tifical University in Rome. This course is meant for those who have been missionaries for a sometime time and
would like to have an updating. It begins with a spiritual retreat. Topics on Scriptures, anthropology, psychol-
ogy, catechesis and missiology are discussed. An intimate encounter of the person of Jesus is fostered in a
community environment of love and family spirit, with a lot of possibilities for sharing of experiences and mu-
tual interaction. Salesian participants are led to rediscover the richness of the origin of their society and
charism through a pilgrimage to Salesian Holy Places.
To compliment the course at the UPS, short courses of 3 weeks for missionaries (of the Salesian Family)
are also organised in the region in order to foster a closer dialogue with the local context. One was organised
in Quito, Ecuador (2012 and the next in 2014) for the regions of America. This coming August a similar course
is being organised in Shillong, India for the two regions of Asia. Salesians who wish more information regarding
these courses may write to the secretary of the Missions Department: jose.anikuzhikattil@gmail.com.
Fr. Jose Anikuzhikattil, SDB
Missions Department
The Mission is God’s … Our task is just to Sow!
While studying law at the University (1988-1992), with a girl, we planned go to Africa in the future as a
missionary family. But I began to feel I was not contented, I was not happy. I was missing something ... I began to
listen and try to be true to the “inner Voice”. I read the Word of God, I prayed, I searched ... One day I went to
confession and where I was not expecting at all, in a Salesian parish, I felt that a spark was lit in my heart. When,
thanks to the guidance of a Salesian, I confirmed that Jesus was in-
deed calling me, I decided to give myself to the Lord forever.
Needs are everywhere, and even if it is true that we are
called to respond to these needs, the real need is actually to discern,
see, hear what God wants in a particular situation and in the life of
each of us. It was only then that the Salesian friend who accompa-
nied me said: “now you may write to the Rector Major.” I wrote and
received his answer: “I am sending you to Pakistan”. So, why did I
want to be a missionary when Argentina also needs missionaries? The
answer is “because God wants.” The final criterion is the call of God,
it is He who sends. As time passes, the more I become convinced of
this ...
On a personal level, my biggest challenges were learning to
recognise and integrate my limits and weaknesses. Paradoxically,
fear, pain, loneliness, feeling betrayed, not being able to understand and be in control of the situation, could be-
come the door that leads you to your deepest and real self. At level of faith, the challenge of living in a country
where 96% are Muslims, gave me the opportunity to be “born again” (like Nicodemus), to “see” (as Bartimaeus),
to rediscover the “gift of God” (as the Samaritan).
My greatest joys have names: Noble, Adnan Sami, Julia and Rome (my Pakistani brothers and sisters, first
local vocations), Rodrick, Alwin, Khurram, Miss. Fitness, Miss Sabra (they live and love the Salesian charism as la-
ity), Maria (we found her crying alone when we were visiting her family and now she’s studying, smiles and wants
to become a designer!), Sunil (he is now working, thanks to a course he did in Don Boco, studies, is an animator of
the oratorio and is discerning his vocation ...) ...
Yes! The Mission is God’s. It is He who makes it bear fruit in due season. How much? When? How? Only he
knows. Our task is just to sow. We continue to live together day after day, with the hope, light and joy that come
from our faith. And we are happy!
Fr. Julio Palmieri
Argentinian, missionary in Pakistan
Salesian Missionary Intention
Territories entrusted to the Congregation in the Interamerican Region
That the Salesians in the six territories entrusted by the Holy See to the
Salesian Congregation in the Inter American Region may develop into a truly
inculturated Church.
The work of evangelisation must take and transform indigenous cultures in the territories en-
trusted to us so that communities may develop their specific identity yet in communion with the
Universal Church. In concrete terms in the Inter American Region there are 5 of the 8 the terri-
tories entrusted by the Holy See to the Salesian Congregation: Mexico - Prelature of Mixes (since
1962), Guatemala - El Peten Vicariate (since 1995), Venezuela - Puerto Ayuacucho Vicariate (since 1946), Peru - Pucallpa
Vicariate (since 2009), Ecuador - Mendez Vicariate (Since 1897). The common feature of these is our commitment to in-
digenous groups in poor and very difficult areas, with a few local vocations and a decreasing number of confreres. To
help these Vicariates 15 young missionaries have been sent in the last four years.
