GMS ENG-2013 :: Missions Department

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GMS ENG-2013

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GMS ENG-2013

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The poster

The Faith Journey in Africa!

The theme of the Salesian Missions Day is very timely in the context of the Year of

Faith proclaimed by the Holy Father Benedict XVI. The celebrations this year neces-

sarily lead to the reflection about the relevance and importance of the initial procla-

mation of the Gospel, which was also the theme of the SDB-FMA Study Days in all

continents in the course of this six-year period (2008-2014). Initial proclamation is

directed not only to those considered as “non-Christians”, but also to “those who

do not know Christ,” which include either the unbaptised, or the baptised who do not

know Jesus Christ personally. And so today the Church feels its urgency in all conti-

nents.

The poster for the Salesian Mission Day 2013 has a big picture of Fr. Victor Mallesa, a

Salesian from the Province of East Africa during the rite of Baptism, which shows the

link between initial proclamation, the catechumenate and the journey of faith of each

person. The background at the centre of the poster is a picture taken in Kenya, just

after sunrise, which creates the awareness of a new day and a new life. On this back-

ground there is a picture of three children praying as their youthful response to initial

proclamation. Behind the children is a silhouette of the Sacred Host as a reminder

that this faith journey should lead to the Eucharist.

The four photographs on the lower part of the poster link initial proclamation to Chris-

tian initiation through the journey of faith in Africa fostered by the Salesians of Don

Bosco, so as to “recover the ardour of the beginnings of the evangelization” (Africae

Munus, 164) of the African Continent: the Word of God, the celebration of the sacra-

ments, popular devotions and charity, symbolically represented by the rite of the

washing of the feet. This is why the material in this booklet can serve as examples or

models for the Salesians and lay people who are in other continents.

This poster was made by Fr. Sebastian Koladiyil SDB and his team of collaborators at the

BEAMS (Bosco Eastern Africa Multimedia Services) studios of the Salesian Province of

Eastern Africa.

Index

The poster: Journey of Faith in Africa 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Index 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Letter of the Rector Major 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Letter from the Regional Councillor for Africa and Madagascar

and the Councillor for the Missions 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Salesian Mission Day a continuing tradition 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SMD - How was it celebrated? 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Africae Munus – Post Synodal Exhortation of Benedict XVI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Don Bosco’s African face. 35 years of Project Africa (1978 - 2013) 14 ..................

Video 1 - The Faith Journey in Africa! 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Video 2 - The Faith in Africa. Makalala catechist school . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Video 3 - The Faith in Africa – Angola. There is leaven in Luanda ...................20

Video 4 - The Faith in Africa – Angola. Workers in the harvest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Video 5 - The Faith in Africa – Togo. Parish as a school of faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Testimonies 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SMD 2013 Project 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Teaching materials 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Prayer 32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

All the material in: Italian, English, Spanish, Portuguese and French

is available also on DVD and can be downloaded from the site www.sdb.org

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Rector Major’s Letter

27 May 2012, Pentecost Sunday

Dear Confreres

and Friends of the Salesian Missions,

I greet you on this Pentecost Sunday with

the heart of a disciple of Jesus that feels

God’s love today personally, and wants to

share it with others.

For the 26th time the Rector Major is offer-

ing the Congregation a mission theme to

help make known the involvement of con-

freres, and so open their eyes and hearts to

new mission opportunities. In 2013 our at-

tention turns to the African continent,

where thanks to the missionary efforts of

many Provinces through Project Africa

(1978-2005), most of the confreres working

in this region today are local: about 1000

African Salesians! The freshness in faith of

the young Churches, now making up some

150 million faithful, has really become a

spiritual lung for all humankind.

As I do each year, I would like to point out

the deeper reasons for Salesian Mission

Day, which has already found a place in the

educative and pastoral planning of many

provinces.

1. Returning to Don Bosco – walking

with young people in faith

In our second year of preparation for the Bi-

centenary of Don Bosco’s birth we are in-

vited to come to an understanding of his

pedagogy. In the four Lives he wrote about

his boys: Luigi Comollo, Dominic Savio,

Francis Besucco and Michael Magone, Don

Bosco offers concrete models of disciples

of Jesus to his sons who are educators to

faith of young people.

The Salesian society is the result of a simple

catechism lesson (cf. Const. SDB 34). We

are aware that if a Salesian takes up his vo-

cation and mission as catechist again after

many years, he renews his sense of faith

and being an educator to faith of the

young. The theme of SMD 2013 aims to

help us be more available as spiritual com-

panions of the young, so that in the first in-

stance we return to the practice of personal

spiritual direction as part of being faithful

to our calling. The photo of Don Bosco

hearing the confession of a future succes-

sor, young Paul Albera, is a highly symbolic

one for us.

2. Evangelising the Salesian

heart during theYear of Faith

We also find ourselves in the context of the

Year of Faith (11 October 2012 – 29 June

2013). In these words, on 16 October 2011,

Pope Benedict XVI highlighted its real mo-

tivation: I think that after half a century

since the opening of the Council, tied to the

happy memory of Blessed Pope John XXIII, it

is appropriate to recall the beauty and cen-

trality of the faith, the need to strengthen it

and deepen it on a personal and community

level, and to do so not in a celebratory per-

spective, but rather a missionary one, the

mission “ad gentes” and new evangelisation.

The theme of SMD 2013 helps us under-

stand the urgency of the personal journey

of faith, one that can never cease. We are

disciples on the road and we seek daily,

more and more, to follow the Master. If our

heart is not evangelised we cannot become

evangelisers of the young who are waiting

for us, and we will not be able to animate

our catechists in their important role.

3. Opening our hearts to missionary

frontiers

One way of strengthening a mission culture

is to disseminate information about the mis-

sions in an attractive way, each day. Thanks

to the many video products around the Sale-

sian world, like for example those from Mis-

sioni Don Bosco (Turin) the Congregation and

the Salesian Family is up to date with mis-

sionary life today. Every year some 15 DVDs

are sent out to 53TV stations and 4000 Sale-

sian Houses (SDB and FMA) in 133 countries

around the world. Visiting Salesian commu-

nities, however, I have seen two extremes:

in some cases the cassettes remain in their

plastic wrap, while in others the DVDs are

copied and set around to leaders and cate-

chists in all the mission stations or basic

communities and large parishes. There are

some communities that watch a brief mis-

sion video every week. SMD 2013 offers five

short videos on the journey of faith, in seven

languages - Italian, English, Spanish, Por-

tuguese, French, Polish and German – and

these can help communities rediscover this

great wealth of our Congregation. Dozens

of films on the missions within close reach!

My dear friends, I invite you to accept the

challenge of helping the young to embark

on the journey of faith and walk with them

as patient catechists. Thank you for your

courageous response to his final invitation

... You will be my witnesses! (Acts 1:8), en-

trusting this Salesian Mission Day 2013 to

the guidance and protection of Mary, Moth-

er of the Church.

Affectionately, in Don Bosco

Fr Pascual Chávez Villanueva

Rector Major

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Letter from the Regional Councillor

for Africa and Madagascar

and the Councillor for the Missions

27 May 2012, Pentecost Sunday

Hearts filled with Easter joy, we offer a

greeting of peace and joy to all confreres!

