austraLasia #3104
Vietnam heads the list for number of missionaries this year
HCM CITY: 27 July 2012 -- Of the 45 new or re-assigned missionaries expected to attend the 2012 preparations for the Missionary expedition later this year, 17 are from Vietnam. This is by far the largest single contribution from Salesian Asia so far.
The 17 might have a common origin, but they will be heading out to far-flung parts of the world - to Africa, South America, other parts of Asia.
For this group in particular, from Vietnam, it does not all just start once they get to Rome. They have been long in preparation at every level: vocational discernment that will continue yet for many months, perhaps years, but the practical things that need to be done are well underway. One imnportant aspect of their preparation is English - which is the 'lingua franca' of their own region, but which they may not be eventually using too much of in Brazil, or Bolivia, for the ones going to such places. However, it is also true to say that the majority will be in countries, even in Africa, where English is also the lingua franca. A preparation course, which includes intensive English instruction, has been running at Lien Khuong since the beginning of July until 21st, then followed up by a seminar on missions run by the Provincial Formation Commission. Fr Joseph Vinh, who graduated from the Biblicum in Rome, has responsibility for input for this week. Others are helping them reflect on Don Bosco's love for the missions, key Church documents on mission.
Since May, people have been working hard in visas. At times this process runs into many difficulties, depending on the country of destination.
The 143rd missionary expedition events will culminate with reception of the mission cross in Valdocco at the Basilica, on 30 September of this year.
The wider group this year includes three from Africa, two from Madagascar, three from the North Europe Region, two from Italy, six from India, two from Brazil, one from Spain, one from Colombia (Medellin) and one from Indonesia-Timor.
Vietnam heads the list for number of missionaries this year
The 17 might have a common origin, but they will be heading out to far-flung parts of the world - to Africa, South America, other parts of Asia.
For this group in particular, from Vietnam, it does not all just start once they get to Rome. They have been long in preparation at every level: vocational discernment that will continue yet for many months, perhaps years, but the practical things that need to be done are well underway. One imnportant aspect of their preparation is English - which is the 'lingua franca' of their own region, but which they may not be eventually using too much of in Brazil, or Bolivia, for the ones going to such places. However, it is also true to say that the majority will be in countries, even in Africa, where English is also the lingua franca. A preparation course, which includes intensive English instruction, has been running at Lien Khuong since the beginning of July until 21st, then followed up by a seminar on missions run by the Provincial Formation Commission. Fr Joseph Vinh, who graduated from the Biblicum in Rome, has responsibility for input for this week. Others are helping them reflect on Don Bosco's love for the missions, key Church documents on mission.
Since May, people have been working hard in visas. At times this process runs into many difficulties, depending on the country of destination.
The 143rd missionary expedition events will culminate with reception of the mission cross in Valdocco at the Basilica, on 30 September of this year.
The wider group this year includes three from Africa, two from Madagascar, three from the North Europe Region, two from Italy, six from India, two from Brazil, one from Spain, one from Colombia (Medellin) and one from Indonesia-Timor.
