(ANS – Maynooth) – On Saturday 16th March 2013 a meeting took place at the Salesian House in Maynooth University which reflected on the progress of Project Europe. Present were Fr Václav Klement, Councillor for Salesian Missions throughout the world, Fr Michael Casey, Provincial of the Irish Salesian province, Salesian confreres who have come to Ireland as part of Project Europe and a number of Salesians from different Irish communities.

The gathering began with mass celebrated by Fr Klement who shared some thoughts on Saturday’s scripture passages and some of his experiences from Salesian missionary projects throughout the world. The mass was followed by the meal-time and conversations previously begun continued in a relaxed setting.

In the afternoon there was a more formal meeting. Fr Casey chaired the meeting and expressed his appreciation to Fr Klement for coming to Maynooth. The Councillor for Salesian Missions gave an input. Project Europe had been started soon after the General Chapter 26 and its purpose is to renew the Salesian presence in European countries. So far seven Salesian provinces have asked the Rector Major for assistance. The Irish province has five missionaries, two from Vietnam, two from India and one from Poland who have come through Project Europe.

Fr Klement spoke about the experience of receiving missionaries being different for each Salesian province. The important thing for him is to move on and believe we are moving in the right direction. After Fr Klement’s input there was further reflection and sharing.

The meeting concluded at 4 pm and Fr Klement gave personal time to each of the missionary confreres. The Salesian Missionaries thanked him for his visit and for the joy and enthusiasm for missionary work to which his presence gave witness. They also thanked the Salesian community at Maynooth for hosting the occasion and their wonderful hospitality.

Published 22/03/2013