In a special way we greet all Salesians on the

front line, sharing their experience of the Risen

Jesus with young people from many cultures

and religions in every continent. We are con-

vinced that your testimony is the best image

of Don Bosco today. For every Salesian, Pen-

tecost is an invitation to grow in the missionary

dimension of our Charism!

We present you with animation materials for

the 26th Salesian Mission Day (SMD) 2013 –

The Faith Journey in Africa! It is the result of

teamwork by the 12 Provinces and Vice

Provinces of the Africa – Madagascar Region

and the Departments for the Missions and So-

cial Communication.

The first beneficiaries of Salesian Mission

Day are ourselves, the Salesians of Don

Bosco. We are invited to make Benedict XVI’s

belief our own: The first poverty of peoples is

that of not knowing Christ!. With this clear, it is

possible to indicate three specific aims of Sale-

sian Mission Day 2013:

1. Learning from young African Churches –

lungs of the Universal Church

In his recent post-synodal Apostolic Exhorta-

tion Africae Munus the Pope reminded us once

again that Africa is, for the world and the

Church a spiritual lung (no.13;177) . In his ad-

dress to the Roman Curia on 22 December

2011: Encountering this faith that is so ready to

sacrifice and so full of happiness is a powerful

remedy against fatigue with Christianity such as

we are experiencing in Europe today.

Many Salesians ask us what we want to

achieve each year through the SMD.

In many countries around the world, in fact, we

have already forgotten that the Church can

generate new children through the journey of

the catechumenate.The fresh stories of young

catechists and their young catechumens in

Africa challenges us.The more than 147 million

Catholics inAfrica (2011), with a growth rate of

6.5 million a year, is a sign of vitality and hope.

Salesian Mission Day 2013 then is a further in-

vitation to be more attentive to the Church,

truly Catholic and Universal. We are being

called to get to know the most beautiful face

of the African Church today.

So we invite all provincial communities to lis-

ten to the experiences of the young African

Churches which are still little known. We also

invite young people in Mission groups andVol-

unteer movements to let themselves be in-

spired by the Christian initiation of their peers,

catechists or young catechumens in Africa.

2. Compare yourselves with the young

African catechist

In many areas of the continent there are young

Churches, many of them have barely a century

of evangelisation behind them. In most cases

Baptism is received at a young age. They

would normally go through the catechume-

nate journey for Christian initiation, which cul-

minates in their receiving the three sacraments

of Christian initiation: Baptism, Confirmation

and Eucharist. In many dioceses there is an ef-

fort to develop this process of Christian initia-

tion in line with their traditional ways, very

much alive in many parts and cultures ofAfrica.

The catechist inAfrican dioceses is not only the

one giving catechism lessons, but the leader of

the Christian community, especially in rural ar-

eas. In places where it is difficult for the priest

to get to, they are the ones who lead commu-

nity prayer, prepare people for the sacraments,

administer development and finance in the

community. In many cases they are the true

guardians of the faith and the Church, to the

point of martyrdom.

Benedict XVI says in Africae Munus: Catechists

are invaluable pastoral agents in the mission of

evangelization. Their role was very important

during the first evangelization, the preparation

of catechumens and the direction and support

of communities. In a natural way they brought

about a successful inculturation that has pro-

duced marvellous fruits (cfr Mk 4:20). Catechists

have allowed their “light to shine before men”

(Mt 5:16), because seeing the good that they do,

whole populations were able to give glory to our

Father in heaven. Indeed, Africans have evan-

gelized Africans”. This role so important in the

past, remains essential for the present and the

future of the Church. I thank them for their love

of the Church (no.125). As Salesians of Don

Bosco, in our lives as missionaries of the young

in every province, let’s compare ourselves with

the zeal of young catechists in Africa!

3. SMD 2013 – Formation of catechists and

catechetics materials

Catechist formation and publishing catecheti-

cal materials in local languages do not feature

regularly in projects for mission support in our

provinces. The audiovisual material for SMD

2013 focuses on three experiences in the jour-

ney of faith (Angola, Tanzania and Togo).

The support project for this year aims at col-

lecting funds for catechist formation (volun-

teers, full time) and producing catechetical

materials in local languages in the three

provinces of ANG, AFE, AFO. Each province is

invited to send any contributions collected dur-

ing the SMD 2013 campaign to the Fondazione

Don Bosco nel Mondo (see p. 29).

Finally, we thank all confreres in the African

provinces involved in preparing these materi-

als. As a sign of the close collaboration of the

Departments for the Salesian mission, we are

especially grateful to those in the Social Com-

munication Department and Don Bosco Media

- Eurofilm Turin.

Warm greetings then, with a special prayer for

help from Mary our Mother and Help of all

Salesians, lay partners and young people who

walk together with the young towards Jesus

Christ!

Fr. Václav Klement

Councillor for the Missions

Fr. Guillermo Basaňes

Councillor for Africa – Madagascar Region

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Salesian Mission Day

a continuing tradition

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

Since 1988 a mission theme has been offered to

the entire Congregation. All Salesian communi-

ties are invited to get to know about a mission

situation in a particular continent.

It is a powerful occasion for Mission Animation

in Salesian communities at the local and

Province levels, youth Groups, in the Salesian

Family. Is not an isolated event but rather a

chance to involve SDB communities and educa-

tive - pastoral communities in the dynamics of

the universal Church, strengthening a mission-

ary culture.

WHY?

To give an impetus to Mission Animation by of-

fering a proposal that can become an annual

practical project and help the entire Salesian

Family to know about the Congregation’s com-

mitment to the missions and open its eyes to

new mission situations, overcoming every temp-

tation to shut oneself off in one’s own place and

to remember the universal outreach of the Sale-

sian charism.

Activities aimed at promoting interest in the mis-

sions must always be geared to these specific

goals; namely, informing and forming the People

of God to share in the Church’s universal mission,

promoting vocations ad gentes and encouraging

cooperation in the work of evangelisation (John

Paul II, Redemptoris Missio, 83).

WHEN?

There is no fixed date for SMD. Each Province

can choose a date or time best suited to its own

calendar and rhythm of events. Some traditional

dates in the Provinces (near to the Feast of Don

Bosco, or his birthday inAugust, Lent, the Feast

of the Holy Salesian Missionary Martyrs, Luigi

Versiglia and Callisto Caravario; the month of

May; the missionary month of October; or 11

November). It is above all important to offer a

educational – pastoral programme of several

weeks – for which Salesian Mission Day provides

the culmination. SMD is an expression of the

missionary spirit of the whole Educative-Pas-

toral Community kept alive throughout the

years by various initiatives.

HOW?

Starting from a meeting of rectors, where the

Delegate for Mission Animation explains the

purpose and delivers the tools available for the

SMD in the Province (Province website or a link

to www.sdb.org - SMD).Thus, all the SDB com-

munities are the first recipients of the dynamics

of SMD. By focusing attention each year on a

continent and a concrete aspect of missionary

culture; by praying for missionaries and by col-

lecting concrete support for projects presented

in the materials for SMD.The celebration of the

SMD ought is a festive occasion, able to enthuse

the participants about the mission activity.

