austraLasia #1720

Mongolia's simple Christmas celebrations 'with little Jesus'

ULAAN BAATAR:  29th December 2006 -- In a nation where there are but a few hundred Catholics amongst not so many more Christians, Christmas has subdued tones, but the Salesian community, now up to its full predicted strength of ten members and three presences, two in Ulaan Baatar and one in Darkhan, celebrated the event amongst the many youngsters they are now responsible for. It was , as our correspondent put it, a 'celebration with little Jesus'.
    Amongst the pre-Christmas preparations, which included visiting the poorest of the poor amongst the 'little Jesuses' (if one can say that), all Catholic missionaries in Mongolia gathered in the capital city Catholic centre for a reflection given by the visiting secretary of the Nuncio to Korea and Mongolia.  Also before Christmas, on 21 December, all Salesians in Mongolia and one Salesian Sister gathered together at the Don Bosco Skills Training Centre for a family celebration. That was followed on 22nd by a celebration with students and staff at the Centre and included performances by the children.  The 23rd saw events shift to the Dominic Savio Centre outside the city at Amgalan, a home for children without a home.  The Bishop of Mongolia presided at the Eucharist at this celebration, which was followed by presentation of a drama 'Amal the poor shepherd', by the children.  On 24th, much further north at Darkhan, yet another celebration, again with programmes prepared by staff and children. Fr Carlo, Rector of the community in Mongolia, was the main celebrant at the Mass. Darkhan has a new face this year, Fr Paul Leung, recently arrived from China province.  The Salesian Sisters have also began a small presence.
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