(ANS - Rome) - "Among the Jesuits was a father Bini, Greek scholar of great renown. In four months he helped me to translate the entire New Testament, the first two books of Homer's Iliad, several odes of Pindar and Anacreon"... So wrote Don Bosco in the Memoirs of the Oratory (Book 2, Chap. VIII), revealing his great interest in translation. In the next few days, the first meeting of Salesian translators at regional level will take place in Vietnam. It is dedicated specifically to the translators and their service to the congregation.  

The event is scheduled from 9 to 11 October in K'Long, in Vietnam. It involves the participation of twenty-four translators, both Salesians and Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, from various provinces of the Region of East Asia-Oceania (China, Japan, Indonesia-East Timor, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam). Among those present will be Bro. Ephrem Santos, and Fr Václav Klement, Regional Councillor for East Asia-Oceania.

In the nine working sessions there will be discussion on subjects such as the role of translators and their importance for the preservation and dissemination of the charism; the cultural and common institutional background of translators in the region; translation processes; the training of translators; the steps to be taken for the future, at provincial, regional and congregation level.

Although the translation of documents, letters, animation texts, etc. is vital and essential for a congregation like the Salesians found in over 130 countries around the world, and with at least 40 languages ​​used in the daily pastoral work of thousands of Salesians, there has never before been a conference specifically for those charged with this delicate task.

For this reason, the meeting at K'Long, for the Salesians of East Asia-Oceania, may be considered a pioneer exercise for other future developments, in view of the increasing attention to the issue as highlighted in the recent General Chapter.

Published 07/10/2014