3

The poster Index

The poster: Journey of Faith inAfrica . . . . . . .2

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Letter of the RectorMajor . . . . . . . . 4

Letter fromthe Regional Councillor forAfrica andMadagascar

and the Councillor for theMissions . . . . . . . .6

SalesianMission Day a continuing tradition . . . . . . . .8

SMD - How was it celebrated? . . . . . . . . . .10

Africae Munus – Post Synodal Exhortation of Benedict XVI . . .12

Don Bosco’sAfrican face. 35 years of Project Africa (1978 - 2013) . . . .14

Video 1 -The Faith Journey inAfrica! . . . . . 16

Video 2 -The Faith inAfrica.Makalala catechist school . . . . . .18

Video 3 -The Faith inAfrica –Angola.There is leaven in Luanda . . . . .20

Video 4 -The Faith inAfrica –Angola.Workers in the harvest . . . 22

Video 5 -The Faith inAfrica –Togo. Parish as a school of faith . . . . .24

Testimonies . . . . . . . . . .26

SMD 2013 Project . . . . . . . . . 28

Teachingmaterials . . . . . . . . .30

Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

All thematerial in: Italian, English, Spanish, Portuguese and French is available also on DVD and can be downloaded fromthe site www.sdb.org The Faith Journey inAfrica!

2 The theme of the Salesian Missions Day is very timely in the context of theYear of Faith proclaimed by the Holy Father Benedict XVI. The celebrations this year necessarily lead to the reflection about the relevance and importance of the initial proclamation of the Gospel, which was also the theme of the SDB-FMA Study Days in all continents in the course of this six-year period (2008-2014). Initial proclamation is directed not only to those considered as “non-Christians”, but also to “those who do not knowChrist,”which include either the unbaptised, or the baptisedwho do not know Jesus Christ personally. And so today the Church feels its urgency in all continents.

The poster for the SalesianMission Day 2013 has a big picture of Fr.VictorMallesa, a Salesian fromthe Province of EastAfrica during the rite of Baptism, which shows the link between initial proclamation, the catechumenate and the journey of faith of each person. The background at the centre of the poster is a picture taken in Kenya, just after sunrise, which creates the awareness of a new day and a new life.On this background there is a picture of three children praying as their youthful response to initial proclamation. Behind the children is a silhouette of the Sacred Host as a reminder that this faith journey should lead to the Eucharist.

The four photographs on the lower part of the poster link initial proclamation toChristian initiation through the journey of faith in Africa fostered by the Salesians of Don Bosco, so as to “recover the ardour of the beginnings of the evangelization” (Africae Munus, 164) of the African Continent: theWord of God, the celebration of the sacraments, popular devotions and charity, symbolically represented by the rite of the washing of the feet.This is why thematerial in this booklet can serve as examples or models for the Salesians and lay people who are in other continents.

This posterwasmade by Fr.Sebastian KoladiyilSDB and his teamof collaborators at the BEAMS (Bosco Eastern Africa Multimedia Services) studios of the Salesian Province of Eastern Africa.

4 5 RectorMajor’s Letter 27 May 2012, Pentecost Sunday Francis Besucco andMichaelMagone, Don Bosco offers concrete models of disciples of Jesus to his sons who are educators to faith of young people.

TheSalesian society is the result of a simple catechism lesson (cf. Const. SDB 34). We are aware that if a Salesian takes up his vocation andmission as catechist again after many years, he renews his sense of faith and being an educator to faith of the young. The theme of SMD 2013 aims to help us bemore available as spiritual companions of the young, so that in the first instancewe return to the practice of personal spiritual direction as part of being faithful to our calling. The photo of Don Bosco hearing the confession of a future successor, young PaulAlbera, is a highly symbolic one for us.

