The celebration commenced with an address by Fr William Matthews, the Regional Councillor for East Asia-Oceania. Fr William extended his warmest congratulations to the China Province on its centenary and encouraged members of the Salesian Family to maintain their vitality and zeal on the path of evangelization. He highlighted Don Bosco’s “Dream at Nine Years of age” recounting how Jesus personally instructed young John Bosco in the dream to use “obedience and study” to make the seemingly impossible mission possible. Through this, Fr William exhorted everyone to always listen to Jesus’ teachings and uphold these two virtues when facing the challenges of the new era, thereby laying a solid spiritual foundation for youth ministry.
Fr Domingos Leong, Provincial of the China Province, led the first thematic sharing session, entitled “A Century of Evangelization, an Unchanging Charism.” Fr Domingos guided the assembly through a retrospective look at the 100-year history of the China Province, paying special tribute to Salesian pioneers such as Fr Godfrey Roozen and Fr Bernard Tohill, among many others.
Fr Domingos recounted how these predecessors remained steadfast at their posts during the difficult years of war. For the salvation of young souls, they courageously negotiated with various military officers to provide sanctuary and a loving home for helpless and abandoned youth amidst the turmoil. Concluding his sharing, he specially cited Article 14 of the Salesian Constitutions, inspiring all participants to emulate Don Bosco’s spirit of “Da mihi animas, caetera tolle” and unconditionally dedicate their lives to the salvation of the young.
Following a short recess, Fr Antonio Leung, Vice-Provincial of the China Province, led the second thematic sharing session. Fr Antonio provided an insightful explanation of the Rector Major’s Strenna.
The pinnacle of the celebration was the Eucharistic Celebration. In his homily, Fr William drew a profound parallel between the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah and the founder, St. John Bosco: God once said to Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.” In the same way, God had already chosen and consecrated Don Bosco before he was born, appointing him as a prophet to the young. Although both initially hesitated due to their youth and perceived inadequacy, God gave them an absolute promise, along with the Blessed Virgin Mary as their Guide and Support.
Fr William used this to encourage the assembly, referencing the deep symbolism in the cover image of the Rector Major’s Strenna 2026. In that sacred image, a servant stands pouring wine from a large jar, flanked by Jesus and Mary; that servant in the middle is our father and founder, St John Bosco. As children and collaborators of Don Bosco, we too are “servants of joy.” Fr William called upon everyone to follow closely in Don Bosco’s footsteps as the China Province steps into its next century, willingly serving as assistants to Jesus and Mary to bring the joy of the Gospel to the world, especially to poor and abandoned youth.
Following the Holy Mass, the celebration concluded with a luncheon filled with the warmth of the Salesian Family Spirit. All participants returned to their respective ministries carrying the graces and mission of this centenary, ready to continue burning with the love of the Lord.
{gallery}Hong Kong – Celebrazione centenario CIN 2026{/gallery}
