Hosted at the Mornese Retreat Center, the seminar is focused on the theme:
“The Salesian Mission in Africa, Before and After the Africa Project (1891-2020).”
Opening Ceremony
The opening Mass on Sunday, March 23, was presided over by Bishop Osório Citora Afonso of Maputo, Mozambique. The ceremony featured an opening address by Sr. Cecilia Libokanyo Motanya, FMA, Provincial Superior of the AFM Province, followed by a welcome speech from Sr. Maria Maul, President of ACSSA.
Fr. Krzysztof Rychcik, speaking on behalf of the ZMB Provincial Superior, who is currently in Turin for General Chapter 29, welcomed the participants. Additionally, Sr. Yvette Badini, Provincial Superior of the FMA Western Francophone Africa (AFO) Province and President of CIAM, conveyed her encouragement through her secretary, Sr. Pascaline Affognon. The final introductory greeting was given by Fr. Stanislaw Zimniak, SDB, Secretary of ACSSA.
Key Presentations
Following the opening remarks, the seminar sessions began with two morning presentations:
“The Main Magisterial Documents of the Church on Missionary Work (1917-1965)” - Presented by: Fr. Samuel Amaglo, SDB, professor of missiology at the Pontifical Salesian University in Rome. “The Importance of History and the Preservation of Archives” - Presented by: Sr. Maria Luisa Nicastro, FMA, head of the FMA Central Archive.
In the afternoon, four additional topics were discussed:
“Mission: From Vatican II to the Present Day” - Presented by: Bishop Osório Citora Afonso. “Mission in Africa: 1870 – 1970” - Presented by: Prof. Severino Ngoenha, Rector of the University of Maputo. “The 29 Historical Archives of the SDB and FMA Provinces in Africa and Madagascar” - Presented by: Ms. Pamela Alarcón. “Salesian Missions in the Former Belgian Congo” - Presented by: Fr. Guy Mulaisa, SDB.
Looking Ahead
In the coming days, many more presentations and discussions will further explore the theme of the seminar.
The main objective of this seminar is to enhance knowledge of Salesian missionary history worldwide, through the study and preservation of the Salesian cultural heritage. By doing so, the seminar aims to rekindle the missionary spirit and reinforce the Salesian identity.
