“This is not the time to sit idle and wait for the crisis to pass; it's time to roll up your sleeves, go out and do whatever you can to help those in need. We have to take care of ourselves, but not close in on ourselves.” This was "the challenge" that the Rector Major offered the Salesian Family in facing the consequences of Covid-19 and the closures that followed.
In the first months when the virus began to circulate, the Salesians in each affected country did what they could, alone. In March, however, there was already talk of a global pandemic. So on 25 March, Fr Alfred Maravilla, General Councilor for the Missions, authorized a videoconference in which the members of the "Don Bosco Network", the Salesian Mission Offices, and many other figures (47 people in all) from all parts of the world participated. It was the beginning of a joint effort, worldwide, to respond to the crisis.
The book offers many photographs of what happened, especially over the first six months. It contains photos of Salesians and members of the Salesian Family in action, giving concrete answers to people's needs. They distributed food, masks and sanitary items when local governments were unable to provide them adequately; they ensured the continuity of education with the use of the latest technologies available; they gave psychological, spiritual and religious support to young people and families.
The book contains hundreds of photos of these services, carried out in 121 countries. There are also brief reflections on the various aspects of the crisis and on the Salesian response to them, as well as an overview of what has been done, the processes followed, some statistics of what has been achieved in the first six months and a list of partners, both local and international, to thank.
This small collection is respectfully dedicated to the martyrs and heroes, known and unknown, of the Salesian Family, who have worked against the coronavirus.
As mentioned, the book was released on January 31, 2021, the feast day of St. John Bosco, as it is a response to his own advice from a long time ago. A piece of advice that his X Successor keeps repeating: “Make known the good work you do”.
Copies of the book in English can currently be ordered from the Sector for the Salesian Missions at a cost of 10 euros plus shipping costs. Translations into Italian and Spanish are being prepared.
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