WHO?

The primary recipient is the Salesian communi-

ty.Then, depending on each Province, there are

various ways of organizing the SMD which is

open to the whole Salesian movement and

friends of Don Bosco (Salesian Cooperators,

Past Pupils, ADMA Groups etc), depending on

the setting of the Salesian mission (schools, vo-

cational training centers, parishes, youth

groups, missionary and volunteer work of the

Salesian Family).

IN WHAT PARTICULAR WAY?

The Missions Depart offers material for all the

Salesian communities: a Poster, printed materi-

als, a DVD with short films on the theme, a CD

with the texts, photos in various languages, and

other digital material throughout the year,

which can be down-loaded from www.sdb.org

(SMD 2013) and the video which is also available

inYouTube. For further copies of the material it

is sufficient to write to the Missions Department

(cagliero11@gmail.com).

THE IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER

FOR MISSIONS

All members of the Educative-PastoralCommu-

nity live the missionary concern of their faith by

offering their cooperation in the mission activity

of the Congregation through prayer accompa-

nied by sacrifices for Salesian missionaries and

especially for Salesian missionary vocations

every 11 of the month. Each year, a prayer is

composed according to the theme of the SMD

and each month a Salesian Missionary Intention

is proposed in order to emphasise the impor-

tance of this spiritual dimension of missionary

activity.

ASSESSMENT

The assessment after the SMD is as important

as the preparation and the celebration. What

needs to be considered is how the SMD has

been able to foster a missionary culture in the

local or Province community through the topic

proposed taking into account any suggestions

for future improvements.

Salesian Mission Day 1988 - 2014

1988 Guinea - Conakry:The dream continues

1989 Zambia: Lufubu Project

1990 Timor Leste -Venilale:Young evangelisers

1991 Paraguay: Street children

1992 Peru - Christ lives in the steps of the Incas

1993 Togo-Kara: Don Bosco and Africa

1994 Cambodia: Missionaries builders of peace

1995 India - Gujarat: In dialogue sharing the faith

1996 Russia -Yakutsk: Lights of hope in Siberia

1997 Madagascar: Boy, I say to you, get up

1998 Brazil -Yanomami: New life in Christ

1999 Japan:The difficult proclamation of Christ

2000 Angola: Gospel seed of reconciliation

2001 Papua New Guinea:Walking with the young

2002 Missionaries among the refugees worldwide

2003 Salesian commitment to human development and evangelisation

2004 India - Arunachal Pradesh: A People awakes

2005 Mongolia: A new missionary frontier

2006 Sudan:The Salesian mission in Sudan

2007 Sudan:The Salesian mission in Sudan

2008 HIV/AIDS:The Salesian response – educating for life

2009 Keep alive your missionary flame

2010 Europe:The Salesians walking with the Gypsies

2011 America:Volunteers proclaiming the Gospel

2012 Asia:Telling the story of Jesus

2013 Africa:The Faith Journey

2014 Europe: Salesians walking with migrants

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How wasSitMcDelebrated?

Report of best practices 2010-2012

RELAUNCING THE SMD

One of the main challenges is launching SMD

in a Province where for various reasons it has

never been celebrated or where the practice

has not yet become part of the missionary cul-

ture. Various Provinces have re-launched the

tradition of Salesian Mission Day in different

ways.Among the more effective strategies has

been that of introducing the theme in a well-

prepared manner at meetings of Rectors

(parish priests, headteachers, directors of ora-

tories, youth centres), where the Provincial

Delegate forYouth Ministry or the one respon-

sible for Mission Animation explains the rea-

sons behind it and distributes material re-

ceived from Rome or other material adapted

and produced in loco (PLN, SUO). Others have

already produced each year a series of Good

Nights or Good Mornings for the different age

groups or locations (school, oratory, youth

groups or homilies – SMA). It is very significant

that so many Provinces have made great ef-

forts in getting the material translated into

their own languages (CIN, GIA, KOR, Poland,

CEP, CRO, SLK etc).

WHEN?

Each Province or Provincial Conference is free

to choose a day or a period most suitable for

them. Some of the days chosen in the last

three years have been: Sunday after the Me-

morial of Blessed LuigiVariara (January – Italy),

close to the Feast of the missionary proto-mar-

tyrs SS. Luigi Versiglia and Callisto Caravario

(Poland - Piła), after Easter (Spain), the mis-

sionary month of October, 11th November. A

fixed date in the Province calendar has made

it possible to have a more effective educative

– pastoral period of preparation in the individ-

ual communities.

HOW IS IT ORGANISED?

To ensure that all the SDB communities are

those primarily aimed at for SMD activities, the

Province Delegate for Mission Animation

sends the communities various sets of material

produced by the Province Team for Mission

Animation (SDB, FMA, leaders and missionary

volunteers – Italy, Turin).

Each year concentrating attention on one of

the Continents and on a practical aspect of

missionary culture the Provinces directly in-

volved in the preparation of the material ben-

efit by their own effort at animation:

2010 – The Provinces of Slovakia SLK, Czech

Republic and Bulgaria – CEP; Hungary –UNG:

who have a mission for the Gypsies;

2011 – Many Provinces re-launched or consol-

idated their organisation of missionary groups

or of mission voluntary service (CIL, MEM,

MEG, SLK);

2012 – Various Provinces in Asia for the first

time became fully aware of the missionary di-

rectives of the First Missionary Congress of

Asia – Chiang Mai, 2006;

2013 – Seven Provinces of Africa involved in

the preparation or collection of various forms

of material have profited from this for the

animation of missionary groups or of youth

catechesis.

WHO CELEBRATED?

Various formation communities (UPS – Gerini)

have undertaken mission animation during

Lent collecting funds for the SMD Project.

A novitiate inAsia contributed by uploading on

YouTube all the nine videos of 2012 SMD Telling

the Story of Jesus as part of their apostolate.

Various missionary groups of young people

have made use of it for their formation before

the activities during the special seasons

(Christmas, Easter) by means of short videos

(DVD 1).

WHAT METHODS?

Various Provinces have translated into their

own languages and adapted the material pro-

duced by the Sector for the Missions and by

SocialCommunication.Other Provinces on the

other hand. have received more copies of the

material according to their requests to the Sec-

tor for the Missions in Rome (DVD, poster,

prayer and teaching aids).

PRAYER FOR THE MISSIONS AT THE CEN-

TRE?

The prayer composed each year according to

the theme of the SMD has been distributed to

all the confreres (committed lay people, ani-

mators or mission volunteers).

ASSESSMENT?

Many Provinces have carried out an assess-

ment of the SMD very well. With great satis-

faction as a result of the assessment some

Provinces have re-launched missionary groups

or voluntary service, others have encouraged

the Rectors, and others have decided to adapt

the material to the situation of their country.

