By Br. Hilario Seo, SDB

Seoul, Korea, March 20, 2016 - Thinking of Mongolia, most people would immediately imagine the horses running freely on the wide lawn with the past glory of Genghis Khan who conquered the world with the Mongol horsemen.

There are people who have completed the marathon for young people of Mongolia. It's called "Race for the missions." In March 20, a day when it has fully opened the door to spring in Seoul, the capital city of Korea, Fr. Michael Chang SDB (the principal of Salesian High School), Mr. Versilia Jeong-youngtae (vice principal of the Salesian Middle School), Mr. Daniel Cha-hyeonho (principal of Don Bosco School) and Mr. Joseph Go-minwoo (teacher of Salesian High School) took part in the Seoul International Marathon run by Dong-A Ilbo, a major newspaper in Korea. It's called 1 Won for 1m, an appeal to the people to participate in fundraising activities for supporting the missions. This is the third year and the beneficiaries of the fundraising marathon project of this edition will be the Mongolia missions where a Salesian from Korea is working for more than 15 years, Fr. Simon Lee.

The project has started last 20th of February, a month before the race by Mission Procure Office and until today has raised the sum money of about 30 million Won (about 25,000 USD).

Not missing the people who have also donated a large amount of money, but most of the participants are benefactors to the funds, about 700 people, have rather followed the norm of the project by depositing 42,195 Won (about 40 USD) per head. The Fundraising will continue until 23rd of March.

"I had decided to abstain from drinking coffee to the mortification of Lent for the needy. So I saved a bit of money, all of which I donated to fundraising of the Fr. Michael race. I feel very grateful for the opportunity that you have given me. Although I could not run directly, I feel proud to be part of the campaign and do utmost respect to those who have aroused the good will of the people making a marathon so demanding. Next year I would like to participate together with my whole family.” The word of Mrs. Teresia who had participated in fundraising. It’s a beautiful testimony that suggests the creation of a chance to collect the hearts of the people for participation and sharing are nothing but a good initiative to reveal the mercy of God by living as Salesians of Don Bosco.

In fact, Fr. Angel, the Rector Major, was emphasized by the last video message, ‘Cari Confratelli’ of March; “I wish to invite you to be attentive to the repute we have to communicate good happenings, report the good things that take place in the world. Thus we need to make known to our people …” It’s not a slogan that you are far away. And an invitation to which we can respond through this kind of practical initiative.

“The race was difficult, but it was rewarding. Throughout the race I brought up the list of benefactors praying for them and for the children of the missions land. In short, it had been a long prayer of five hours for me. I thank with all my heart all those who participated in the fundraising materially, morally and above all through prayer.” Fr. Michael ran for five hours non-stop, face drenched in sweat, legs almost conspiring against him. The smile, however, spoke of the unfailing joy of completing a race, which plants a seed of hope for young people who do not find it easy to dream.

Help the work of the missionaries who spread the Word of God in the dry land, awaken the minds of the people to join the work of spreading the Gospel are the way of the realization of our daily place what is often called by Pope Francis; “Church that go out to the periphery.”

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