A total of 31 Salesian missionaries from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, India, Vietnam, Madagascar, Congo, El Salvador, the Philippines, Poland, Mozambique and Timor-Leste took part in the meeting, together with the aforementioned members of the Missions Sector and a number of other guests.
During the week, various topics were addressed, including the current situation in mission territories, presented by Fr Pavel Ženíšek of the Missions Sector; Project Europe, with the challenges of today’s world, presented by the General Councillor for the Missions, Fr Jorge Mario Crisafulli; inculturation, personal and community life, thanks to the presentation by Géza Nádudvari, SDB; the pastoral role and that of collaborators, presented by Marco Fulgaro, a collaborator in the Missions Sector; and all matters relating to safeguarding, with a presentation by Fr Antoine Farrugia.
Among the participants at this important meeting was also a young Vietnamese Salesian, Joseph Ngo Duc Thuan who was one of the missionaries of the 154th Salesian Missionary Expedition and who is currently serving in Tunisia. His words conveyed the atmosphere of joy and reflection that characterised this meeting. “A week was really short,” he said, “yet that brief period of time also gave us the chance to share the joys, successes and even the sorrows of missionary life. We sat together, listened and discussed the opportunities and challenges that missionaries face in the European Regions.”
Joseph wished to highlight the specific context in which he works, Tunisia, which is part of the North African Circumscription (CNA): “I feel truly fortunate to have been sent to Tunisia,” he said. “There I am part of a community whose members always welcome and understand me, despite my limitations, language difficulties and health issues. I have Tunisian friends who are always ready to help me and pray for me. I would like to express my gratitude here to the Salesian members and friends in Tunisia. Even though not everything is perfect, I deeply appreciate all the kindness they have shown me.”
Finally, young Joseph wished to thank all the members of the Missions Sector for having meticulously organised the event. “I know it wasn’t easy and that preparations had to begin a year in advance. I also thank my fellow missionaries who generously dedicated their time to participate and share their experiences, enriching one another. But above all,” he continued, “I thank God for giving us the opportunity to come together in a spirit of family. I wish all my brothers to remain steadfast on the missionary path. As the General Councillor for Missions, Fr Crisafulli, said: despite the difficulties, go forward with courage, because Jesus has already gone before you.”
