(ANS – Roma) – The Councillor for Salesian Mission, Fr Václav Klement, in recent weeks carried out his almost final journey before General Chapter 27 (GC27) to a  number of countries in the East Asia-Oceania region. In the previous six year period he had been the regional Councillor there (2002-2008). His first stop-off was Salesian China. We asked him to share some of this thoughts.

What were the aims of this trip?

Firstly to celebrate the conclusion of the 50 years of Salesian presence in Taiwan with the confreres (1963-2013); then to do some missionary animation in communities in Hong Kong, visit the young delegation of Mongolia and finally conduct the consultation for the next provincial in South Korea (KOR).

The China province celebrated its centenary in 2006. What are the best fruits of the charism?

The Salesian charism has certainly taken root there. Amongst the most valuable treasures in the Province are the martyrs, Louis Versiglia and Callistus Caravario, however Salesian holiness did not stop with them. We thank the Lord for a chain of holiness which has continued through successive Salesian generations: we have a number of Salesian martyrs from difficult times and there is the breath of holiness also from the elderly Italian missionaries, like Fr Gaetano Nicosia, Fr Ernesto Restelli, and other elderly Chinese confreres like Fr Paolo Fong, and so many Salesian Brothers who have contributed their Salesian spirit to the Province.

The witness of Salesian consecrated life is also a help in forming the many lay people who share our mission. By now all 20 schools in Taiwan, Macao and Hong Kong have lay principals. The testimony of the Bishop emeritus of Hong Kong, Cardinal. Joseph Zen-Ze kiun – who has just completed 40 lessons online on the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and teaches catechetics twice a week in city prisons – is amongst the most visible results.

How is mission animation managed in the oldest province in the East Asia region?

Mission animation in “mission countries” is not easy. Despite this the China Province over the last 20 years has developed a strong mission culture in its houses and works. The main materials for mission animation like the Cagliero11 newsletter and videos with their material for Salesian Mission Day have been translated into Chinese – a remarkable effort which not all provinces in the East Asia-Oceania region have succeeded in doing. The mission volunteer movement, Fiaccola, involves many young people in our schools and parishes. Currently there is only one missionary ad gentes from the province who is working in Mongolia, however there is a young postnovice who is discerning his missionary vocation.

How do you see the future for the China province?

Visiting the Formation house in Hong Kong you immediately sense the family and prayerful atmosphere. The house has a handful of men in formation and on the first floor the home for elderly and sick confreres. Thanks to dedicated youth ministry, vocations keep coming and the spirit of Salesians is high. Daily prayer to Mary Help of Christians, patroness of the Province, infuses hope; and the deep faith of Salesians, laity and the few young Chinese Salesians is the best guarantee for the future.

Published 06/11/2013