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AFRICAE MUNUS - Post synodal

exhortation of Benedict XVI

Second Assembly of the Bishops on Africa

The first Special Assembly for Africa of the

Synod of Bishops was held in 1994. The Post-

Synodal Apostolic Exhortation (John Paul

II,1995) Ecclesia in Africa, presents the Church

in Africa as the Family of God. The second As-

sembly held in 2009, has as the Post-Synodal

document the Exhortation Africae Munus,

signed by Pope Benedict during his visit to

Benin (Africa) in November 2011. The work of

the Synod in 2009 concentrated on the church

in Africa, at the service of reconciliation, of so-

cial justice and of peace: You are the salt of the

earth, you are the light of the world (Mt 5,

13.14). Taking part at the 2009 Synod were

seven Salesians (a Cardinal, four Bishops and

two priests). At present in the Africa – Mada-

gascar Region there are eight Salesian Bish-

ops: four Africans and four missionaries from

the other continents.

CHRISTIAN, BUILDERS

OF A NEW AFRICA

Unfortunately Africa is often known interna-

tionally only as the continent of wars, poverty

and disasters. Paradoxically it is that part of

the Catholic Church which is growing with

more vitality. The appeal of the Pope and of

the Synod Fathers on this occasion was that

of making the Catholics in Africa more the pro-

tagonists in a social and cultural transforma-

tion, starting from the Gospel, which is

marked by reconciliation, by justice and by

peace.

Christian and Catholic Africa has a wealth of

spiritual and religious sentiment, of love for

prayer and for the sacrament, of holiness and

even of martyrdom. However – and this is the

main point made by the Synod and by the

Post - Synodal Exhortation – it is still a long

Servizio fotograﬁco dell’Osservatore Romano

way from being able to respond to the social

challenges of the 54 countries which make up

this vast continent. Therefore, Africae Munus

is fundamentally a heartfelt appeal for social

commitment by the Church in Africa.The cen-

trality of the Social Teaching of the Church is

essential. So that the Church in Africa might

become – Church, Family of God reconciled and

reconciling – it has to take the path of conver-

sion to the gospel with courage and with gen-

erosity, and this beginning with its own

leaders (bishops. priests, consecrated per-

sons, catechists, committed lay people).

US, SALESIANS

For us, sons of Don Bosco, this voice which

speaks to the Churches of Africa – through the

Successor of Peter and its Pastors – is very en-

lightening and encouraging. In fact it encour-

ages us to be authentic evangelisers in Africa

of the young through education. A quick

glance at some of the typical words in our

charismatic and missionary vocabulary to be

found in the text of Africae Munus

makes us immediately aware

how much the Church and the

Pope expect from the Salesians in

Africa. For example:

– Young people (n. 60-64) -This

youthfulness is a gift and a

treasure from God… (n 60).

Dear young people, enticements

of all kinds may tempt you: ide-

ologies, sects, money, drugs, ca-

sual sex, violence... I encourage

you to place Jesus Christ at the

centre of your lives…(n. 63);

– Education (n. 134-138) - … to

receive schooling: this is a mat-

ter of justice for each child and

indeed the future of Africa

(n.134), … Catholic communities

and institutions will only be able

to meet this challenge (of edu-

cation) if they maintain their ec-

clesial identity and remain zeal-

ously faithful to the Gospel message and the

charism of their founder.(n.77);

– Evangelization (n.159-171; 173-174)- The

missio ad gentes calls for commitment on the

part of all Africa’s Christians. (n.162); Get up,

Church in Africa… because you are being

called by the heavenly Father, whom your

ancestors invoked as Creator even before

knowing his merciful closeness revealed in his

only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Set out on

the path of a new evangelization with the

courage that comes to you from the Holy

Spirit. (n.173);

– Catechesis - Through profound catechesis

and inculturation, the Church in Africa needs

to help people to discover the fullness of

Gospel values. (n.93). It is right, then, to

maintain a living connection between mem-

orized catechism and lived catechesis, which

leads to a profound and permanent conver-

sion of life. (n.32)

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Don Bosco’s African face

35 years of Project Africa (1978 - 2013)

Looking back over the epic realisation of Proj-

ect Africa, it must be evident to everyone that

nothing would have been possible unless the

Lord had chosen to work through our confr-

eres. Fr Viganò launched Project Africa in re-

sponse to inspiration from above, as he used

say, and truly, an invisible hand guided us

along rapid and secure paths so that it could all

become a stupendous reality.

Some important factors which contributed to

the success of this Project:

a) The speed with which we were able to

spread throughout Africa was due to the

enthusiasm with which the Provinces

greeted the Rector Major’s invitation to be

part of the Project.This aroused great mis-

sionary enthusiasm across the whole Con-

gregation. One can really say it was a

project belonging to the whole Congrega-

tion. It is one of the best examples of the

Congregation working as one at world level

to carry out a common project. It can of

course provide a stimulus for other projects.

b) The generosity and spirit of sacrifice of the

missionaries deserves our admiration.

Many of them faced serious difficulties

starting from scratch and fitting in to the

places they were sent to. They faced all

these problems with courage and perse-

vered, despite seemingly insurmountable

obstacles. Many of these pioneers are still

actively at work in various parts of Africa.

This is a sign of their love for the African

people and their identification with the

African cause.

c) Financial aid provided from the mother

provinces, from various Salesian Mission

Offices, from NGOs, and the thousand

ways in which Divine Providence helped us

are another factor. Don Bosco’s assurance

that while we are working for the poor and

for the salvation of souls, Divine Providence

will never abandon us, was carried out to

the letter during Project Africa.

d) The Congregation now has an African face.

The number of African Salesians is in con-

stant growth. This is due to our confreres’

commitment to seeking local vocations

right from the outset of the Project.The re-

sult is that we have well-organised forma-

tion structures across the Region and there

are more than 100 novices annually. All this

is possible with a good vocation ministry

plan.

Project Africa, result of the Congregation

working together (Fr Chávez, AGC 399 (2007

September), Rector Major’s Letter “I came that

you may have life and have it in abundance”