2. Evangelising the Salesian heart during theYear of Faith We also find ourselves in the context of the Year of Faith (11 October 2012 – 29 June 2013). In these words, on 16October 2011, Pope Benedict XVI highlighted its real motivation: I think that after half a century since the opening of the Council, tied to the happymemory of Blessed Pope JohnXXIII, it is appropriate to recall the beauty and centrality of the faith, the need to strengthen it and deepen it on a personal and community level, and to do so not in a celebratory perspective, but rather a missionary one, the mission “ad gentes” and newevangelisation.

The theme of SMD 2013 helps us understand the urgency of the personal journey of faith, one that can never cease.We are disciples on the road and we seek daily, more andmore, to followtheMaster. If our heart is not evangelisedwe cannot become evangelisers of the young who are waiting for us, and we will not be able to animate our catechists in their important role.

3. Opening our hearts tomissionary frontiers Oneway of strengthening amission culture is to disseminate information about themissions in an attractive way, each day.Thanks to themany video products around theSalesianworld, like for example those fromMissioniDonBosco (Turin) theCongregation and the Salesian Family is up to date with missionary life today. Every year some 15DVDs are sent out to 53TVstations and 4000SalesianHouses (SDB and FMA) in 133 countries around theworld.Visiting Salesian communities, however, I have seen two extremes: in some cases the cassettes remain in their plastic wrap, while in others the DVDs are copied and set around to leaders and catechists in all the mission stations or basic communities and large parishes. There are some communities that watch a brief mission video everyweek. SMD 2013 offers five short videos on the journey of faith, in seven languages - Italian, English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Polish and German – and these can help communities rediscover this great wealth of our Congregation. Dozens of films on themissions within close reach!

My dear friends, I invite you to accept the challenge of helping the young to embark on the journey of faith and walk with them as patient catechists. Thank you for your courageous response to his final invitation ... You will be my witnesses! (Acts 1:8), entrusting this Salesian Mission Day 2013 to the guidance and protection ofMary,Mother of theChurch.

Fr Pascual ChávezVillanueva RectorMajor Affectionately, in Don Bosco Chávez Villanueva Rector Major Dear Confreres and Friends of the SalesianMissions, I greet you on this Pentecost Sunday with the heart of a disciple of Jesus that feels God’s love today personally, and wants to share it with others.

For the 26th time the Rector Major is offering the Congregation a mission theme to help make known the involvement of confreres, and so open their eyes and hearts to new mission opportunities. In 2013 our attention turns to the African continent, where thanks to the missionary efforts of many Provinces through Project Africa (1978-2005),most of the confreresworking in this region today are local: about 1000 African Salesians! The freshness in faith of the young Churches, nowmaking up some 150 million faithful, has really become a spiritual lung for all humankind.

As I do each year, I would like to point out the deeper reasons for Salesian Mission Day,which has already found a place in the educative and pastoral planning of many provinces.

1. Returning to Don Bosco – walking with young people in faith In our second year of preparation for the Bicentenary of Don Bosco’s birth we are invited to come to an understanding of his pedagogy. In the four Lives hewrote about his boys: Luigi Comollo, Dominic Savio, Letter fromthe Regional Councillor forAfrica andMadagascar and the Councillor for theMissions 27 May 2012, Pentecost Sunday Hearts filled with Easter joy, we offer a greeting of peace and joy to all confreres!

In a special way we greet all Salesians on the front line, sharing their experience of theRisen Jesus with young people from many cultures and religions in every continent.We are convinced that your testimony is the best image of Don Bosco today. For every Salesian, Pentecost is an invitation to growin themissionary dimension of ourCharism!

We present you with animation materials for the 26th Salesian Mission Day (SMD) 2013 – The Faith Journey in Africa! It is the result of teamwork by the 12 Provinces and Vice Provinces of the Africa – Madagascar Region and theDepartments for theMissions andSocialCommunication.

Many Salesians ask us what we want to achieve each year through the SMD.

