austraLasia

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By Volunteers of Don Bosco (VDB)
Secular Institute

Seoul, South Korea, 8 February 2021 -- Among the EAO participants of the SF Spirituality Days 2021 (online) was also a good representation of VDB members among the 15 different groups of 1100 Salesian Family members. One Korean VDB shares her reflection:

"Let me share my opinion on this '39th World Salesian Family Spirituality Days’ 2021 as one of the 20 VDB members in South Korea. I knew that some of our VDB members were participating every year in the World Salesian Family Spirituality Days. But it was not possible for us to travel for 4 days to Rome or Turin. It was very nice to be able to participate online this time (January 2021).

Although it was an ONLINE participation, it was great to be able to see that we belong to a very large family and see other Salesian family groups around the world. Even if the Covid-19 pandemic situation improves and the Salesian Family Spirituality Days event were to be held in Italy next year, it would be nice if it was held online and offline together so that many SF members could again participate in this wonderful event.

It is the first time for a VDB to meet at the EAO level. It was very meaningful. It was especially nice to have a simultaneous interpreter service. However, because the first day was a Friday (Jan 15), it was difficult for many working people to participate in real time. There was group work (sharing at province level) this time on Friday and Saturday, but I wish it would be on Saturday and Sunday. And one technical note: Facebook access (video) was not smooth for those who don't use Facebook. Maybe for any participant YouTube channel is more accessible.

Meeting at the EAO level had a very special meaning for me. I was able to hear stories from other countries and regions, and I was deeply moved. It was great to have such opportunities for exchange and sharing. After this event, I prayed for peace and respect for people in East Asia. Usually we prayed for peace and unity in our country and between the two Koreas, but as our vision was widened... it was an opportunity to think about the difficulties at the Asian level. Our Asian region is a region where historically and politically, each other hurts a lot. And it is an area where respect for human rights is weak.

Still, for (us) Koreans, Japan and China are disliked countries. I know that there are many foreign workers in Korea, and as the cases of suffering in Korea increase, there are many feelings against East Asian countries. However, in the name of the Salesian Family, we felt that we could become a family beyond the wounds suffered among different nations.

I don't belong anymore to a (Pacific or Korean) war generation. However, the pain that our mother and grandmother suffered comes into us. And the suffering of the people in Southeast Asia who work in Korea now will fall within their children. After this event, I prayed for peace and unity between the two Koreas, as well as peace and respect for human rights in the East Asia – Oceania (EAO) region... I can't express everything in words, but after the event, I thought about it again... I was happy to find me with a different consciousness and a different prayer topic.

Yes, I loved sharing at the provincial level. Because I'm online... I can chat with ZOOM's video off, so ‘riserbo’ (NB ‘reserve’ for secular consecrated people) didn't matter at all. And for the first time, I was able to easily share as a VDB… Also the sharing in small groups of people were also adequate. The sharing theme was also good. Listening to the stories of various families, it was time to look back at me. Thank you for making this opportunity possible.

NB: The VDB (Volunteers of Don Bosco, Salesian Secular Institute founded by Blessed Philip Rinaldi) is divided worldwide into some 32+ 'Regions', that are made up in turn of the local 'Groups'. Within the 23 countries of the EAO SDB Region there are 4 VDB 'Regions' of China-Japan, South Korea, Philippines and Vietnam-Thailand. There are also some initial stage 'small groups' that are supervised by the Central Council.

This is one of the 470 contributions to the EAO regional SF event submitted to the organizers during the last two weeks of January 2021.

A full Evaluation report will reach the EAO SDB provinces and SF group leaders within the next few days.