3737_146th Salesian Missionary Expedition - formation course

By Br. Dat, SDB

Rome, General House - The Orientation Course for 23 new missionaries of the 146th Salesian Missionary Expedition began on 2 September. The final act of the course, and its climax, will be in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians at Valdocco on Sunday 27 September with the giving of the missionary cross by the Vicar of the Rector Major, Fr. Francesco Cereda.

The course is designed as part of the immediate preparation of new missionaries before their departure, to provide them with the help they need to get into a new culture, to be part of a new people and to develop personal attitudes of openness, respect and trust towards others, so that their presence may be effective, humble and discreet. Following the pattern already well established over the years, the course consists of two phases: the first in Rome at the Generalate, and the second in places of Salesian interest in Piedmont. There are three core modules - cultural anthropology, missiology and Salesian pilgrimage.

It is intended primarily as an educational experience (to foster values and attitudes needed in a missionary) not information (acquiring new knowledge or ideas). It tries to help the new missionary to check, investigate and, sometimes, to discover the profound reasons for his going on mission. Great importance is given, then, to personal reflection and prayer, the sharing of experiences and listening to testimonies. Let us accompany our 23 new missionaries of the 146 th missionary expedition with our prayers!

There are few new and 'old' missionaries from the EAO region - five from Vietnam, two from the Philippines, two from Korea. In the same time one African and one Indian missionary will join on September 27 to the provinces of the EAO region.

Among the EAO missionaries there is also Br. Dat, originally from Vietnam, who left for AUL province in 2008 and spent already few years after his perpetual profession in education ministry in Australia. It's interesting read his sharing as 'experienced young missionary':

"I feel that I become younger among these missionaries. I can see that they are very happy, full of energy and ready for the missions. I find this course very helpful and meaningful. The last 4 days we are talking and sharing about the anthropological and cultural nucleus: elements of culture, culture shock, inculturation, counter-culturalism. I heard about these terms before but never have time to learn, to share and reflect. It recalls many of my own experiences that I have undergone."

"I feel like I should made another start when I come back to Australia. Beside the time of listening, sharing and praying we also play sport together. This is not the time to keep fit or to have fun but also the time to practice what I've learned and understand more about the characters and cultures of other missionaries."