(ANS – Rome) – Salesian Missionary Day 2013 is supported, as in every year, by subsidies that encourage the pursuit of the objectives, particularly that of the Salesian knowledge in a particular geographic context. Materials manufactured thanks to the synergy of the provinces of Africa Madagascar, of products and services for missions and Social communication and Don Bosco Missions.

The Poster
The official poster was created by Fr Sebastian Koladiyil and his collaborators of FORMWORK BEAMS (forest East Africa Multimedia Service) of the Province of East Africa. At the top, a large photo of Fr Victor Mallesa, a Salesian of the Province of East Africa, during the conferring of prebaptismal rites. At the Centre, as a backdrop, the sunrise that gives awareness of a new day. Three children pray and show their response to the first ad; the host indicates the destination path to which they are called. At the bottom, four photographs describe how the first ad is extended into the path of the Sacraments and Church life.

The video
Five short films tell of the Salesian pastoral work in some countries of Africa. Some themes emerge from time to time in different ways: the catechumenate, the close collaboration between priests and catechists, the Easter Triduum and the baptismal rites. Each video is commented on by quoting the Post-Synodal Apostolic exhortation "Africae Munus" of Pope Benedict XVI.

"The journey of Faith in Africa": has a general character, briefly narrates the development of the Salesian charism in the black continent and the pastoral choice made by the Church: the catechumenate, journey of conversion and training to the Christian faith.

"Makalala School of catechists": is dedicated to the Catechist, a key figure in African pastoral work. The presence of Makalala, South of Tanzania is introduced. The Salesians, in collaboration with the Diocese, greet and form future leaders of Christian communities in the most genuine educative Salesian tradition.

"There is yeast in Luanda" and "labourers in his harvest" exhibit evangelization efforts in Angola, in two different contexts: urban and rural. The first, featuring the problems of big cities; the second, characterized by the widespread work of missionaries that reach many villages scattered over vast territories. In both situations it is strong and requires close collaboration between consecrated persons and the laity, priests and catechists.

"The Parish School of the Faith" describes the work and organisation of the Mary, Help of Christians parish of Lomé, Togo. It particularly focuses on the coronation of the Catechumenate: the Paschal Triduum, lived with depth and joy.

The DVD video, distributed in Salesian houses, is paired with a DVDrom with digital materials, especially a folder of photographs of the various experiences shown in the videos. The same photographs are available in Imagebank. (enter: SMD2013)

The File
Is a 32-page booklet that collects the letters of the Rector Major and of the  Councillors for the region of Africa and Madagascar and the missions; a presentation on GMS; a compilation of good practices; some cards on the Post Synodal Exhortation "Africae Munus" and on Africa; testimony of catechists and catechumens; the presentation of the joint initiative; and the text of the prayer for GMS 2013.

The aids are available both in digital form – already present in sdb.org – and both in printed form and on DVD, materials are already on the way to distribution.

Published 19/10/2012