austraLasia

Fruits of Myanmar Animation Tsunami

Anisakan, Myanmar, 19 November 2017 -- After 50 long years of painful isolation from the worldwide Salesian community of the Congregation, within past twelve month the Mary Help of Christians Vice-province of Myanmar, got a whole tsunami of Animation Visits from the Rector Major and five of his councilors. Thanks be to God!

After the Extraordinary Visitation (August 2016) of the EAO Regional Councilor and the first historical animation visit of Fr. Angel F. Artime to Anisakan (October 2016) within past few four months were present also Fr. Guillermo (Missions), Fr. Fabio (Youth Ministry), Fr. Ivo (Formation) and Fr. Filiberto (Social Communication) accompanied by the EAO Regional Councilor.

Some of the Salesians of MYM share their feelings and wisdom, looking back on the extraordinary gift of receiving 'so many superiors' from Rome:

It's great to meet personally, to chat with those whom we just see on the photo of the General Council.

We got much wider vision about our own Salesian reality, through the interaction with Missions Councilor.

Personal accompaniment and formation as life-long learning process is the main impact of Formation Councilor.

Before this year we really felt neglected in the Congregation, now we experience full interest in us and closeness.

We felt that they are practice what they are preaching, they are really dedicated to their mission, not just bookish.

From the Social Communication workshop we learn, that we are the message and each of us is a communicator.

But beyond any knowledge, vision or new insights, the most visible effect of the tsunami is simply growth in communion among the confreres: "We are slowly restoring the family spirit, we progress in the reshaping and community culture amongst us. Listening to each other is the first things we got from the Councilors. Even the Friends of Don Bosco around our Salesian houses feel a slow but sure transformation happening recently.

During the final meeting with Fr. Filiberto and the EAO Regional Councilor emerged also the common point of awareness: It's more important to be than to do many things! The 81 SDB strong provincial community makes effort to keep the memory and insights of this animation tsunami well alive in the local communities.

Now we pray, that the visit of Pope Francis to Myanmar will help us to digest with more fruits this tsunami!

Welcome to Myanmar!