3846(III)_Christmas is coming - Slow Down!

By Our Own Correspondent

The Year of Mercy gives a special touch to the Christmas of 2015. There were some 'Holy Door' opened also in some Salesian parishes like in Hamamatsu multicultural parish (Japan, GIA province) as well in the Ulanbaatar Cathedral of St. Peters and Paul (Mongolia).

Christmas Novena is ending in most of our Salesian communities, parishes and some schools. As already for past 350 years in the Philippines the early morning (4 AM) Mass Novena 'Misa de Gallo' (Simbang Gabi) and in many of the boarding houses around the region this Novena prayed with our youth gives a special flavor to the Christmas preparation.

Most of our communities sent their digital Christmas Card (religious community or school EPC), on the EAO Salesian Family Facebook are shared different Salesian family celebrations (SDB, FMA in Canlubang), carolling of our youth, school celebrations (Taiwan - Tainan Salesian Technical School), liturgical and paraliturgical celebrations in the correctional facilities or juvenil prisons in Korea and other events are sign of these days.

Salesian Christmas recollection in Cebu (FIS) was probably excellent experience of prayer, family spirit and sharing just few days before the liturgical feasts. During prayer and sharing of Christian faith with the youth in Hong Kong (CIN) we can spot also Fr. Provincial in the Santa Claus attire.

Probably the 12th edition of the Hong Kong Street Christmas Songs Performance 'Christmas is Coming, Slow Down!' in front of the Star Ferry station is among the most mission-minded events to share our Christmas Joy with many non Christian brothers and sisters. It's a meaningful invitation for all of us in these busy days - Slow Down, Christmas is Coming!