By Fr Apolinario Neto

Dili, Timor Leste, 1 March 2019 -- The liturgical feast of our China Salesian Martyrs was celebrated this year in various ways and Houses of our Vice-Province of TLS. In the capital Dili it took the form of a “Missionary Recollection”, following similar initiatives in other Provinces of our EAO Region, after being previously discussed by the Provincial Missionary Commission.

FMA, ADMA and Salesian Cooperators came to the Post-Novitiate House to join SDBs in the joint “formation session”. Our Provincial presided at the event, opening it with a prayer. A brief biographical sketch of both saints was presented by two Brothers, followed by a half-hour show of a video locally produced by the Brothers with portions in the local version from Bro. Callisto Caravario’s letters to his mother while in China, and particularly in our land (Dili, 1927-29), chosen from the book “Mia carissima mamma”. Then a reflection on the “Scrutinium on missionary spirit” prepared the group-dynamics on the topic and the ensuing common sharing.

Two short video-messages from Pope Francis and the Rector Major closed the intense experience, which ended with the Holy Eucharist.

One group from the Salesian Family was unable to be present: the Salesian Past Pupils. But the following day (Sunday) they held an extraordinary meeting, for which they asked, and enjoyed, the projection of Caravario’s video.

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