austraLasia 1688

Salesian beginnings in East Asia: an opportune publication

HONG KONG: 15th November 2006 --  ANS has already reported in general terms on the publication of a two volume work edited by Fr Nestor Impelido, entitled The Beginnings of the Salesian Presence in East Asia.  The two volume set has been published as part of the ACSSA (Associazione Cultori Storia Salesiana) series, and brings together the majority of the papers delivered in Hong Kong nearly a year ago at a seminar on Salesian history. Volume 1 treats of matters dealing with the Salesians of Don Bosco, while Volume 2 concerns papers dealing with other groups of the Salesian Family active in East Asia. The seminar initially envisaged the presence of all provinces in the EAO Region but the Australian province was unable to attend, hence the papers deal with 'East Asia'.
    Editing a collection of papers written or delivered in several languages is never an easy task.  Fr Impelido is to be congratulated for even attempting the task! Very few if in fact any of those who presented papers at the seminar were native English speakers, and a number of them - at least seven, are Salesians or members of the Salesian Family born in East Asia.  This has meant a considerable richness of reflection and also a broader perception of Salesian growth in the region. At times the collection is marred by some awkward, indeed incomprehensible translation - what could "dissipate the heavy cloud of mystery that wondered the island" possibly mean, for instance?
    The publication of these two volumes comes at an opportune time.  It is well-known that the Rector Major is working on a letter addressing the East Asia-Oceania Region, as he has done already for other regions. In his brief letter of introduction to the Seminar, published as an appendix in both volumes, he reflects that the Seminar "is one way of making me, as well as all Salesians and members of the Salesian Family acquainted with your regional history, which cannot be considered inferior to the rest of our Salesian history".  It also happens that the Vicar of the Rector Major is currently heading to the China Province for closing ceremonies for the Province's centenary from 17-19th November.  The great interest being shown in Salesian history in this area is very much in function of another reality - Asia has become the Church's evangelisation thrust for the 21st century.
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