Provincial House, Seoul, Korea, 25 October 2022 -- Carefully planned and prepared by the Missions and Social Communication commissions of Korean SDB province, some 200 members of the Salesian Family enjoyed the 'Salesian Mission Day 2022' on Sunday, 23 October on the 7th floor of the SDB provincial house in Seoul. After the pandemic pause for two years it was the first large joint SF event in Seoul. With the presence of SYM members and of Salesian Bishop Luc Van Looy (Bishop emeritus of Ghent, Belgium, former Delegate Superior of Korea, 1978-1984) the whole event had a special flavour.

       The SMD (Salesian Mission Day) 2022 'Communicating Christ Today' was prepared by the SDB communities creative video clips showed on this occasion, the SYM (Salesian Youth Movement) members were present to guide the senior members on their digital literacy 'formation journey' and the dynamic 'digital treasure hunting program' involved mixed Salesian Family groups in the afternoon. At the center of the back-stage was the whole team of the Korean.

       The whole 7-story SDB provincial house became one large 'oratory'. In the morning session with two talks, the participants got to know Blessed Carlo Acutis (1991-2006, nick-named the patron of the internet) and through the 3-step discernment talk (Listen-Interpret-Way Forward) the participants heard some 'best practices' from other countries and continents as well an insight into the Korean Catholic Community digital mission. After lunch break the 'digital treasure hunting' started with groups moving around 15 posts with specific task, always ending with uploading the activity on their personal Social Media: discover the poster of Bl. Carlo Acutis, quiz based on the morning talks contents, Laudato Si campaign pickets production or Salesian Family Saints image painting, praying the missionary rosary, enter the Salesian Mission Office (DB Nanum) digital platform etc. At the end of this program was an awarding ceremony.

       The presence of the 6 SDB novices and 20 members of the SYM as 'digital mentors' to the adult or senior Salesian Family members was very much appreciated. Their presence was extremely helpful for the senior SF members to 'jump' in the digital world. Also the dynamic synergy of the Missionary Animation, Korea SDB Mission Office and SDB Social Communication team was inspiring and fruitful.

       Last but not the least was the well animated Eucharistic celebration, celebrated by Bishop emeritus Luc Van Looy, ending with a prayer and blessing of Fr Paul Kang, a new missionary who will leave in a few days time for Mongolia. In his homily Bishop Luc stressed the listening to the God's Word especially journeying with the Young, as the start of the initial proclamation of Jesus Christ, when the hearts of the young people are open through the out-reaching life attitude of Salesian Family members. His encouragement also included the Eucharist as the starting point of the mission, if we would like to reach 'the ends of the world'. The presence of SDB, FMA, Caritas Sisters of Jesus and Salesian Cooperators leadership is also a sign of

       All SMD 2022 event digital materials are available on the net: morning and afternoon sessions on the SDB-KOR YouTube channel and the inputs (two talks and the SMD 2022 animation booklet) are on BOSCOLINK both in English and Korean.

       We pray that this 'wake up call' for the whole Salesian Family to reach out the digital continent of the young people will bring slowly many fruits. May Blessed Carlo Acutis help us to grow as digital missionaries!

       Resources:

• SMD 2022 - input, talks, animation (ENG, KOR)
• LIVE streaming video: Part 1 (Communicating Christ Today - talks)
• LIVE streaming video: Part 2 (Missionary sharing, Eucharist, Send off - Fr Paul Kang)

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