The first beneficiaries of Salesian Mission Day are ourselves, the Salesians of Don Bosco.We are invited to make Benedict XVI’s belief our own: The first poverty of peoples is that of not knowingChrist!.With this clear, it is possible to indicate three specific aims ofSalesianMission Day 2013: 1. Learning from young African Churches – lungs of theUniversal Church In his recent post-synodal Apostolic ExhortationAfricaeMunus the Pope reminded us once again that Africa is, for the world and the Church a spiritual lung (no.13;177) . In his address to the Roman Curia on 22 December 2011: Encountering this faith that is so ready to sacrifice and so full of happiness is a powerful remedy against fatiguewithChristianity such as we are experiencing in Europe today.

Inmany countries around theworld, in fact,we have already forgotten that the Church can generate new children through the journey of the catechumenate.The fresh stories of young catechists and their young catechumens in Africa challenges us.Themore than 147million Catholics inAfrica (2011),with a growth rate of 6.5million a year, is a sign of vitality and hope.

SalesianMission Day 2013 then is a further invitation to be more attentive to the Church, truly Catholic and Universal. We are being called to get to know the most beautiful face of theAfricanChurch today.

So we invite all provincial communities to listen to the experiences of the young African Churches which are still little known.We also invite young people inMission groups andVolunteer movements to let themselves be inspired by theChristian initiation of their peers, catechists or young catechumens inAfrica.

2. Compare yourselves with the young African catechist Inmany areas of the continent there are young Churches,many of themhave barely a century of evangelisation behind them. In most cases Baptism is received at a young age. They would normally go through the catechumenate journey forChristian initiation,which culminates in their receiving the three sacraments of Christian initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Inmany dioceses there is an effort to develop this process of Christian initiation in line with their traditional ways, very much alive inmany parts and cultures ofAfrica.

The catechist inAfrican dioceses is not only the one giving catechismlessons, but the leader of theChristian community, especially in rural areas.

In places where it is difficult for the priest to get to, they are the ones who lead community prayer, prepare people for the sacraments, administer development and finance in the community. In many cases they are the true guardians of the faith and the Church, to the point ofmartyrdom.

BenedictXVI says inAfricaeMunus: Catechists are invaluable pastoral agents in themission of evangelization. Their role was very important during the first evangelization, the preparation of catechumens and the direction and support of communities. In a natural way they brought about a successful inculturation that has producedmarvellous fruits (cfrMk 4:20).Catechists have allowed their “light to shine before men” (Mt 5:16), because seeing the good that they do, whole populationswere able to give glory to our Father in heaven. Indeed, Africans have evangelized Africans”. This role so important in the past, remains essential for the present and the future of the Church. I thank themfor their love of the Church (no.125). As Salesians of Don Bosco, in our lives asmissionaries of the young in every province, let’s compare ourselveswith the zeal of young catechists inAfrica!

3. SMD 2013 – Formation of catechists and catecheticsmaterials Catechist formation and publishing catecheticalmaterials in local languages do not feature regularly in projects formission support in our provinces. The audiovisual material for SMD 2013 focuses on three experiences in the journey of faith (Angola,Tanzania andTogo).

The support project for this year aims at collecting funds for catechist formation (volunteers, full time) and producing catechetical materials in local languages in the three provinces ofANG,AFE,AFO. Each province is invited to send any contributions collected during theSMD2013 campaign to the Fondazione Don Bosco nelMondo (see p. 29).

Finally, we thank all confreres in the African provinces involved in preparing these materials.

As a sign of the close collaboration of the Departments for the Salesianmission, we are especially grateful to those in the SocialCommunicationDepartment andDonBoscoMedia - EurofilmTurin.

Warmgreetings then,with a special prayer for help from Mary our Mother and Help of all Salesians, lay partners and young people who walk together with the young towards Jesus Christ!

