(ANS – Tainan) – In recent days the Salesian Family of Taiwan have participated in an engaging programme to commemorate the arrival of the first Salesians in Taiwan exactly 50 years ago (7-8 June 1963). They celebrated together with the only surviving pioneer, 86 years old Fr. John Ma Yeong Ding, the leader of the five Salesians who started the first community in Taiwan.

The Golden Jubilee of Salesian Taiwan is being celebrated throughout the whole year of 2013. The initial commemorative event was held in Taipei during the Feast of St. John Bosco last January. Now, these two days in Tainan, on the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary, constitute the peak of the commemoration. Later, a concluding event will take place on 7 October, the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, in Boystown, Chaochou, the third Salesian presence in the Beautiful Island (Formosa).

The first part of the most recent events was meant for the Salesians only. They gathered at the cemetery where some of the pioneers are buried. Fr. John Baptist Zen gave a historical review of the early years in Taiwan. This was followed by vespers and supper together. After this, the Holy Mass in honour of the Sacred Heart was celebrated in the Mary Help of Christians Parish together with the parishioners. Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, SDB arrived from Hong Kong to preside at the Mass.

The second day was for the whole Salesian Family in Taiwan. They came from all over, from the north (Taipei) to the south（Pingtung, Chaochou). Even the formation community arrived from Hong Kong. In the morning - a series of events: Cardinal Joseph Zen offered a masterly lecture on Don Bosco and DB's charismatic mission, seen from the point of view of God's plan of salvation. Next was a lively sharing session from various members of the Salesian Family. There were also the afternoon games and the recitation of the Rosary and then the Holy Mass.

Aside from the presence of the Cardinal, who presided and also preached the homily, the Mass was also graced by two  local bishops: the bishop of Tainan, Msgr. Bosco Lin Chi-nan and the bishop of Kiayi, Msgr. Thomas Chung An-zu.

The event concluded with a family agape in the same school hall, brightened up by songs and dances from participants, young and old, coming from different regions and nationalities. This reflects the variety of cultures and languages that are recipients of the Salesian ministry.

The Salesian community in Tainan did also a video for the anniversary.

Published 14/06/2013