3104 Vietnam heads the list for number of missionaries this year
austraLasia #3104
Vietnam heads the list for number of
missionaries this year
HCM CITY: 27 July
2012 -- Of the 45 new or
re-assigned
missionaries expected to attend the 2012 preparations for the
Missionary expedition later this year, 17 are from Vietnam.
This is by
far the largest single contribution from Salesian Asia so far.
The 17 might have a common origin, but they will be heading
out to
far-flung parts of the world - to Africa, South America, other
parts of
Asia.
For this group in particular, from Vietnam, it does not all
just start
once they get to Rome. They have been long in preparation at
every
level: vocational discernment that will continue yet for many
months,
perhaps years, but the practical things that need to be done
are well
underway. One imnportant aspect of their preparation is
English - which
is the 'lingua franca' of their own region, but which they may
not be
eventually using too much of in Brazil, or Bolivia, for the
ones going
to such places. However, it is also true to say that the
majority will
be in countries, even in Africa, where English is also the
lingua
franca. A preparation course, which
includes intensive English
instruction, has been running at Lien Khuong since the
beginning of
July until 21st, then followed up by a seminar on missions run
by the
Provincial Formation Commission. Fr Joseph Vinh, who graduated
from the
Biblicum in Rome, has responsibility for input for this week.
Others
are helping them reflect on Don Bosco's love for the missions,
key
Church documents on mission.
Since May, people have been working hard in visas. At times
this
process runs into many difficulties, depending on the country
of
destination.
The 143rd missionary expedition events will culminate with
reception of
the mission cross in Valdocco at the Basilica, on 30 September
of this
year.
The wider group this year includes three from Africa, two from
Madagascar, three from the North Europe Region, two from
Italy, six
from India, two from Brazil, one from Spain, one from Colombia
(Medellin) and one from Indonesia-Timor.