Fr.Václav Klement Councillor for theMissions Fr.Guillermo Basaňes Councillor forAfrica –Madagascar Region 6 7 9 SalesianMission Day a continuing tradition als, a DVD with short films on the theme, a CD with the texts, photos in various languages, and other digital material throughout the year, which can be down-loaded fromwww.sdb.org (SMD2013) and the videowhich is also available inYouTube. For further copies of thematerial it is sufficient towrite to theMissionsDepartment (cagliero11@gmail.com).

THE IMPORTANCEOF PRAYER FORMISSIONS Allmembers of theEducative-PastoralCommunity live themissionary concern of their faith by offering their cooperation in themission activity of the Congregation through prayer accompanied by sacrifices for Salesian missionaries and WHAT DOES ITMEAN? Since 1988 amission theme has been offered to the entireCongregation.AllSalesian communities are invited to get to know about a mission situation in a particular continent.

It is a powerful occasion for Mission Animation in Salesian communities at the local and Province levels, youth Groups, in the Salesian Family. Is not an isolated event but rather a chance to involveSDBcommunities and educative - pastoral communities in the dynamics of the universal Church, strengthening a missionary culture.

WHY? To give an impetus toMissionAnimation by offering a proposal that can become an annual practical project and help the entire Salesian Family to know about theCongregation’s commitment to the missions and open its eyes to newmissionsituations,overcomingevery temptation to shut oneself off in one’s own place and to remember the universal outreach of theSalesian charism.

Activities aimed at promoting interest in themissions must always be geared to these specific goals; namely, informing and forming the People ofGod to share in theChurch’s universalmission, promoting vocations ad gentes and encouraging cooperation in the work of evangelisation (John Paul II, RedemptorisMissio, 83).

WHEN? There is no fixed date for SMD. Each Province can choose a date or time best suited to its own calendar andrhythmof events.Some traditional dates in the Provinces (near to the Feast ofDon Bosco, or his birthday inAugust, Lent, the Feast of the Holy Salesian Missionary Martyrs, Luigi Versiglia and Callisto Caravario; the month of May; the missionary month of October; or 11 November). It is above all important to offer a educational – pastoral programme of several weeks – forwhichSalesianMissionDay provides the culmination. SMD is an expression of the missionary spirit of the whole Educative-Pastoral Community kept alive throughout the years by various initiatives.

HOW? Starting from a meeting of rectors, where the Delegate for Mission Animation explains the purpose and delivers the tools available for the SMD in the Province (Provincewebsite or a link towww.sdb.org - SMD).Thus, all the SDB communities are the first recipients of the dynamics of SMD. By focusing attention each year on a continent and a concrete aspect of missionary culture; by praying for missionaries and by collecting concrete support for projects presented in thematerials for SMD.The celebration of the SMDought is a festive occasion, able to enthuse the participants about themission activity.

WHO? The primary recipient is the Salesian community.

Then, depending on each Province, there are various ways of organizing the SMD which is open to the whole Salesian movement and friends of Don Bosco (Salesian Cooperators, Past Pupils, ADMA Groups etc), depending on the setting of the Salesianmission (schools, vocational training centers, parishes, youth groups, missionary and volunteer work of the Salesian Family).

INWHAT PARTICULARWAY? The Missions Depart offers material for all the Salesian communities: a Poster, printedmateri- 8 SalesianMission Day 1988 - 2014 especially for Salesian missionary vocations every 11 of the month. Each year, a prayer is composed according to the theme of the SMD and eachmonth aSalesianMissionary Intention is proposed in order to emphasise the importance of this spiritual dimension of missionary activity.

ASSESSMENT The assessment after the SMD is as important as the preparation and the celebration.What needs to be considered is how the SMD has been able to foster a missionary culture in the local or Province community through the topic proposed taking into account any suggestions for future improvements.

