SALESIAN MISSIONARY IN FOCUS
From ancient times, Mongols referred to their motherland as Blue Mongolia, because of the eternal blue dome hanging
over the endless steppes. Located in the heart of Central Asia, sandwiched between the two superpowers, China and Russia, it
has a population of only 2.7 million people, living sparsely over a territory of 1.5 million sq km, or equal to half the size of Europe.
Presently, children and young people under 35 make up 70 per cent of the population and the average age is 21. Out of the 2.7
million, about half live in cities and towns, while the remaining 47 per cent still live a nomadic lifestyle.
In 1991, the government of Mongolia was faced with so many complex problems that it asked the
Catholic Church to help, recognizing its commitment to young people and the poor. This
meant working in a nation that for 70 years had not heard of the Gospel, and in a place
where no local church communities or structures existed. Among the various congregations
that offered to serve the people of Mongolia were the Salesians, who arrived in 2001.
They began work with the young people of Mongolia, to fulfill the Church’s desire to be
of service, especially to those most in need. The local Church, here in Mongolia, has
entrusts to Don Bosco the education of the youth, particularly those who have difficulty
going to secondary schools, obtaining a diploma, or going to a university. These are
the young people in Mongolian society who are most on the margins.
This mission was entrusted to the Vietnam Salesians, a vibrant province of the congregation, which now has 205
professed Salesians and 35 novices. The capital city of Mongolia is Ulaanbaatar, or Red Hero, the centre of politics, business
and finance, culture and science. Here the Salesians have opened a house for more than 70 street children.
Fr. Carlo Villegas receives the medal of honor from
Mr. G. Monkhbayar, Mayor Ulaanbaatar City. Inset is the plaque
of recognition given to Fr. Carlo and the Salesian community.
CONGRATULATIONS to
Fr. Carlo Maria Savio Villegas
2 Feb. '09: - A Salesian is awarded the
'medal of honor' of the capital city of
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. A medal and
plaque was awarded from the Mayor of the
capital city. It brings a distinguished honor
to the Salesian work of quality education
in professional schools of Don Bosco, the
significant presence of the Catholic
Church and her missionaries within short
years. Officials reminded that Don Bosco
Industrial Training Skills Center be a
model school for the advancement of skills
and knowlege in the youth of Mongolia.
All rights reserved By: Ronaldo s. Lora
