(ANS – Cebu) – A seminar on Salesian history for the East Asia-Oceania region began yesterday, 4 November and will continue until Friday 8th. It is being held in Cebu, in the Southern Philippines Province. The event has been organised by the Salesian History Enthusiasts Association (ACSSA) with the support of the Salesian Historical Institute (ISS).

The seminar's main topic concerns “the state of Salesian historiography in the region. Preservation and appreciation of our cultural legacy” and is a follow-up to worldwide research in this area begun last year in Brazil (Cachoeira do Campo, 17-20 March 2012) then in Germany, (Benediktbeuern, 31 October – 4 November 2012) which studied the American and European continents respectively.

“I am convinced that a true understanding of our history, put at the service of a deeper understanding of our charism and mission, is also a sure source of genuine and responsible creativity in preserving our Salesian identity, and it continuity. … Memory generates the future” the Rector Major said in a greeting sent to those taking part in the seminar.

The primary aims of the seminar are to rediscover and appreciate the contribution of Salesians, Salesian Sisters, Salesian Cooperators and other branches of the Salesian Family to the moral, cultural and social progress of young people in the region. In fact if the perception of the contribution of Don Bosco to improving the conditions of young people is to be known and recognised, we need to evaluate the historical research resulting from the contributions of his many spiritual children, so we can ensure that society perceives it correctly.

Finally, the seminar hopes to evaluate the extent of preservation and appreciation of Salesian cultural patrimony, which is essential for good historical and scientific production and to guaranteeing an authoritative Salesian voice in intellectual debate on the future of the world of the young.

It should not be forgotten that the seminar, as part of the 3rd year of preparation for the Bicentenary of Don Bosco's birth, is also an encouragement to rediscovering the charismatic identity of the Founder and his entire spiritual family.

Published 05/11/2013