (India, Kolkatta Province) “Salesian Translation Center” and wisdom from many senior translators present in the workshop hall or helping through their online advice and assistance” Fr. Pascal Kyaw, SDB, Secretary of the Workshop, concludes.
