EAO Region, 24 February 2022 -- On 25 February, as for every year, the whole Salesian Family around the world celebrates the Feast of the Salesian Protomartyrs, St Louis Versiglia and St Callistus Caravario. Each Martyr in the Communion of Saints is a strong motivation for us to live our own faith journey with more fidelity and courage. For the whole EAO region, this feast is also a grateful reminder and memory of the first Salesians who reached Macau - China in 1906, founding the first Don Bosco community on East Asia-Oceanian soil.
Let us make this year, when we remember the 92nd anniversary of their martyrdom, more meaningful, also by sharing the available resources of our prayers, reflections.
The small but vibrant parish of Oliva Gessi (birthplace of St Bishop Versiglia) celebrated last Sunday's Eucharist with their Bishop in gratitude and memory of their saintly 'Compaesano'.
The Salesian Mass and Liturgy of Hours also offers valuable material for our spiritual nourishment and inspiration.
The classic publication of Fr Guido Bosio's, already available in English (Kristu Joti Publications, Bangalore, India) may be also a good gift for our Salesian community libraries (350 pages). The digital version is also available on Boscolink.
With best wishes and congratulations to the Indonesian Vice-Province of St Louis Versiglia (INA) and to the Timor Leste Vice-province of St Callisto Caravario (TLS)!
Almighty and merciful God,
you gave to your martyrs,
Saints Luigi, bishop, and Callistus, priest,
the strength to fight to the death to proclaim the Gospel
and defend human dignity.
Grant the we, your loyal followers,
may imitate their testimony with persevering faith and assiduous charity.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ,
your Son, who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
