(ANS – Turin) – As a background to the 142nd Missionary Expedition this year too Harambée will be taking place, promoted and organised by Salesian Missionary Promotion and International Voluntary Service for Development (VIS). 400 people, volunteers and coordinators of missionary activities, will be meeting with the Rector Major of the Salesians and the Mother General of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) to greet the departing missionaries.

On Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 September, at Colle Don Bosco, Turin, there will be the Harambée 2011, – a festive gathering, a community coming together as the  Swahili term expresses it. For over 20 years Harambèe has been bringing together those who believe in and work in Salesian Missionary Promotion and the young people who through VIS, have had summer experiences in poor countries.

About 400 people will be coming mainly from the Italian Provinces of the Salesians and of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians but also representatives of other parts of Europe. Gathered on the occasion of the departure of the 142nd Salesian Missionary Expedition, young people, mission promoters and departing missionaries will celebrate their shared commitment to  the education and the evangelisation of the poor, to removing barriers between the north and south of the world and the protection and promotion of human rights.

On Saturday afternoon 24, in the theatre at Colle Don Bosco the Councillor for the Salesian Missions Fr Václav Klement will meet all those who have arrived. Then some people will speak about their experiences of the missions. In the evening  after a torchlight procession and the recitation of the Rosary, Mother Yvonne Reungoat, Superior General of the FMA, will give the traditional “Good Night”.

Fr Pascual Chávez will meet the young people on Sunday morning. The various groups making up the 142nd Salesian Missionary Expedition will also be present. Then all those attending the Harambèe will go to the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians to take part in the Mass during which the IX Successor of Don Bosco will give the mandate and missionary cross  to the missionaries so that they may be  witnesses to the Gospel in the five continents.

Thanks to  the production of Missioni Don Bosco a recording of the Mass will be broadcast at 13.30 (GMT+2) on satellite television by Telepace, and in streaming on www.missionidonbosco.tv,

Published 23/09/2011