(ANS – Rome) – Here is the second part of the interview with the Councillor for the Salesian Missions, Fr Václav Klement, regarding his recent visit to countries in East Asia.

Amongst the more difficult missions in the world the Church of the diaspora in Taiwan is regarded as one of them. What are the difficulties, and the hopes for the Salesian presence there?

Certainly the Church in Taiwan  is amongst the youngest in Asia; only 150 years have passed since the first proclamation there. The Catholic Church does not even reach 0.5% of the population, the majority of Catholics live in the mountains, in tribal areas, and local clergy are few – many priests and religious are from China and elsewhere. There is humble Salesian contribution of three communities on the island: a parish in the capital, Taipei; the secondary technical school in Tainan and the Boys Town at Chao Chou, in the diocese of Kaoshiung. In 50 yesars of activity we have had just six Salesian vocations; currently there is a young priest, one student in theology and the first young aboriginal Salesian who has just made his profession (2013).

The Salesian Family – made up of Salesians, Salesian Sisters, Salesian Cooperators and the Mary Help of Christians Association – is small but united and the next Salesian Cooperators Provincial Congress will be held at Taiwan, where members from Hong Kong and Macao will go to give a bit of a boost to the local scene. Don Bosco at any rate is known thanks to our past pupil Bishop Bosco Lin Chi-nan, bishop of Tainan, and through our contribution to the migrant ministry in the same diocese. There are many signs of hope, however it is tough soil to dig in, and we need to sow, keep working and keep praying.

What new frontiers did you identify in your visit to the China Province?

Responding with new impetus to the challenges we have from society and youth in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macao is not easy; cultural and economic changes have been swift. I saw a new oratory on Cheng Chau island, in Hong Kong, run by a Salesian Brother with some Salesian Cooperators and a boarding sector re-opened after 40 years in the technical school at Aberdeen, still in Hong Kong, and the great commitment of the Salesian Cooperators to evangelisation in parishes and schools.

Despite the high average age and a decreasing number of confreres, China Province is regenerating itself thanks to its spiritual and charismatic energy.

Published 08/11/2013