4210_Smile in the heart of the World

VDB Secular institute prepares the Centenary Celebration (1917-2017): Interview with the VDB World President

November 22, 2016

By Interview with Ms. Olga Krizova, VDB
World President of Volunteers of Don Bosco Secular Institute

K’Long, Vietnam, 22 November 2016 -- During here two days stay during the second EAO Salesian Family Delegates meeting in Vietnam, during her first visit in this nation, the VDB World President shared with the AustraLasia readers her feelings on the eve of the Centenary celebrations (20 May 2017).

What did change in your life after becoming a VDB and making the first profession?

From the external point of view nothing change I my life. As before I was a university student, daughter of my parent, active Catholic as before. But I found a deeper sense of my apostolate and strengthen my union with God and found a sense of belonging to a wider family. Yes, since my childhood I had a dream to consecrate myself to God. But looking at others who have been considering the consecration, but never decided – I told myself: “Better do it in young age or never!” It was my first motivation.

During the initial formation I realized that I belong fully to God and He can do everything with me. After first profession (24 years of age) there was nothing new, but I was more deeply connected to the senior VDB sisters, learn a lot from them and accepted the world as my mission - wherever I’m – with a Salesian spirit.

How did you exercise your apostolate as an educator and professor involved in the government education services over last 42 years?

I have been working in four different schools: as educator in the reformatory for girls, as principal in handicapped children school, as pedagogical assistant in the hospital with the young and old alike. Lastly until my retirement 8 years ago as university professor in the departments of Education, Theology with an Education Ethics as my major. After a freedom in my country (1990) it was a good chance to contribute to the formation of good citizens at the moral level. I was involved in the teachers and university professor formation (formation of formators) and I perceived this work as a deep evangelization. With a contribution to the integral human growth, I strived that to form teachers who would be able to reflect about their life and accept eventual also Jesus Christ. It was 15 years long experience, the best in my professional life. I learned a lot about mutual help and respect, dialogue and open relationship. This commitment had impact at all public schools in Slovakia (5 million of population).

The most beautiful experience in your Salesian consecrated secular life?

I was deeply touched by the SDB Assistant relationship toward us. Some of them just came out of the communist prisons, but they have been strong fatherly figure and lived for us. They were able to suffer for us, enjoy our life, but first of all they helped us in our vocation growth. At present there are about 160 VDB in Slovakia, with 12 Assistants SDB and other 7 SDB Assistants already in the Salesian garden of heaven.

Moreover I’m grateful for the sharing of gift within the Salesian Family. For example since last 2010 our Central council held twice a year joint meeting with the FMA Sisters General council with much of mutual enrichment.

How is the vocation health of VDB Secular Institute around the world?

After 100 years the Volunteers of Don Bosco are getting older and more mature. But the old age is not a diagnosis of our health. We treasure our great experience of own history. From this long charismatic experience we draw a wisdom from our present development in other cultures and times. Our tradition is not something rigid but a very dynamic gift! At present all is changing - culture, man and world – but only God is never changing. We try to share God’s experience with other people and witness to God through our life.

There are all together 1202 VDB in 46 countries, grouped in 23 regions with more than 20 starting sub-centers. We are growing especially in Africa, not so much in membership but in the variety of local groups. But majority of our members is still living in Europe and Latin America. We have more than120 aspirants also in some fresh countries like Indonesia, Timor Leste and Cambodia.

What are your dreams about the VDB future of VDB?

Each VDB carry a dream in her own heart. I dream that God will transform us, so we can transform the world! God has His own agenda in each secular environment. What is important for us are the needs of the Church. We try to be very sensitive to the prophetic voice of God’s people. We listen especially carefully to Pope Francis and we try to live closer to the last and poorest in the society. We are not afraid of the diversity, of those who are not in touch with the Church or those who even dissent within the Church. God’s Kingdom is greater than the Catholic Church! God loves all! I dream that our members will be present in each periphery environment. We like to follow this vision of Pope Francis!

What do you expect from the Ecclesiastical Assistants SDB?

Regarding us, we expect they would be effective formators, help us in our formation, offer us their priestly ministry and stay with as brothers and fathers. Their fatherly and brother presence helps as a lot to grow! But first of all we are looking for those Assistants who believe our vocation and nurture a strong desire to lead us to holiness.

And your wish about the large Salesian family with other 30 groups?

I expect mutual respect as in each human family. This is the first condition of charity, it creates a true family spirit where we respect, help and appreciate each other. I dream a family where we think and speak well about each other. It’s nothing special, but only the main characteristics of Don Bosco our common Father!