(Jn 10:10b) Presentation of the Africa-Madagas-

car region

SALESIAN HOUSES OPENED IN AFRICA

FRON 1979 - 2012

1979 Monrovia

1980 Malabo,Tambacaunda, Johannesburg, Robertsham,

Maputsoe, Dodoma, Iringa, Mafinga, Korr

1981 Tappita, Ankililoaka, Bemaneviky, Mahanjanga,Tulear,

Duéqoué, Porto Novo, Sikasso,Touba, Dondo, Luena,

Goma

1982 Akure, Ondo, Ljely, Korhogo, Lomè, Malkerns, Luanda,

Nairobi-Upperhill, Dilla

1983 Ebolowa, Chingola, Luwingu, Parakou, Kazembe, Moatse

1984 Ivato, Oyem, Lusaka, Embu

1985 Mikoneseng, Bamako, Kara, Wau, Abrigat

1986 Lungi, Conakry, Cononou, Kanakan,Thies, Karthoum,

Mafinga, Makuyu, Nairobi, Nairobi-Utrume, Zway

1987 Betafo, Kandi, Calulu, Mafinga

1988 Onithsa, Lomé, Dodoma, Kinshasa-Luckunga,

ospedale Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi-Studentat, Adua

1989 Bombo, Addis Abeba-Gotera

1990 Ivato, Lusaka, Cintasse

1991 Abijan-Koumasi, Luanda

1992 Sunyani, Brazzaville,Yaounde, N’Dalatando, Moshi,

Nzaikoni

1993 Fianarontsoa, Bobo-Dioulasso, Osterbay, Shinyanga,

Moambe

1994 Bangui, Lomé, Naitobi-Boys Home,

Lubumbashi-Tabaconda

1995 Sarh, Harare, Lilongwe, Luanda-Lixeira, Famuli,

Bujumbura, Lubumbashi-Bacania, Mbuji-Mayi,

Dekemhare, Ashaima

1997 Nkhotakota, Shambyu, Lufubu, Rynfield, Benguela,

Luanda, Goma-Ngangi, Lubumbashi-Procura

1998 Tulear, D’jamena, Lubumbashi-Jacaranda, Mekanissa

1999 Kinshasa, Debrezeit, Matunda

2000 Rosenhill-Mauritious, Bangui,Yaunde, Kakuma, Kabgayi,

Gatenga, El Obeid, Nairobi-Dybes

2001 Liana

2002 Mansa, St.Louis, Kinshasa-Mansina, Uvira, Gambela

2003 Ambohidratino, Hwabgasin, Hwange, Kabwe,

Lubumbashi-Ruashi

2004 Addis Abeba – St. Joseph, Bujumbura, Kinshasa - Maria

Ausiliatrice, Lubumbashi – Ferme Jacaranda, Ennerdale,

Viana

2005 Butare, El Obeid, Ibadan, Yaoundé –Teologato,

2006 Asmara, Ashaiman, Freetown, Sunyani, Port Louis

2007 Adamitullu,Tonj, Wau, Kamuli

2008 Kakuma, Dakar, Ebolowa

2009 Morogoro

2010 Juba, Kigali, Lusaka – Makeni, Nkhotakota

2011 Porto Novo – Tokpota

2012 Shire, Soddo

Since the beginning of Project Africa (according to

the 21st General Chapter 1978) and until 2003, 139

new Don Bosco centres were founded. Amongst

these at least 45 offer trade education in agricul-

ture and manufacturing. At present there are

more than 900 African Salesians.

1.9 Page 9

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The Faith

1video

Journey in Africa!

A precious treasure is to be found in the soul

of Africa, where I perceive a “spiritual ‘lung’

for a humanity that appears to be in a crisis

of faith and hope”, on account of the ex-

traordinary human and spiritual riches of

its children, its variegated cultures, its soil

and sub-soil of abundant resources. (Africae

Munus,13)

Africa, often seen as a continent of wars and

poverty, is a land with a thousand faces. Its

main resource is its people, rich in tradition,

who look to the future with dignity and de-

termination. The Missions Department is

dedicating Salesian Mission Day 2013 to the

black continent.

It is an invitation to get to know better the

peculiarities of this land and especially what

the Salesians are accomplishing there today.

Don Bosco’s charism in Africa

There are distant roots to the Salesian pres-

ence in Africa. Don Bosco had received sev-

eral requests, but it was Don Rua, his first

successor, who sent the first Salesians there.

Continuing the founder’s plan, he supported

and developed the activities of the growing

Congregation, including Africa in his plans

for its expansion.

In 1891 the first Salesians, from France, led

by Fr Charles Bellamy, arrived in Algeria to

begin the foundation of the St Aloysius Ora-

tory.Then cameTunisia, Egypt, South Africa,

Mozambique, Democratic Republic of the

Congo, Morocco, …

But the turning point came after the 21st

General Chapter, when Don Bosco’s 7th suc-

cessor, Fr Egidio Viganò, launched Project

Africa in the 1980s.

Some provinces were asked to send confreres

and support works in Kenya, Lesotho, Sene-

gal, Tanzania and other African countries.

The Salesian presence in this vast continent

is undoubtedly the result of this grand project

which the Congregation and the Salesian

Family have carried out. Today there are

some 1500 Salesians in Africa; most of them

are Africans and are Don Bosco’s African face!

Currently the Salesians of Don Bosco are in

43 out of 54 countries that make up Africa.

The project lasted for 25 years: from 1980

when first launched, to 2006, when Don

Bosco’s 9th successor, Fr Pascual Chávez Vil-

lanueva, during the Team Visit to the Africa

Madagascar region, declared that it was

complete.

The catechumenate: journey of faith

Salesian Mission Day, besides helping us get

to know about Salesian work in a continent,

also offers us a way of more deeply under-

standing a theme. The focus for 2013 is the

catechumenate as it is experienced and of-

fered in Africa.

The slogan chosen by the Missions Depart-

ment is “the journey of faith in Africa” and it

helps highlight a number of topics:

• Evangelization of the young seen as part

of Salesian education. Don Bosco used

say, referring to the beginnings of his

work, that it all began as a work of cate-

chetics.

• The catechumenate experienced as a

journey of education to faith; a learning

process, and one of understanding and

witness which the Christian is called to ex-

perience while preparing for the Sacra-

ments of initiation.

And finally, the role of the catechist, wit-

ness and educator in Christian living; a sig-

nificant role which is important in the

ministry of the African Church.

Africa is undoubtedly a continent of life: sta-

tistics describe it as a young continent, aver-

age age is twenty. Despite war and sickness,

which can wipe out whole generations, the

youthful presence is numerous and lively.

What we offer as Christians and Salesians is

accepted seriously and enthusiastically.

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The faith in Africa - Tanzania

2video

Makalala catechist

school

When I told my parish priest I wanted to be a

catechist he answered by saying that he would

ask the Catechist Centre at Makalala. When I

arrived here I began to learn about things of

theSpirit, of faith and my faith began to grow;

it has helped me to go out and proclaim God’s

Word to everyone. (Yoanne)

South of Dar Es Salam, capital of Tanzania, we

find the region of Iringa which in the local Hewe

language means “strong”. It is an extensive re-

gion covering 57 thousand square meters, and

lies some 1500 metres above sea level. The

Christian Faith was brought here by German

Benedictine missionaries inOctober 1896.Then

with the advent of the FirstWorldWar, theCon-

solata Missionaries arrived. Over the years the

seeds of the Gospel have grown thanks to the

work of priests, religious, but especially lay cat-

echists, true missionaries and witnesses to the

Word.

In Iringa diocese, following the first century of

the Gospel’s proclamation, a second evange-

lization is under way. The diocese, along with

others in Tanzania, has two challenges to face

up to: the scarce number of priests and the ex-

tent of rural areas.The response to these chal-

lenges, now strengthened by long tradition, is

the activity of the lay catechists. In manyAfrican

dioceses the catechists are important forChris-

tian ministry and play a fundamental role.

Catechists are called to be first evangelizers in

their families, in small rural Christian commu-

nities, in mission stations and parishes.

They are workers of evangelization and

catechetical ministry leaving the priests to

administer the sacraments.

