3900(I)_Bridge between the two Salesian Regions - Visitation 2016

By Our Own Correspondent

EAO, 4 February 2016 - During the first week of February was started the extraordinary visitation in two Asian provinces - Manila (FIN) and Tiruchy (INT). Surprisingly this time the Visitors sent by the Rector Major have exchanged their respective zones of animation and government. Fr. Maria Arokiam opened with the Rectors in Makati on February 4 and Fr. Vaclav in Tiruchy on February 1.

There is not much exchange between the EAO and SA regions, mutual understanding between the two growing regions is quite good step for strengthening the communion and fostering possibly more exchange and collaboration between the almost 3000 SDB in South Asia and 1500 SDB in the East Asia-Oceania region.

Before the start of these Visitations there was a rare family event in the home place of the SA regional councilor - Varadarajanpet town in Tamil Nadu. After the unveiling of Don Bosco Statue in this Salesian stronghold of INT province, both councilors paid visit to the mother of Fr. Arokiam in his family (few meters from the parish church and statue of Don Bosco). Varadarajanpet is a 52 years old Salesian educative presence in a 2000 Catholic family strong town, with some 84 Catholic priests and 350 religious Sisters born in this place.

Both councilors will spend about 3 months in each province to strengthen the communion with the Rector Major and the confreres, animate the provinces and communities and evaluate the growth of the Salesian Charism. Time of grace, time of exploration and time of fruitful exchange between the two regions!