Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Macao (Fides Service) - Salesian Missionaries recently celebrated 100 years of presence and service of youth in China. After visiting Salesian communities in India and Sri Lanka, Salesian rector major Fr Pascual Chávez, went to the diocese of Hong Kong-Macao the first in China to welcome Salesian missionaries led by Fr Luigi Versiglia and which has a flourishing Salesian presence still today
The Salesian bulletin ANS reports that that theme of the visit was “the unity of the Salesian family at the service of China’s young people”, the poorest ones especially. The event was given ample space in the local media. In Hong Kong the rector major accompanied by Salesian provincial Fr Savio Hon met with all the religious present the special territory and with the pupils of Salesian schools and institutes, confirming commitment to work for the growth and development of youth in the Chinese area.
In Macao, in the presence of the local Bishop Joseph Lau, over 2,000 young people gathered at Yuet Wah College for centenary celebrations with prayers and traditional dancing. Fr Chávez urged Chinese youth to be open to voluntary work and he answered their questions encouraging them to follow the example of Saint John Bosco and to consider a Salesian vocation. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 15/2/2006 righe 24 parole 246)
