Following a welcome and introduction by Fr Eric Mairura, SDB, coordinator of the Missions Sector for the African regions, Brother Raymond Callo, SDB, from the Formation Sector, shared some excerpts from the revised Ratio document, focusing on certain points that directly concern the PDMAs. Mission animation, an intrinsic and formative dimension of Salesian life, is deeply linked to the charismatic identity of the Salesian vocation, as a global and integral dimension of formation.
Fr Mairura then outlined the outcomes of the four continental meetings of missionaries held over the past few months as part of the five-year cycle, with a view to setting out future prospects regarding the rethinking of discernment, formation and the accompaniment of missionaries, whilst particularly emphasising the decisive role of the PDMAs in this process.
Marco Fulgaro, Secretary of the Missions Sector, shared some updates from the Sector, in particular the work currently underway on the 2027 Salesian Mission Day, which will focus on the many forms of youth poverty in today’s world.
The two Regional Coordinators for Mission Animation (RCMA), Fr Jose Padinjareparampil, from Kenya (AFE), for East and Southern Africa, and Fr Privat Fouda, from Cameroon (ATE), for Central and West Africa, then put forward some ideas still at the reflection and planning stage: a newsletter on cutting-edge issues for the African continent; and the creation of an African missionary studies centre ahead of the 50th anniversary of the Africa Project in 2030.
The next meetings for discussion and formation for the PDMAs of the two African Salesian Regions have already been scheduled: there will be online meetings, with the date yet to be confirmed, and another in-person meeting in Ashaiman, Ghana, in May 2027.
Marco Fulgaro
