K’Long, Vietnam – February 2024 – The Team Visit to the East Asia-Oceania Region took place in Vietnam from Wednesday 14 to Saturday 17 February 2024, an event attended by about 100 Salesians, including Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major of the Salesians, with the members of his General Council and the Provincials and Provincial Councils of the Provinces and Vice-Provinces from the Region. These were days of intense presentations, discussions and sharing. At the end of the Team Visit, Don Bosco’s Tenth Successor then delivered his closing speech, expressing gratitude and outlining a compelling roadmap for the future.
The EAO team visit to K’Long came to a close on February 17, 2024, leaving its participants with a sense of contentment and renewed enthusiasm for the Salesian mission. The last day of the visit was marked by a thanksgiving Holy Eucharist, in the morning celebrated by Rector Major Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, who shared his profound experiences visiting Salesian provinces worldwide.
In a heartfelt homily, Cardinal Fernández Artime testified to the vitality and dynamism of the Salesian Congregation of Don Bosco, that he had seen in his visits to the provinces. He acknowledged the miracles that continue to shape the lives of young people through the Salesian mission, expressing his belief that as long as Salesians remain faithful to their identity and mission, they will receive God’s blessings and always have young people by their side.
He stated, “When we open our hearts and love to serve the mission, we will always have young people with us because there are young people in every era.” With this conviction, the Salesian Congregation looks ahead to embracing new challenges and continuing to transform the lives of young people around the world.
The morning session commenced with a thought-provoking presentation by Fr. Alfred Maravilla, the General Councillor for the Missions. Fr. Maravilla addressed the topic of “Consolidating the Missionary Spirit of the EAO Region.”
He emphasized that the missionary spirit is a calling for all Salesians and requires prayer, discernment, and companionship. With concern for those facing a crisis in their missionary vocation, he highlighted the importance of deep prayer and authentic support from Provincials and Councilors. He urged provinces to develop specific plans for evangelization, emphasizing the need to prepare young missionaries with language and cultural knowledge of the countries they will serve.
The afternoon session focused on Social Communications, with Fr. Gildasio Mendes, the General Councillor for Social Communication, sharing his insights. Fr. Mendes reminded all Salesians that they are communicators, responsible for conveying the Gospel and Salesian charism. He provided updates on the implementation of proposed projects and the Priorities of the Rector Major over the six years. Addressing the challenges posed by a changing world, he posed the crucial question of how to remain faithful communicators in the digital age.
Fr. Mendes also highlighted the establishment of a Salesian Communications Network, aimed at fostering communication across cultural diversities and engaging all human realities in different countries.
He presented reports on the “School of Communication” conducted in the EAO region, sharing specific statistics and outlining the Social Communication plans for the region and each province.
In the final session, the Rector Major and his General Council offered directions for the entire EAO Region, presenting ten points for reflection and consideration over the next six years. Fr. Greg Bicomong, PNG Provincial Superior, speaking on behalf of all the Provinces, expressed gratitude to the Rector Major and the General Council for their presence and guidance.
He also extended warm appreciation to the Vietnam Province for their exceptional planning and hospitality. The Provincial of Vietnam, along with the EAO Regional Councilor, expressed their heartfelt thanks to all participants.
The four-day EAO team visit concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and fraternity. The presence and interaction with the Rector Major and the General Council left the attendees inspired and energized for the future.
As the participants departed, they carried with them a shared commitment to live out the Salesian mission faithfully and to nurture the vibrant spirit of Don Bosco’s charism.