EAO Region, 4 December 2020 -- We have moved into Advent time, when we are also moved by Hope. During our challenging times we struggle with hope-filled convictions and a hopeful life-style. In this situation we may turn closer to the treasures of our Salesian Family - many witnesses of Hope, Faith and Charity who were living in really desperate situations. During the last 150 years in many countries our Society has lost all material structures, all education institutions but the Salesian charism, Salesian vocation and Don Bosco Way of Education was passed on to the next generations. Some of them we may call 'Martyrs' since their life ended with violent death - they were murdered. Some of them spent long years in prison, labour camps or even longer periods of their consecrated life under 'house arrest' or 'house surveillance'.
But what is the most striking feature? It's their Joy, shining from their faces, their deep Faith shared in a humble way with people around them. As Salesian Brothers they continued to bring others to Jesus as 'catechists' and as Salesian priests they were outstanding spiritual guides and confessors. A good number of them become a vocation icon, attracting others to follow Jesus in Don Bosco's Way of consecrated Life.
A simple glance at the photos of our Witnesses of Hope, Faith and Charity may strengthen us amidst the daily struggles. Until now we don't have yet any comprehensive collection of their Biographies, but we have at least short life sketches among the profiles of 'Departed Salesians' produced by our EAO mother province.
- Saint Luigi Versiglia, Bishop (1873-1930) Martyr, canonized in 2000
- Saint Callisto Caravario, Priest (1903-1930) Martyr, canonized in 2000
- Fr Janos Matkovics (Hungary), murdered in 1944
- Fr Faccini-Bassano Lareno (Italy), murdered in 1945
- Fr Vincenzo Munda (Italy), murdered in 1945
- Fr Francois Dupont (France), murdered in 1945
- Sc Peter Yeh (1921-1952), died in prison
- Fr Simon Leong (1912-1956), died in prison
- Br Francis Tsiang (1908-1965), died in labour camp
- Fr Joseph Fu (1917-1961), died in labour camp
- Fr Aloysius Yeh (1912-1973), died in labour camp
- Br Jerome Yip (1924-1978), died in labour camp
- Fr Barnabas Ly (1917-1955), died under strong police harassment
- Fr Joseph Seng (1905-1988), served 28 years in prison, labour camp
- Fr Francis Liang (1918-1993), served 25 years in prison, labour camp
- Fr Francis Wang (1910-1994), served 28 years in prison, labour camp
- Br Marco Wong (1910-2000), served 37 years in prison, labour camp
- Br Giovanni Yu (1925-2003), served 27 years in prison, labour camp
- Fr Mattia Yao (1919-2003), served 30 years in prison, labour camp
- Fr Stefano Zhao (1920-2007), served 14 years in prison, 11 years house arrest
- Fr Paolo Fong (1919-2019), served 37 years in prison, labour camps
- Br Paolino Lin (1929-2020, served 33 years in prison, labor camp
- AustraLasia 5338 (IV) Br. Paolino Lin - remember
- AustraLasia 5336 (I) Faithful servant welcome to the Father - Br Paolino Lin