To carry out their task, catechists need a spe-

cific, proper preparation.TheCatechist Forma-

tionCentre at Makalala does this through a two

year residential course.There are lessons in the

Bible, morals,Church teaching, introduction to

psychology and methodology, maths, civic ed-

ucation, Swahili, the national language, and

English. At Makalala the Salesians, along with

the Missionary Sisters of StTeresa of the Infant

Jesus from Iringa and Tosamaganga dioceses,

have created a formation environment focused

on sharing daily life. The academic course also

has gradual involvement in practical activities

through guided apostolate which is followed

up by those in charge of the Centre.

To qualify as catechists, the young students

at Makalala not only try to do well in their

studies, but they also have to put up with sac-

rifices. Emmanuela, for example, has had to

leave her family for a time and leave her 10

year old with relatives so she could focus on

the course properly. I am happy – she says –

to learn the catechesis about Jesus Christ, and

have learned so much about him from the les-

sons, since earlier I knew little but now I know

Jesus and thank God for this.

Pope Benedict XVI wrote: Catechists are very

valuable pastoral workers in the mission of evan-

gelization.Their role has been very important for

first evangelization, accompanying the catechu-

mens, in leading and supporting communities.

They have carried out a natural work of successful

enculturation which has brought wonderful re-

sults. It is the catechists who have let their “light

shine before men”, because seeing the good they

do, whole peoples have been able to give glory

to Our Father in heaven. Africans have evangel-

ized Africans.This role, so important in the past,

is also essential for the present and future of the

Church. I thank them for their love for the

Church.(Africae Munus 125)

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2.1 Page 11

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The faith in Africa - Angola

3video

There is leaven in Luanda

Through profound catechesis and incultura-

tion, the Church in Africa needs to help peo-

ple to discover the fullness of Gospel values.

(Africae Munus 93)

Since they came to Angola, Salesians have

been involved in fostering basic human val-

ues, evangelization and the Salesian charism.

The historical context soon had them facing

challenges. Fr Martin Lasarte says: The con-

text of Angola is quite special. We Salesians

have been here in Angola for almost 30 years.

It was very difficult at the beginning because of

the war and the communist era during which

the Salesians were forbidden to operate educa-

tional works: we could only work in parishes.

This is why our centres developed parish cate-

chetics so much.

Luanda, capital of Angola, with more than 5

million inhabitants, is a city full of life. Just as

for the whole country, 60% of the population

is under 20.

After 2 decades one can still see the signs of

the civil war. The most evident one are the

vast outskirts where millions of Angolans,

having left the hinterland, have built

dwellings.

The Salesians, faithful to their charism, are in-

volved in activities of education and evange-

lization through literacy, technical training

and catechetics.They have two large parishes

in Luanda, each with centres for gathering

people and catechetics for the youth: St

Paul’s parish and St Joseph of Nazareth

parish.

In 2012 a total of more than 10,800 catechu-

mens have attended 21 formation centres

and 637 catechists have been involved.

In St Paul’s parish, following directions from

the Archdiocese of Luanda, the formation

course for sacraments of initiation lasts 4

years.The first year of pre-catechumenate, is

an introduction to the mystery of God. The

course then continues with the first year of

catechumenate which begins with the sign of

the cross and then ends with them being giv-

en the symbol of the apostles: the Creed.

The catechumens are given the kerygma in

the course of this year: the good news of Je-

sus of Nazareth.

In the second year the Church, the face of

Christ, and his mystery, is presented. At the

end of this they are given the prayer of the

Our Father. The final year focuses on the

sacraments of Christian initiation and person-

al commitment.

In order to take in all the catechumens, St

Paul’s parish has an agreement with some

State schools who make some of their class-

rooms available on Saturdays. A pastoral

choice has been to ask catechumens, as they

grow in faith, to get involved in a group. This

also helps involve young people after Confir-

mation. Fr Stefano Tollu explains it; he is in

charge of the Good Shepherd community,

which is part of St Paul’s parish. All those who

should receive the sacrament and are 17 or

older have to take on community service in

one of the areas belonging to our church

community. What does this do? It brings an

awareness of the living Christ amongst us and

we have had some pleasant surprises.

In St Joseph of Nazareth parish in the

“Lixeira slum” - in Portuguese it means a rub-

bish dump – Salesians face two great chal-

lenges: forming the many catechists and the

daily situation for many young people, which

is difficult. Fr Santiago Boix says: … whoever

attends catechetics has to make sacrifices and

for their beliefs they have to overcome many

difficulties, like lack of time, money, other prob-

lems. Our young peoples’ journey of growth in

faith and spirituality begins with work on the

outskirts, where youngsters in our works have

various ways of entering the journey. Many

come to us through sport – capoeira, football,

basketball – others come from other Salesian

communities through school, many are

Catholics but others are from other faiths and

want to understand their faith. Others still

come from literacy centres or youth groups in

our small communities. Many come directly

through the catechumenate, asking to grow in

faith. But all this work here begins from work

in the outer suburbs.

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The faith in Africa - Angola

4video

Workers in the harvest

The Church has entrusted me with 104 com-

munities. For me it is an experience of

growth, so enriching because of the example

I receive from the catechists, especially those

in charge of leading the community in prayer,

catechesis, works of charity. Seeing these

brothers of ours, with so many difficulties,

especially surviving day by day in their work

in the fields, seeing that they have the faith

and constancy to pray daily, invite other peo-

ple to pray… it is real witness for me! (Fr Josè

Francisco López)

In Angola there are eleven Salesian works and

some presences being developed.The work of

education and evangelization is a busy one

both in populated and rural centres. Moving

away from Luanda, towards the south east,

are two Salesian works, one in Dondo and the

other in Calulo. Besiades the activities – aspi-

rantate, literacy and trade schools – there is a

work of evangelization and catechesis that

spreads out over hundreds of kilometres. The

parishes belonging to these two works each

have about a hundred small Christian commu-

nities, far apart and spread over a wide area.

There are two key players in Christian life in

these centres: the catechist and the priest.

The first leads in prayer, sacramental prepa-

ration, leads celebrations of the Word; the

second periodically visits the communities

and administers the sacraments, especially

Penance and Eucharist.

Communities are visited occasionally by the

missionaries. Their arrival is always cause for

much happiness and heartfelt celebrations

like Eucharist or preparatory rites fro Baptism

especially during Holy Week.

Fr Agustín Pascualini is 72 years old; originally

from Argentina he has spent 22 years in Ango-

la. He has other communities whom he fol-

lows up dedicatedly, not sparing time or ener-

gy. Fr Agustín says: Of the activities we carry

out in these villages, evangelization is the most

important, teaching what Jesus taught. […]The

main preparation is done by these two and all

the community supports them with their

prayers and speak to their neighbours about

what goes on in church.

The catechist is the second key player in evan-

gelization and promoting the Gospel in the ru-

ral areas. Also in Angola – as John Paul II wrote

in his Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia In Africa

(n.91) - The role of the catechist has been and

remains a determinative force in the implanta-

tion and expansion of the Church in Africa.

