3966_To be Servant-Leaders in the Salesian Missions

The application of 2016 Strenna

April 11, 2016

By Ms. Kiko

Hong Kong, April 10, 2016 - Starting from the video message of Rector Major regarding 2016 Strenna, the participants were orientated to discover and experience something new as a Salesian leader. The theme of the 2-day spiritual camp for Salesian Schools’ supervisors and principals was entitled with “Servant-Leaders in the Salesian missions”.

After certain warm up games, Fr. Andrew Fung has prepared randomly for each one to experience washing feet and the feet being washed. Then blind walking in small group and the experience of guiding a group of blind members were arranged for the participants. With certain guided questions for reflection, the participants have been able to identified several important elements to be a servant-leader in the Salesian Missions, namely humility, love, empathy, courage, to serve with heart, unconditioned service, respect, commitment, wisdom, trust, breakthrough, liberation, appreciation, mutual trust, clear direction, patience, positive encouragement, being example, cautious in individual difference, collaboration, insight, valuing staff, service before self, communication skill and selection of staff according to their talents.

Fr. Fedrigotti Lanfranco, the Provincial of the China Province, shared in the good night talk that Salesians are only symbolic presence in the settings. All the mission partners in the school are the ones who implement, practice and fulfill the mission that the church entrusted to Salesians.

In the morning section of next day, Fr. Simon Lam gave us a deep reflection on Hope. To be a Servant-leader, we need to be the ones with hope and have the capacity to spread hope among others, especially the young people. Our hope should not be put one something materialistic, e.g. the academic achievement, the athletic record, and the money we have etc. It should be put on God, on God’s calling and on the mission entrusted to us. The best time of our life should be the total involvement and sacrifice we have offered. Being a mission partner in the school, the most important quality is having hope. Only hope can bring us joy and help young people have joy.

A non-catholic mission partners shared in the end of the mass that he treasured a lot this silence moment and tried to participate the activities like a catholic did. Although some of the content he had listened before, he was still inspired by the new insight got in this special context. He wished that he could utilize what he acquired to review and improve his work in school. One of the principals has worked in Salesian school for 16 years. He recalled that his best moment was the 2 years starting from 2003. During that time, he was invited to commit in transferring the school back to the Government. This was the most depressed and desperate moment. He had learnt a lot and started to pray. He had experienced many miracles and he learnt that with hope everything is possible.

It is true that with the accompaniment of 7 Salesians, all the participants have experienced and discovered something new for their leadership in the Salesian Missions. Best wishes they will be able to become authentic Servant-leaders.