4935(II)_Migrants-Salesian formation- Lay and SDB formation

Europe Provincials meeting focus

December 1, 2018

By Our Own Correspondent

Turin, Italy, 30 November 2018 -- SDB Provincials of Europe have been meeting regularly since 2004. After the launching of Project Europe, these meetings have been regularly scheduled pn a biannual basis. On this occasion the Rector Major called the meeting at Valdocco (Turin), to take place from 30 November to 2 December. A large group of 60 Salesians and 15 lay mission partners has gathered in the Don Bosco Holy Places to reflect on and discern how Project Europe has been progressing over the two years since they last me after two years.

The Rector Major, Fr Ángel Artime (in the presence of his Council as well), opened the meeting with an indication of its objective, address all 30 Provincials of the European Provinces and many lay people also involved in the formation area: 'As was the case with the recent 2018 Synod, this meeting too is a very valuable opportunity for common reflection, 'synodality', to be followed by decision-making.

Following the long-term strategy of Project Europe Provincials meetings, the three main themes were carefully prepared over the year leading up to this meeting: first is the pressing issue of migrants and refugees in Europe, second is the reshaping of initial formation in Europe, and the third concerns the joint formation of Salesians and laity.

The 'Migrant and refugee' theme input was entrusted to Fr Luis Okulik from Argentina, Secretary of the Commission for Social and Pastoral Ministry (CCEE, Catholic Bishops Conferences). Fr Luis' contribution, drawing on his ten years of experience, was lively and shared by many who have witnessed the hardship of migrants and refugees, especially in Europe. Fr Luis surprised everybody with his real-life stories involving migrants and refugees in Europe. He explained how Pope Francis is personally committed to working against human trafficking and for migrants, a commitment which can be summed up in four key words: Welcome - Protect - Develop and Integrate.

Fr Luis emphasised the deep crisis in European culture in its response to the migrant crisis over recent years, when even Catholic communities have become hesitant to welcome and protect refugees. The Social Pastoral Ministry Commission secretary explained the false arguments used in political and media anti-migration outbursts, providing plenty of concrete data. For example, did you know that:

• Every every year around 30,000 non-accompanied migrant youth arrive in Italy, and 10,000 of them disappear?
• The 'Santa Marta Group', personally fostered by Pope Francis, has already helped many human trafficking victims through networking by Bishop Conferences, Police and Government agencies?
• Zambia is the fastest growing African economy, partly due to the 2000 Jubilee Debt cancelling movement by Italian Catholics?
• All political parties in Germany have recently agreed to accept a further 800,000 migrants that are needed for their economy?

The venue for this 7th European Provincials meeting at Valdocco has provided motivation, helped facilitate things through the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians and renewed structures at Valdocco. The Rector Major was the main celebrant the first evening Eucharist, and Fr Fabio Attard preached the homily. The Mass was celebrated in St Francis de Sales church, and the first day then concluded with dinner. This is the first European Provincials meeting to be held at Valdocco, and with the significant participation of lay mission partners.

The other two main current themes of Project Europe - reshaping SDB initial formation and joint formation of SDB and lay mission partners will be on the agenda over the next two days.