THE JOY OF TRANSMITTING THE CHARISM OF DON BOSCO
My missionary vocation was forged, I believe, at the same time as my Salesian
vocation. I had the providential fortune of growing up in a very poor neighbor-
hood of Seville. In my childhood, a very young Salesian community settled in my neigh-
borhood. It was an insertion presence of the post-conciliar era: few structures,
witnessing to evangelical and Salesian life and concrete solidarity with the poorest. My
childhood, and that of many children and young people in my neighborhood, was
transformed thanks to an oratorian atmosphere. It seduced us and shaped us towards
joy, life in groups, love for Jesus and the service of others, of the poorest in particular.
That community helped many children like me to continue their studies. Those Salesians
made a mark on me to the extent that I wanted to be like them. My willingness to go to
Africa, right from the early stages of my training, was spontaneous.
I have faced several challenges in my missionary life. I present you two. The first was illness. My
"baptism" by malaria almost killed me in my very first year in the missions of Togo. They saved me through
emergency evacuation. That almost ended my missionary life ad gentes. The second challenge was the new
Salesian presence in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso. It seemed like my turn to relive what I admired in
the Salesians of my childhood. Without economic means, any infrastructure, or even a home of our own ... and
with only one companion in my community. The
foundations of our community and our work took the
form of a spontaneous oratory on the streets, visits
to families and Sunday celebrations under the trees.
It took us two years of living there and an analysis of
the area to come with a plan for a stable form of ed-
ucational and pastoral services. Our plan was simple
and practical. It was entirely for those simple
children and young people.
One of my greatest joys as a missionary was, without
a doubt, the beginning of our presence in Ouagadougou. It was very challenging; but, far more than that, it was
an immense joy. We could see that we were transmitting a charism through our words, actions and decisions. We
were laying the foundation for Don Bosco's work. Besides, it helped me feel very missionary, living and working in
an area of first evangelization, among people thirsting for the Gospel, in a country with a significant Christian
presence.
My second joy: the years I lived in Mali – 6 years of discovering a phenomenal country that is mostly Muslim, but
tolerant of other religions, especially Christianity. Salesian centres are very much appreciated and the Church is
highly respected. Many students and collaborators were authentic "Christians by desire" and their integration into
Salesian activities was excellent. For me it was a reason to hope for the coexistence of religions. There is a
future for the work of the Church and of the Salesians in the Muslim majority countries.
I leave a little thought for the young. I believe that Salesian life is worth it. If we live it with a missionary spirit
of joyous dedication, availability and love for the poorest young people, it fills our whole existence.
Antonio HERRERA, Spanish Salesian Missionary in Benin (AFO)
Witness of Salesian Missionary Sanctity
Fr. Pierluigi Cameroni SDB, Postulator General for the Causes of Saints
Blessed Alberto Marvelli (1918-1946), alumnus of the Salesian oratory of Rimini. His
centenary of birth occurs this March 21. He reminds us of the way we prepare land for
the sowing of the seed. Collaborators of the Spirit of the Lord, within his family and in
the Salesian oratory, did this for him. They took care of his life and his human and
Christian growth. Each of us has a serious responsibility. To accomplish it, we too
must have in our hearts that spark of holiness proper to the seekers of God who, as a
community, work for the Kingdom of heaven.
For the Salesians in Europe
Salesian Missionary Intention
For the Initial Proclamation of Jesus Christ to take place on the Europe-
an continent; that the Salesian Family, in its multicultural and multi-
religious context, will have the gift of discernment in the Spirit.
Europe is a great multicultural and multi-religious melting pot. Christian communities
face the challenge of a respectful dialogue and the courage to offer their Christian
spiritual heritage; that, in dialogue and proclamation, they may fulfill their mission
faithfully.