1988 Guinea -Conakry:The dreamcontinues 1989 Zambia: Lufubu Project 1990 Timor Leste -Venilale:Young evangelisers 1991 Paraguay: Street children 1992 Peru -Christ lives in the steps of the Incas 1993 Togo-Kara: Don Bosco andAfrica 1994 Cambodia:Missionaries builders of peace 1995 India -Gujarat: In dialogue sharing the faith 1996 Russia -Yakutsk: Lights of hope in Siberia 1997 Madagascar: Boy, I say to you, get up 1998 Brazil -Yanomami:Newlife inChrist 1999 Japan:The difficult proclamation ofChrist 2000 Angola:Gospel seed of reconciliation 2001 PapuaNewGuinea:Walkingwith the young 2002 Missionaries among the refugeesworldwide 2003 Salesian commitment to human development and evangelisation 2004 India -Arunachal Pradesh:A People awakes 2005 Mongolia:A newmissionary frontier 2006 Sudan:The Salesianmission in Sudan 2007 Sudan:The Salesianmission in Sudan 2008 HIV/AIDS:The Salesian response – educating for life 2009 Keep alive yourmissionary flame 2010 Europe:The Salesianswalkingwith theGypsies 2011 America:Volunteers proclaiming theGospel 2012 Asia:Telling the story of Jesus 2013 Africa:The Faith Journey 2014 Europe: Salesianswalkingwithmigrants 10 11 SMD How was it celebrated? Report of best practices 2010-2012 groups or homilies –SMA). It is very significant that so many Provinces have made great efforts in getting the material translated into their own languages (CIN, GIA, KOR, Poland, CEP,CRO, SLK etc).

WHEN? Each Province or ProvincialConference is free to choose a day or a period most suitable for them. Some of the days chosen in the last three years have been: Sunday after the Memorial ofBlessed LuigiVariara (January – Italy), close to the Feast of themissionary proto-martyrs SS. Luigi Versiglia and Callisto Caravario (Poland - Piła), after Easter (Spain), the missionary month of October, 11th November. A fixed date in the Province calendar has made it possible to have a more effective educative – pastoral period of preparation in the individual communities.

HOWIS ITORGANISED? To ensure that all the SDB communities are those primarily aimed at forSMDactivities, the Province Delegate for Mission Animation sends the communities various sets ofmaterial produced by the Province Team for Mission Animation (SDB, FMA, leaders andmissionary volunteers – Italy,Turin).

Each year concentrating attention on one of the Continents and on a practical aspect of missionary culture the Provinces directly involved in the preparation of thematerial benefit by their own effort at animation: 2010 – The Provinces of Slovakia SLK, Czech Republic and Bulgaria – CEP; Hungary –UNG: who have amission for theGypsies; 2011 –Many Provinces re-launched or consol- RELAUNCINGTHE SMD One of the main challenges is launching SMD in a Province where for various reasons it has never been celebrated or where the practice has not yet become part of themissionary culture.

Various Provinces have re-launched the tradition of Salesian Mission Day in different ways.Among themore effective strategies has been that of introducing the theme in a wellprepared manner at meetings of Rectors (parish priests, headteachers, directors of oratories, youth centres), where the Provincial Delegate forYouthMinistry or the one responsible for Mission Animation explains the reasons behind it and distributes material received from Rome or other material adapted and produced in loco (PLN, SUO).Others have already produced each year a series of Good Nights orGoodMornings for the different age groups or locations (school, oratory, youth WHATMETHODS? Various Provinces have translated into their own languages and adapted thematerial produced by the Sector for the Missions and by SocialCommunication.Other Provinces on the other hand. have received more copies of the material according to their requests to theSector for the Missions in Rome (DVD, poster, prayer and teaching aids).

PRAYER FOR THE MISSIONS AT THE CENTRE? The prayer composed each year according to the theme of the SMD has been distributed to all the confreres (committed lay people, animators ormission volunteers).

