austraLasia

Journey of China province towards the future

Hong Kong, 3 December 2017 -- One week long animation visit of the three territories of China province - Macau, Hong Kong and Taiwan (November 26-December 3) offered a deep insight in the changing face of Salesian Charism in the mother province of the EAO region. Indeed the EAO regional councilor had an ample opportunity to meet, talk and listen to many Lay Mission Partners in the three territories of China province - Taiwan (Tainan), Hong Kong (Tangk King Po, Aberdeen Technical School, St. Louis and the provincial leadership of Salesian Cooperators and Don Bosco Alumni) and Macau (all four SDB school leadership).

The journey towards participation and leadership of the Lay Mission Partners in China province is based already on long experience of joint formation SDB - Lay and on close accompaniment by the SDB Province. Among the 17 SDB schools there only one SDB principal (Macau - Instituto Salesiano, Mother House school) and there is quite structured system of formation for the top leadership (Principals and Vice-principals), for the pastoral teams in our works as well for the special tasks like Vocation promoters.

Togehter with Australia - Pacific (AUL) the CIN province experience might be a good example also for other EAO provinces who are still starting this important move to empower our Lay people to be leaders responsible for the growth of Salesian Charism. Indeed last year also the Japan province sent one delegate to Hong Kong for the first learning experience.

Nothing human is perfect, also the involvement and leadership of Lay people in the Salesian Mission. However we are convinced that there is no other way to carry on the mission entrusted by God to Don Bosco in our times. During the various encounters and personal talks to the lay mission partners Fr. Klement realized continous need for closer accompaniment by more consistent group of the Salesians SDB, need for formation of lay formators (especially among the retired principals or experienced members of Salesian Cooperators) as well the need for more inculturated form of materials and more systematic formation in the daily life of our educative and pastoral works.

The rich charismatic history and present experience of China province shows the way to other EAO province and calls for more networking with the young and dynamics realities in our Region.