Dialogue is inescapable in our Salesian mission and is one of the tools that allowed Don Bosco to reach the hearts of so many people and spread the Salesian charism throughout the world. Dialogue, however, is something to be built with everyone's commitment.
SMD is not necessarily a one-day event; it is important to offer an educational and pastoral process, of which SMD is the culminating point, as an expression of the missionary spirit of the whole EPC. Each Province chooses the date or period that best suits its own rhythm and calendar in order to best experience this strong opportunity for missionary animation.
In the poster you can see a puzzle composed of different people: men, women, young people, the elderly, lay people, consecrated persons. Everyone can make their own contribution according to their own status and culture: the many ethnic groups that enrich the world make it possible to discover and appreciate the beauty of diversity and to learn how to listen. All this allows the creation of something new that flourishes, precisely, in dialogue. The fundamental part of dialogue, even before speaking, is being there, the Salesian sacrament of presence: being present with enthusiasm and making oneself available to the other.
The booklet is full of interesting insights that help us reflect on how we can build dialogue in the various areas of our lives, from family to specific formation to community, presenting experiences from around the world and from different perspectives: intercultural, intergenerational, congregational...
The life of the Venerable Simon Srugi offers us a striking example of dialogue, Valdocco is presented as a workshop of intercultural dialogue, the encounter with the Samaritan woman, recounted in John's gospel, shows us Jesus' way of dialogue. The 'Bosco Food' project, carried out by the Missions Sector for some years now, focuses on cooking as a bridge for dialogue between cultures.
The project chosen for this year is the construction of a playground for children in Lushnjë, Albania.
All the work is accompanied and fulfilled by prayer, the true source of dialogue.
Two videos accompany the celebration and animation of the SMD: one intended for the younger generation, impactful that stimulates active engagement, and the other for educators, which echoes the reflections contained in the booklet. They are available in the YouTube channel of the Missions Sector.
To download all animation materials you can scan the QR Code below or go to the website https://www.sdb.org/en/Departments/Missions/SMD_Salesian_Mission_Days
For more info: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
https://www.infoans.org/en/sections/news/item/20046-rmg-salesian-mission-day-2024-builders-of-dialogue#sigProId6ca9467abe
https://www.infoans.org/en/sections/news/item/20046-rmg-salesian-mission-day-2024-builders-of-dialogue#sigProIdea90130816
