Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Sydney (Agenzia Fides) - Project Cagliero run by the Salesians in Australia sends young people aged 20 to 30 on a missionary experience. The project draws inspiration from the experience of Giovanni Cagliero, intrepid young missionary sent by Saint John Bosco to evangelise Patagonia in 1875.
The project offers the young people a wonderful opportunity to devote some time, six months or a year, to mission ad gentes, going to other countries to help the poor, the needy and the excluded.
The organisers tell the young volunteers: “As missionaries you will operate in solidarity and cooperation with local communities to spread the Gospel of Christ and the message of Don Bosco and you will promote your own spiritual growth. Your will work with other young people sharing your talents and skills in schools, oratories, mission centres. You will devote a year of your life to serving your neighbour in the Salesian way of life sharing the life of a missionary Salesian community”.
The young volunteers must: “Love life, and be ready for hard work, sacrifices, they must be filled with enthusiasm, willing to help the poor with a heart ready to open to new cultures and experiences, to prepare of life of community and sharing ”. The young volunteers must be aged 20-30, in good health, and able to speak either English, French or Spanish depending on the mission area chosen. They follow a path of special preparation in view of an experience which can be arduous at first.
Preparation includes a time to discern if Project Cagliero is opportune for the young aspirant and a time of training for the work involved. The Project destinations include many Salesian communities in various parts of the world, and some of the poorest. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 5/10/2007 righe 29 parole 291)
