N. 107 - November 2017
Newsletter for Salesian Missionary Animation
A Publication of the Missions Sector for the Salesian Communities and Friends of the Salesian Mission
We still have in our mind
and heart the words of
Pope Francis in his
message for the World Mission
Day 2017: "The world is
absolutely in need of the Gospel
of Jesus Christ ... And, thanks be
to God, there are also significant
instances that testify to the
transforming power of the
Gospel. I think of the sacrifice of
the Dinka student" (in South
Sudan) "who, at the expense of
his own life, protects a student of
the Nuer tribe student, who had
been destined to be killed "(No.
5).
We also think
of our young,
Salesian
past-pupil,
Akash Bashir,
martyred in
Pakistan.
These are
young
witnesses
who
embraced the
Gospel and
contribute to changing the world.
Have you realized how many of
these young people, powerful
witnesses, are in our houses and
our ministries? They are right
before our eyes, living with us so
many hours, days, months and
even years. Let us not waste the
extraordinary opportunities we
have every day to promote and to
raise the knowledge and love of
the Gospel of Jesus among young
people - especially among our
young Salesian confreres. Only HE
can truly transform this world!
Synod for the
Pan-Amazonian region
deeply involves the
Salesian Family
P ope Francis has not finished
taking us by surprise. On Sunday,
October 15, before the recitation
of the Angelus, he announced:
"Welcoming the desire of some Episcopal Conferences of Latin Ameri-
ca, as well as the voice of various Pastors and faithful from other parts
of the world, I am convening a Special Assembly of the Synod of Bish-
ops for the Pan-Amazonian region. It will be held at Rome in October
2019. The main purpose of this gathering is to identify new paths for
the evangelization of that portion of the People of God, especially the
Indigenous peoples, who are often forgotten and without the prospect
of a peaceful future. It is also because of the crisis in the Amazon
rainforest, a vitally important lung of our planet."
This synod is dedicated to a reflection on the peoples and nations
living in the Amazon rainforest. They are in nine countries: Brazil (67
per cent), Peru (13 per cent), Bolivia (11 per cent), Colombia (6 per
cent), Ecuador (2 per cent), Venezuela (1 per cent), Suriname,
Guyana and French Guiana (together make 0.15 per cent). In the
Amazon region of South America, there are 2,797,478 aborigines
belonging to 390 indigenous peoples and 137 peoples "not yet
Involved" completely. They speak 240 different languages that belong
to 49 very important linguistic groups from a historical and cultural
point of view.
This event is of particular interest to our Salesian family. Our
presence in the Amazon has a history of 125 years. Our ministry is
strongest in the Amazon valley of Brazil, Venezuela, Peru and Ecuador.
Here is an opportunity for a reflection based on our Salesian historical
records of the region, our very rich cultural and social patrimony as
evangelizers and as Salesians. We have worked among the Shuar,
Achuar, Bororos, Xavantes, Yanomami and Tucanos, etc.. We need to
analyze our social, cultural, ecological and pastoral challenges. We now
have an opportunity to relaunch our presence, in communion with the
whole church, in this part of the world, which is so important not only
for the countries of the region, but for the whole planet.
May Blessed Maria Troncanti, and the Servants of God Rodolfo
Lunkenbein and Simon Bororo, accompany us these days that we may
answer positively to the the Lord's plans for our Family among the
Amazonian peoples.
D. Guillermo Basañes SDB
Councillor for the Missions
