A LETTER FROM PAKISTAN
Iam writing this letter at a time when all of us, seven Salesians working in
Pakistan, are gathered with Fr. Provincial to discuss and reflect on the cur-
rent situation of the country and to discern on how together we can prop-
erly and proactively respond to the challenges that lie ahead.
Times are tough on this side of the Subcontinent. And with war now going on in
Afghanistan compounded by volatile local political situation, insecurity due to
terrorist threats, high rates of unemployment and increasing prices of basic com-
modities-our future could even get tougher. Yet in such a difficult and seemingly discouraging situation, we are sus-
tained by the silent and slow yet steady work of Grace that we encounter each day. We are witnesses to the unfolding
of stories of hope-little miracles and successes that Don Bosco is able to achieve through and in the lives of our students
and lay collaborators.
Roughly 12 years since Don Bosco’s work began in Pakistan, there are now two communities in the country. There is
one in Quetta: a school that offers basic formal and non-formal education, skills training, hostel facilities and weekend
oratory to around 800 young people from poor families in the area. And we have another technical school and hostel
for underprivileged boys in Lahore. And who knows where God will lead us in the coming years.
We journey with the young people of Pakistan and strive to provide them with opportunity to learn and to live and
grow together in harmony and mutual respect despite their differences-in religion, in caste and in dialect among others.
And as I more and more immerse myself in the mission entrusted to us here, I am also able to better appreciate Don
Bosco’s approach. Joy, optimism, reason, loving-kindness, music, sports and above all, Jesus’ message of compassion,
forgiveness and understanding possess an irresistible appeal that penetrate into the heart of the young regardless of
the faith they profess, the language they speak or the color of their skin.
I am actually a new-comer in Pakistan. I am still struggling to learn the language, eat and enjoy the local food (which I
find quite spicy), adjust to the weather (that goes very cold in winter and terribly hot in summer), understand the native
customs and traditions and overcome homesickness and loneliness that come once in a while. Though I am a member
of the 139th missionary expedition and was sent in 2008, my entry visa got approved only in August of 2009. The long
wait for the visa was already a test in itself. But somehow it prepared me as well to grow a bit more in patience, be-
cause truly, one needs plenty of it here.
Since I also come from a predominantly Christian country (96%) I had to change and adjust some of my mindsets and
approaches to doing mission and apostolate especially in this place where Christians are a minority. And this I guess, I
am still learning up to now. I also get scared from time to time-with all the news of war and bombing, but the presence
and support of the confreres in the community give me the assurance that I will never be alone.
Please pray for us then, Salesians in Pakistan, and for all our lay mission partners as well as all the young people God
sends us that we may continue to dare, to hope and to see, beyond our daily troubles and trials, the work of Divine
Grace, slowly, silently but steadily strengthening us as we forge ahead in caring out the mission entrusted to us
Bro. Carmelo Martinez
Filipino lay brother, missionary in Pakistan
Salesian Missionary Intention
Salesians in South Asia
That the Salesians and the members of the Salesian family in South Asia - especially
in Bangladesh – may have the courage to promote and defend the human dignity
of the poorest in society and in cultural and political contexts of their countries, as
an integral part of their proclamation of the Gospel.
The commitment to evangelisation in the various countries of South Asia, where
the Catholic Church lives under the conditions of a small minority, demands much
patience and courage in order to live a style open to all non-Christians in the terri-
tory, in our schools and in our social works. We are pursuing a style of dialogue
with everyone: taking care of basic needs of all people with the hope that some-
day they may personally encounter Jesus.
Send your suggestions and contributions to cagliero11@gmail.com
