In August 2017, in view of the beatification of Salesian priest and martyr Fr Titus Zeman, which took place on September 30, 2017, in Bratislava, Slovakia, the Dicastery for Formation launched an invitation to young Salesians to make a presentation that would flank the two blessed Salesian martyrs: Fr Zeman, as an example of Salesian Priest, and Stefano Sandor, as an example of Salesian Brother.
The declared purpose was: "to prepare a presentation that offers a correct and adequate image of the Salesian and of their unique vocations and missions in the two forms desired by Don Bosco."
In addition to the award-winning work, which came from the Philippines, other proposals arrived at the Roman offices of Formation Sector from the regions of Africa-Madagascar and South Asia. The presentations were evaluated by a jury, made of 7 confreres, members of the Social Communication and Formation Departments, plus the Postulator for the Cause of Canonization.
The winning piece was produced by the two young Salesians in collaboration with another Filipino religious, brother Kristoffer Omandam, OSM (Servite Order), who made the illustrations.
Their presentation insists on one point: "what moves the heart of the Good Shepherd?" Blessed Sandor is indicated as one who knew how to "give his life for the young poor workers", while Blessed Fr Zeman as "a life given for young vocations". Both are presented as trusted and credible witnesses of Don Bosco in their respective countries, Hungary and Slovakia.
The first beneficiaries of this presentation will be, first of all, the over 600 Salesian prenovices who are present in the seven regions of the Congregation: already from the pre-novitiate stage it is, in fact, opportune to present the Salesian consecrated identity in its two forms. Moreover, the presentation can be used in numerous other circumstances.
On 23 August, in Parañaque-Manila, the award ceremony for the two young Salesians will take place in the community's curatorium.
The work of the two young Filipinos has been realized in multiple versions (PDF document, PowerPoint presentation, 25-slide film in Mp4 format) and is accessible on the AustraLasia website and here.
