By Fr Anthony Kishore Minj, SDB

Darkhan, Mongolia, 16 July 2016 -- 10 Salesian and 4 FMA Missionaries from 9 nationalities made their annual retreat from 10 to 16 July 2016, at the Church of Mary Help of Christians in Darkhan located near to Russian boarder.

Fr. Carlo Maria Savio Deocampo Villegas SDB who holds Licentiate degree in Salesian Spirituality was the preacher and guide of the retreat. He is also the Pioneer of the Salesian mission in Mongolia. He has been the delegate superior and Vicar of the Bishop in Mongolia itself.

The retreat session was full of inspiration and heart touching. Each morning, very appropriate Biblical passage was chosen for Lecio Divina. Each day the preacher made the retreatants drink from the spiritual fountains from which Don Bosco himself drank. The spiritual fountains of Don Bosco are St. Philip Neri (oratorian environment), St. Francis de Sales (sanctity for all), St. Vincent de Paul (active charity), St. Alphonsus de Liguori (grace and mercy), and St. Joseph Cafasso (totality to God). They, with their charismatic gifts and identity formed the mind and heart of Don Bosco. In the various sessions the preacher referred to Biblical passages, Salesian and FMA constitutions, encyclical letters of the various Rector Major, writings of the fathers and doctors of the church etc.

The Sacraments and liturgy were creatively animated by the retreatants. The daily rosary, vespers followed by the traditional ‘good night’ given by the conferrers and sisters was also was very enriching and eye opening. Daily adoration before to retiring to bed was also helpful for meditation and prayer.

In the evening hours the retreatants spent sometime with the young people at the oratory and priest took turn to preside over the mass for the parish. The Delegate of Mongolia expresses sincere thanks to Fr. Carlo for sharing his rich experience and knowledge.

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