In a letter dated 12 June, the Solemnity of Pentecost, the IX successor of Don Bosco presents to the Salesian world the theme of the SMD 2012: “Telling the story of Jesus” as being devoted particularly to the evangelisation of the young. It is a theme which takes up the invitation contained in the Apostolic Exhortation “Ecclesia in Asia” of John Paul II: “«to put the Word of God at the centre of our lives and to tell the story of Jesus.”
Taking its inspiration from the first Missionary Congress of Asia, held at Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2006, the theme of the SMD 2012 will see the Salesian world engaged in discovering, knowing and working for the evangelisation of the young starting from the experience of the Salesians in Asia. In his letter Fr Chávez points out that the theme of the SMD 2012 is a spiritual and pastoral programme with three elements: Evangelising the heart of the Salesian; returning to Don Bosco, a communicator of the experience of God; being in harmony with the great lines of the Church in the different continents.
Fr Vaclav Klement and Fr Filiberto González Councillors for the Missions and for Social Communication, also in a letter, explain the purpose of the day:
1. As disciples to put the Word of God at the centre of our lives.
2. As apostles to share the experience of Jesus Christ with the young.
3. Make known the dynamics of the 1st Missionary Congress of Asia.
4. Help some places on the frontiers in Asia.
Salesian Missionary Day has a history now going back almost a hundred years. Started as a means of strengthening a missionary culture and the missionary spirit among Salesians and among the young they care for, in the last 25 years it has taken the form of a common theme and with a particular project in mind. It is not just an occasion to collect funds, even though these are needed in order to undertake many missionary projects, but it is a way of making known, describing and appreciating the work which is being done in some Provinces.
The aids produced for Missionary Day have the main aim of making known the various missionary enterprises of the Congregation and nourishing a passion for the missions in Salesians, young people and lay co-workers. Promoted by the Department for the Mission, there is no fixed date for the celebration of Salesian Missionary Day, but it is left to each Province according to its own circumstances to choose the date and the ways and means to do so.
The full texts of the letters of the Rector Major and of Fr Klement and Fr González are available in the Service section of ANS, in sdb.org, and in SDL. In the coming months Salesian houses will be receiving the aids produced thanks to collaboration between the Departments for the Missions, for Social Communication, Eurofilm and Missioni Don Bosco.
On the site sdb.org a multimedia section will shortly be opened with the promotional material.
Published 10/06/2011
