Unity - Faith - Hope: EAO Salesian Family Key Words in 2021

By Mr. Niel Evangelista, GEX
Don Bosco Past Pupil

       EAO Region, 17 January 2021 -- On the second day of 2021 Salesian Family Spirituality Days more than a thousand EAO members met again for 90 minutes in the digital courtyard to walk the path of HOPE with more conviction, clearer vision and joint action.

       The 12 EAO province group sharing (split in some 100 smaller groups online and off-line in all 23 countries was shared first in the regional gathering (8AM Italy time, GMT+1) and then again in the world gathering with the Rector Major (1 PM Italy time, GMT+1). The iconic face of the EAO region became Mr Niel Evangelista, GEX - Regional councilor of DB Past pupils for Asia-Oceania who delivered the following report:

       "The Salesian Family in the East Asia and Oceania Region consists of 16 groups living in 23 countries. And for us, in the EAO, being moved by hope also means moving beyond borders. Challenged by distance, the EAO Salesian Family has organized an online Regional event simultaneously translated in 8 (!) different languages and broadcasted online on Facebook (English) and YouTube (Japanese).

       The online event was joined by various members from formation houses, schools, community centers, provincial houses and individual homes. The Facebook live video has managed to have more than 5,000 views.

       And from thousands of sharing and reflection, three words summarize what touched the heart of the EAO Salesian Family: Unity - Faith - Youth!

       First is Unity

       Participants felt that indeed they are a part of the Salesian Family, not just in their local provinces, but throughout the region and the world. Unity also means belongingness and sharing a common mission - mission described by the members as a service and a relationship.

       Second is Faith

       Moved by the faith of everyone who shared in Day 1, especially those who are persecuted… keeping the faith burning despite the situation and circumstances we face every day is a challenge echoed by the members. To be moved by hope means to keep our faith in God. Faith that there will always be a brand new day

       Third is Young

       True to the charism of Don Bosco, the young people found their place in the hearts and minds of the participants. The young are viewed not just as recipients of the Salesian Family’s mission but also as an inspiration; for it is through the young people that we’re able to find hope to a future filled with God’s love.

       Unity, Faith, Young - these three words encapsulate the first day of the EAO Salesian Family. Thank you for joining us and may we continue to have a more reflective and fruitful Salesian Family Spirituality Days."

       Through the second day (Jan 16) the world level program highlighted 7 different SF group including the 'Caritas Sisters of Jesus' and brought the wealth of regional sharing from all five continents.

       For those who missed this precious opportunity of spiritual and apostolic energy recharging, all videos and digital materials are available online (Facebook LIVE: Salesian Family - East Asia Oceania 2021).

       The 39th Salesian Family Spirituality Days (first online edition) concluded with the Sunday Eucharist at 12:30 (GMT+1, Italy) celebrated by the 10th successor of Don Bosco at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart (Sacro Cuore) in Rome.

• EAO Salesian Family province sharing for download (Jan 15-16)

       Related video resources:

• EAO Salesian Family Meet (Jan 15)
• EAO Salesian Family Meet (Jan 16)
• EAO Salesian Family 'Hope' report

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