3795_Salesian Assistant Forever

Fr. Jesus Molero will soon celebrate 60 years of missionary life in Korea (1956-2016)

By Bro. Hilario Seo, SDB

To be present amongst the young people is for every Salesian a matter of life. In some provinces they call the period of practical training an “Assistance” period and the practical trainees are called also just “Assistants”. Unfortunately it might also mean, that after ordination for some of Salesian priests does finish their animating presence among the youth, since they consider the ‘Assistance’ just a matter for young brothers. Fortunately are some Salesians who offer for the whole period of their life an attractive example of the passionate ‘Assistant life-style’ – anywhere and anytime! And Fr. Jesus Molero the most senior member of Korean province (87 years) is an icon of the Salesian Assistance.

In the November 2015 issue of the Korean Salesian Bulletin (n.135 – Salesian Family) you can access an extensive interview with Fr. Molero (4 full pages) conducted by Bro. Benedict Baek, member of the same community of Dae Rim Dong, Seoul.

The interview shows the lifelong passion of Fr. Molero or Fr. Mo-mo (nickname put some 30 years ago) for the active educative presence among the youth as their educator and evangelizer. Fr. Jesus was born in Spain (Toledo region) in 1928, made his first profession on 16th August 1946 and reached his first missionary destination of Japan in 1952. Soon after his ordination in 1955 he was asked in 1956 to be part of the first missionary community in Gwangju - South Korea.

During the long 60 years of missionary life in country of Morning Calm Fr. Molero exercised all possible roles and ministries: catechist in the school, parish priest, rector, boarding house in charge, formator, novice master, mission animation delegate and since 2008 in Seoul - Dae Rim Dong as confessor of the mother-house community.

In the lengthy interview Fr. Jesus does share multi-facet attitudes of a one-piece-assistant life. All can be summarized in one sentence: “For a Salesian there is no other way of living – only together with the young. Look at the statue of Don Bosco – he is always surrounded by the young people!”

Some striking points from the interview:

• Passion for the young is expressed in the zeal for their soul, close and explicit accompaniment on their faith journey (confession, word to the ear).


• Go closer to the young - come down to the youth with a joy face and never fading optimism.


• In order to break the ice and get close to the young exercise showmanship also during the homily.


• Time spent in the playground, among the youth in the break time is for the Salesian the best time.

We hope and prayer that more Salesians will recover the typical Salesian passion for Assistance and will incarnate Don Bosco among the young people day by day!

Kam sa hamnida – Muchissimas gracias Padre Molero!