They are the first ones responsible for the life

of the community and sometimes not just the

spiritual life.They do not act alone but involve

the family. Domingos Marinha Gama has

been a catechist since 1974; in 1998 he was

appointed central catechist at Munenga. He

says: Since I began my work as coordinator cat-

echist I have encountered many obstacles; but

with God’s help I have begun to see the way

clear and I have begun to like the work. […] A

catechist’s work is always there, because that’s

my vocation. At any moment at any time I have

always had a group to prepare for the sacra-

ments to help them better know the light of

Christ.

The general catechists also have the task of

ongoing formation for other catechists.

Alexandre Manuel, who helps Fr Luis Victor

Sequeira in the villages along the Cuanza Riv-

er, has this role. He says: As a coordinator cat-

echist in this parish we bring all the catechists

together every two months for preparation, and

then we accompany them on mission visits

every Friday, Saturday and Sunday and follow

up their activities, especially catechetics.

Pope Benedict XVI in Africae Munus wrote:

Dear catechists remember that for a great

number of communities, you are the concrete

and immediate face of the zealous disciple and

model of Christian life. (Africae Munus 127)

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The faith in Africa - Togo

5video

Parish as a school of faith

Mary Help of Christians parish is located to

the east of Lomé, in a populous suburb, many

of the people were followers of traditional re-

ligions and were converted to Christianity...

In the area there is a strong sense of life and

popular energy: when one converts, he gives

himself with all his heart and soul to the

Catholic faith. (Fr Ferdinand Zigui)

Salesians came to Lomé in 1982, as part of

Project Africa.The first missionaries found the

situation of youth in constant socio-political

change. Poverty, illiteracy, lack of infrastruc-

ture didn’t stop the Salesians from dedicating

their efforts to evangelization and education

of the young and the ordinary people.

Mary Help of Christians Parish, Lomè covers

a wide area and a population of 80 thousand

people.They live in 5 parish communities in ar-

eas based on ethnic or tribal groups: Gbényéd-

ji, Ablogamé, Akodesséwa, Dékadjévi and

Kanyikopé. The core of pastoral activity is of-

fered by the catechists who prepare people for

the sacraments and Christian living; it is a real

journey of faith. It is open to youngsters from

Christian families and other youths and adults

who have truly decided to convert.

The first step is the important one, the pre-

evangelization step where the main chance for

them to meet is in the oratories and the

schools. Fr Lucas Camino Navarro says: The

evangelization process, before beginning the

catechumenate, is carried out through physical

presence in this area by the oratory, a presence

which attracts many youngsters with cultural,

recreational and other activities, and it means

people come to theCatholicChurch already well-

disposed, and happy with our good organization

of things. The first question arises out of this:

What do I need to do to become aChristian? And

this is where the pre-catechumenate begins.

The catechumenate lasts for 4 years: 3 for Bap-

tism plus one for Confirmation. Then comes a

year for a deeper appreciation of the Faith.

Attention given to ongoing formation of new

Christians and catechists forms part of the

main thrust of activities in Mary Help of Chris-

tians parish. François Kalenon, responsible of

The School of Faith, says: The School of Faith

began in our parish in the 1990s, in 1991/92 in

fact. It is a setup where young people, catechists,

those responsible for Movements are involved.

It contributes to developing faith and forming

catechists in improving their teaching.Topics like

family, marriage, sacraments and daily life. All

of this helps one mature in his or her faith.

But the journey also has its moments of sheer

effort and occasionally failure, returning to

practicing traditional religions or sects. Fr Fer-

dinand Zigui, says: Following the catechumen’s

journey and beginning a Christian way of life,

many begin with a strong inner sense, very keen,

but then “fall back” little by little … then after a

while they rediscover their faith when they real-

ize they are “empty” and they should set out

again on the journey of faith.

The Easter Triduum, like in the early Chris-

tian communities, is the high point of the

catechumenate. According to need and op-

portunity, during the days preceding Easter

the preliminary rites of Baptism are celebrated

like Ephata – opening up to the grace of hear-

ingGod’sWord and professing it – the handing

over of the Symbol of Faith, summary of

Christian teaching, and the anointing of the

catechumens. On Easter night, the huge

parish Church seems so small for the thou-

sands of faithful who take part in theVigil.The

EasterVigil thus becomes not only a memorial

of Christ’s resurrection, but a celebration of life

in faith. Hearing the word, the symbols, the

body, singing, music and dance express and

communicate the joy of life in God and the

solemn nature of the celebration.

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Testimonies

Testimony of

Léa Marie KABORÉ –

a mamma catechist

In 1993, I began my commitment in the group

of catechists for youth.This group of lay people

is engaged in witnessing to their own faith in

spreading the God News of Jesus, in particular

among the children. Even as a girl I didn’t want

to keep the Jesus they had helped me to know

to myself. I therefore tried to teach this faith to

children, helping them discover the joy you ex-

perience when you meet Christ. I try to offer

them a catechism that is not only teaching but

rather a catechism for life, catechism lived in

the circumstances of everyday.

The purpose of my commitment: to help

youngsters find a life of faith.

At the Don Bosco ’Oratory, we practise this cat-

echesis in the Salesian way with joy and opti-

mism. We are trying to educate our oratorians

to discover God through the “Good Nights” the

Word of God and various activities the young-

sters like …

Friends, let’s live our faith!

Dear young people of the whole world get in-

volved in the Movements so that you will be

salt, light and leaven to continue to build the

Church and our world in peace, reconciliation

and justice. Don’t be afraid to bear witness

that you are disciples of Christ.

Dear parents, we are the mirror for our chil-

dren. They reflect in some way what we are,

what our family is like. Don’t be afraid to ed-

ucate our children according to our faith!

Dear catechists, our mission is to create a re-

lationship between the youngsters, the young

people and Christ: it is a great responsibility.

Don’t let us be afraid to communicate our

faith to our catecumens.

(Léa Marie KABORÉ is a catechist and anima-

tor in the parish of Our Lady of the Apostles

and at the Don Bosco oratory in Oua-

gadougou, Burkina Faso).

Testimony of Hrrvé – A young catechumen

I’ve enjoyed my catechism very much: I was born in a Catholic commu-

nity. EveryThursday and Saturday evening I used to take part in the

catechism lessons in spite of the fact that some of my companions

said that instead I should go to play with them. I made my first

communion in 2006, and three years later I was confirmed. Since

then I have felt my heart full and I go to Mass regularly every Sun-

day. I invite all young people to follow the catechism lessons, and to

be constructers and not consumers of them; to give up everything that

leads to evil and instead to take part in the various church activities. (Hervé)

Testimony of Hélène – a young catechumen

Before being confirmed I didn’t go to Mass, take advice from anyone or

know any prayers. After beginning catechism I realised that I was

like a lost sheep. I used to listen carefully to the “Mamma Cate-

chist” whose questions made me think about my life. Three years

later I was baptised and I decided to live my life with Jesus, getting

involved in Young Peoples’ Catholic Action. Now that I am con-

firmed I realise that the One on whom we fix our gaze gives us

strength to face obstacles.To young people I say:Yes, Jesus is the way,

the truth and the life. And I invite them to carry out their mission in the Church:

there is so much to do and we, the young, are strong and we need to help the Christian community

to proclaim the Word of God. We should remind ourselves that the future is ours; we are the adults

of tomorrow. Dear young people think about these questions: Who am I today? What is the mean-

ing of my life? On whom do I base my life? How am I building my future starting today? (Hélène)

Testimony of Steve Jonas – a young catechumen

My journey in the catechism began with my mother, rooted in the Chris-

tian practice of my family until I was six years old when I started going

to catechism in the parish, every Thursday and Saturday.

