SMD

Salesian Missions Day: a continuing tradition

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

Since 1988 a mission theme has been offered to the entire Congregation. All Salesian communities are able to get to know about a missionary situation in a particular continent.

It is a powerful occasion for Missionary Promotion in the Provinces, Houses, youth Groups, in the Salesian Family. Is not an isolated event but rather a chance to involve SDB communities and educative - pastoral communities in the dynamics of the universal Church, giving it a broad scope.

WHY?

To give an impetus to Mission Promotion by offering a proposal that can become an annual practical project and help the entire Salesian Family to know about the Congregation’s commitment to the missions and open its eyes to new situations.

“Activities aimed at promoting interest in the missions 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. A possible date could be in February recalling the missionary martyrs Saints Louis Versiglia and Callixtus Caravario. Some Provinces offer an opportunity every few months. What is most important is an educative-pastoral preparation for the Day instead of offering something of a “fireworks display.”

HOW?

By focusing each year’s attention on one country, on one practical project: by praying for the missionaries involved in that project and collecting material support for that mission, through the Rector Major.

WHO?

Depending on the Provinces there are various ways of organising things according to the circumstances (schools, technical institutes, parishes, youth groups or oratories, SDB, Formation Houses, Salesians-Cooperators Centres, mission groups...).

IN WHAT PARTICULAR WAY?

The Missions Depart offers material for all the Salesian communities: a Poster, printed aids, 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 2011). For further copies of the material it is sufficient to write to the Missions Department (cagliero11@gmail.com).

Salesian Missions Day

(1988 – 2012)