By Fr Ambrose Pereira, SDB

K’Long, Vietnam, 18 February 2024 -- The East Asia Oceania (EAO) Team visit concluded on 17 February 2024. At the end of four intensive days of presentations by the councillors, sharing and discussions, the 96 confreres, 10 of which were from Vietnam, listened attentively as the Rector Major concluded the Team Visit with words of gratitude and a road map for the years ahead.

“Our gratitude to the Vietnamese confreres, particularly, Fr. Barnaba Le An Phong, Provincial and his council for the care for every confrere at the meeting”, said the Rector Major as he appreciated the spirit and lively atmosphere amidst the violence and difficulties, and the lack of freedom that some experience in their countries. He made mention of openness, the ability to listen and, above all to journey together. “This is an important and a beautiful visible journey that we have experienced”, he continued.

In presenting a Road Map as the conclusion of the Team Visit, he dwelt on Salesian Identity; the vitality of the Salesian charism; shared responsibility of the laity and the quest to journey together towards the poor, despite merger resources. He reminded the members about a formation that is a personal response to one’s vocation, the need to qualify persons in Salesianity, youth ministry and vocational animation and the dangers of individualism. Social Communication was stressed upon with its focus on the charismatic, pastoral, and institutional aspects, the need to be visible through the sending of news to austraLasia/Boscolink and ANS and the urgency to understanding the growing digital culture. Finally, he invited all to inspire a shared mission and an open style of charismatic Salesian formation in the Salesian Family.

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