The catechist was amazed with my answers which were almost al-

ways right. When I received the Body of Christ for the first time

I trembled inside. Conquered by Christ my life was changed by what

I experienced.

I speak to all the young people in the world, in particular those in Burkina

Faso: may they be ready to proclaim the Word of God now and always, to put

aside everything that does not help them to bear witness to the presence of God. Let’s go! We are

the leaven in our world. My experience of Jesus makes these words of his ring out in my heart :

“As you did it to one of the least of these my brethren you did it to me.” (Mt 25,40) (Steve Jonas)

2.5 Page 15

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SMD 2013 Project

Contribute to catechist formation

and production of catechetical materials

in local African languages!

Provide a scholarship for the poorest catechists!

Support production of materials

for catechist formation courses!

Help them to buy a Bible, catechism,

and other catechetics materials!

In Tanzania - Makalala:

The catechist centre, set up as a proper campus,

takes in and prepares lay catechists from various

dioceses. Bible classes, moral teaching, Church

doctrine, introduction to psychology and

methodology, mathematics, civic education,

Swahili, the national language, and English are

amongst the courses offered. (Watch video 2

In Togo - Lome:

School of Faith. This is for

young people, catechists

and leaders of Movements.

It contributes to Faith devel-

opment and catechist for-

mation so they can improve

their catechism teaching.

Topics include family, mar-

riage, sacraments and daily

life. (Watch video 5)

In Angola - Dondo and Calulo:

Calulo has more than 100 villages each with its

own catechist. In Moxico there are villages 600 km

away from the centre, almost inaccessible. The

priest can get there only once a year. There are

Christian communities and small mission chapels

there, all led by catechists. (Watch video 4)

In Angola - Luanda: In 2012, in total,

more than 10,800 catechumens attended 21 for-

mation centres and 637 catechists work in them.

(Watch video 3)

I urge bishops and priests to be concerned for the human, intellectual, doctrinal, moral, spir-

itual and pastoral formation of catechists.They should pay great attention to the living con-

ditions of catechists, in order to ensure their dignity. Nor should they overlook their legitimate

material needs, since the faithful worker in the Lord’s vineyard has a right to a just recom-

pense (cf. Mt 20:1-16), while awaiting their due from the Lord, for he alone is just and knows

our hearts.

(Benedict XVI, Africae Munus, 126)

For the transfer of money raised:

Fondazione Don Bosco nel Mondo

Via della Pisana, 1111 – 00163 Roma

Banca Popolare di Sondrio – Agenzia 2, Roma, Italia

IBAN IT 26 V 05696 03202 000008100X30 (per Euro)

IBAN IT 13 Z 05696 03202 VAR US 0008100 (per USD)

SWIFT: POSOIT22

Causale: GMS 2013

Tel. (+39) 06 6561 2764

• E-Mail: donbosconelmondo@sdb.org

web: www.donbosconelmondo.org

2.6 Page 16

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Teaching materials

Poster

Booklet

Holy picture with prayer

DVD with texts in various languages, presentations (PowerPoint) folders with photos

DVD with 5 videos:

The videos offered for the Salesian Mission Day 2013 speak of Salesian pastoral activity

in some Africa countries and have certain common elements running through them which

receive varied emphasis: catechumenate, strict collaboration between priests and cate-

chists, Easter Triduum and baptismal rites. Each video also has a brief comment by way

of a quotation from the post-synodal Exhortation Africae Munus of Benedict XVI.

The first video, The Faith Journey in Africa, general in nature, briefly tells the story of

how the Salesian charism cam about and developed in the African continent and the im-

portance of the pastoral option of the Church: the catechumenate as a journey of conver-

sion and formation to Christian faith.

The second video, Makalala Catechist School, is about the catechist who has an impor-

tant role in African pastoral activity. It presents the work of formation happening at

Makalala, in the south of Tanzania.

The third video, There is leaven in Luanda and the fourth video, Workers in the harvest,

present the Salesian work of evangelization in Angola in two different contexts. The first

focuses on the problems of the large urban centres; the second shows the systematic

work of the missionaries called to go out to the many villages spread throughout this

broad territory. In both circumstances one sees the strong need for strict cooperation be-

tween consecrated and lay, priest and catechist.

The fifth video, Parish as a school of faith, describes the work and the way it has been

organised by the very large Mary Help of Christians Parish, Lomè, Togo. This offers a

glimpse especially at the high point of the catechumenal journey: the Easter Triduum,

which is a joyful, profound experience.

Questions to aid reflection

Given the wealth of experiences seen in the faith journey in Africa, what possibilities

are there in your context for initial proclamation, catechesis and catechumenate?

The African continent is often viewed from a perspective of poverty, war and suffering.

What activities could you undertake in order to get to know the situation in Africa

better, as one of a deep experience of faith and human values?

During this Year of Faith, how can you re-ignite your own faith and the faith of the

young in your context?

The Mission Rosary

for the Year of Faith

As a Salesian Community or Educative - Pastoral Community

let us contemplate, through Mary’s eyes, the mystery of

Christ as it is revealed and proclaimed across the continents.

What is the Mission Rosary

In February 1951 Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen (USA, 1895 – 1979) used radio

(The Catholic Hour) to launch the ‘World Mission

Rosary’. This rosary is made up of 5 colours

representing five continents. Main in-

tentions are for peace in the world

and proclamation of the Gospel.

AFRICA - green

AMERICA - red

EUROPA - white

OCEANIA - blue

ASIA - yellow

Worldwide Prayer Campaign

For the Year of Faith the Congregation for

Evangelization of Peoples is launching a world-

wide campaign. Its aim is to use the Rosary as

a way of accompanying the work of evangeliza-

tion throughout the world and to pray that

many of the baptised may deepen their faith’.

Pope Benedict XVI has told national Directors

of the Pontifical Mission Society that: Today

the Mission needs intense prayer. (11 May 2012)

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Prayer

Jesus walk with me

Jesus stay with me

Jesus never leave me

Jesus evangelize me

May my mouth speak words of peace and reconciliation

May my ear listen to your voice

May my heart never be cold

May children never see me and run away

Mary Queen of Africa, protect your children

Mary Mother of the Church, journey with us

Let our feet run fast to help the sick and the poor

Let our lips magnify the greatness of God

Jesus walk with me

Jesus stay with me

Jesus never leave me

I am your witness.

Amen

Direzione Generale Opere Don Bosco

Via della Pisana, 1111 - 00163 Roma

Tel. (+39) 06 656.121 - Fax (+39) 06 656.12.556 - e-mail: cagliero11@gmail.com