N. 140 - August 2020
Newsletter for Salesian Missionary Animation
Publication of the Missions Sector for the Salesian Communities and Friends of the Salesian Mission
A Vision of HOPE
W e are living in a world that has broken down most barriers to travel
and communication. The social media has created a truly global vil-
lage where physical space is not anymore a hindrance to being con-
nected. But several new crises have made us also more aware of our hu-
man frailty. A strong pagan mentality is pervading society with the belief
that science and technology can on their own overcome all evil. God is su-
perfluous. On the other hand, populist politicians have tapped into the
simmering discontent with their economic woes to blame them on immi-
gration and a globalised economy as the reasons for their being left be-
hind. Indeed, today many men and women feel disappointed, disoriented
and weary. They experience a dimming of hope. And one without hope
lives a meaningless and unbearable life.
Similarly, the disillusion of believers with our socio-political situation, with
Church leaders and with themselves, are translated into small-mindedness,
a ‘tomb psychology’ which is expressed through ‘the grey pragmatism of
daily life’, discouragement and inner weariness (Evangelii Gaudium, 83).
These, in turn, slowly consume all zeal to live one’s faith radically and to share the gospel.
Don Bosco faced numerous adversities, but he never closed the window of hope! Living the missionary
spirit today means always keeping wide open our window of hope. Indeed, only the person with a vision
of hope is able to see that signs of hope abound today, even amid the contradictions of our time: the
generous availability of many young people to serve others; the commitment to promote solidarity and
human dignity; authentic holiness of so many men and women, lived in the hiddenness of ordinary daily
family and professional lives. It is Christian hope that sustains our joy in bearing witness to the gospel
with our lives. Let us not allow ourselves to be robbed of hope! Indeed, we are bearers of hope because
we believe that the Spirit of God continues to renew the face of the earth: “Behold I make all things
new!” (Rev 21, 5).
for Reflection
Do I have a vision of hope?
What are the signs of hope we see around us?
Fr. Alfred Maravilla SDB
General Councilor for Missions
T he Congregation is present in the world in 134 countries:
Africa: 43; America: 24; Asia: 29; Europe: 32; Oceania: 6
(2020 data). In the last 20 years the Congregation has sent
an average of 30 missionaries each year.
Particular religious contexts. The phenomenon of religious di-
versity as well as multicultural difference is gradually becoming
more transversal and not only geographical.
a) Islamic context (26): Our presence in a country of Muslim ma-
jority, where our charism is at the service of young people as
evangelical witnessing and inter-religious dialogue: this is the re-
ality, particularly in the countries of MOR (Middle East) province.
In the Arab-Muslim context we have Syria, Palestine and Egypt; in the Jewish-Muslim context we have
Lebanon and Israel. They all have characteristics of a presence of initial proclamation. The new
presences in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates could be added to these; so, too, the countries of
North Africa: Morocco and Tunisia. In the Asian context with very different characteristics are the
presences in Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan and Turkey. In the European con-
text: Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. In a South Saharan African context: Burkina Faso,
Chad, Gambia, Guinea Conakry, Mali, Senegal, Serra Leone and Sudan;
b) Buddhist context (11): In Cambodia, China, Korea, Japan (Buddhism - Shintoism), Mongolia, Myan-
mar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam;
(c) Context of Orthodox Christianity (11): Belarus, Bulgaria, Georgia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Moldova,
Montenegro, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Ukraine.