ASSESSMENT? Many Provinces have carried out an assessment of the SMD very well.With great satisfaction as a result of the assessment some Provinces have re-launchedmissionary groups or voluntary service, others have encouraged the Rectors, and others have decided to adapt thematerial to the situation of their country.

idated their organisation ofmissionary groups or of mission voluntary service (CIL, MEM, MEG, SLK); 2012 – Various Provinces in Asia for the first time became fully aware of themissionary directives of the First Missionary Congress of Asia –ChiangMai, 2006; 2013 – Seven Provinces of Africa involved in the preparation or collection of various forms of material have profited from this for the animation of missionary groups or of youth catechesis.

WHOCELEBRATED? Various formation communities (UPS –Gerini) have undertaken mission animation during Lent collecting funds for the SMD Project.

Anovitiate inAsia contributed by uploading on YouTube all thenine videosof 2012SMDTelling theStory of Jesus as part of their apostolate.

Various missionary groups of young people havemade use of it for their formation before the activities during the special seasons (Christmas, Easter) by means of short videos (DVD 1).

12 13 The first Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops was held in 1994. The Post- Synodal Apostolic Exhortation (John Paul II,1995) Ecclesia in Africa, presents the Church in Africa as the Family ofGod.The second Assembly held in 2009, has as the Post-Synodal document the Exhortation Africae Munus, signed by Pope Benedict during his visit to Benin (Africa) in November 2011.The work of theSynod in 2009 concentrated on the church inAfrica, at the service of reconciliation, of social justice and of peace: You are the salt of the earth, you are the light of the world (Mt 5, 13.14). Taking part at the 2009 Synod were seven Salesians (a Cardinal, four Bishops and two priests). At present in the Africa – Madagascar Region there are eight Salesian Bishops: four Africans and four missionaries from the other continents.

CHRISTIAN, BUILDERS OFA NEWAFRICA Unfortunately Africa is often known internationally only as the continent ofwars, poverty and disasters. Paradoxically it is that part of the Catholic Church which is growing with more vitality. The appeal of the Pope and of the Synod Fathers on this occasion was that ofmaking theCatholics inAfricamore the protagonists in a social and cultural transformation, starting from the Gospel, which is marked by reconciliation, by justice and by peace.

Christian and Catholic Africa has a wealth of spiritual and religious sentiment, of love for prayer and for the sacrament, of holiness and even ofmartyrdom. However – and this is the main point made by the Synod and by the Post - Synodal Exhortation – it is still a long way from being able to respond to the social challenges of the 54 countrieswhichmake up this vast continent. Therefore, Africae Munus is fundamentally a heartfelt appeal for social commitment by theChurch inAfrica.The centrality of the Social Teaching of the Church is essential. So that the Church in Africa might become – Church, Family ofGod reconciled and reconciling – it has to take the path of conversion to the gospelwith courage andwith generosity, and this beginning with its own leaders (bishops. priests, consecrated persons, catechists, committed lay people).

US, SALESIANS For us, sons of Don Bosco, this voice which speaks to theChurches ofAfrica – through the Successor of Peter and its Pastors – is very enlightening and encouraging. In fact it encourages us to be authentic evangelisers in Africa of the young through education. A quick glance at some of the typical words in our found in the text of AfricaeMunus makes us immediately aware how much the Church and the Pope expect fromtheSalesians in Africa. For example: – Young people (n. 60-64) -This youthfulness is a gift and a treasure from God… (n 60).

Dear young people, enticements of all kindsmay tempt you: ideologies, sects,money, drugs, casual sex, violence... I encourage you to place Jesus Christ at the centre of your lives…(n. 63); – Education (n. 134-138) - … to receive schooling: this is a matter of justice for each child and indeed the future of Africa (n.134),…Catholic communities and institutionswill only be able to meet this challenge (of education) if theymaintain their ecclesial identity and remain zeal- charismatic and missionary vocabulary to be ously faithful to theGospelmessage and the charismof their founder.(n.77); – Evangelization (n.159-171; 173-174)- The missio ad gentes calls for commitment on the part of allAfrica’sChristians. (n.162);Get up, Church in Africa… because you are being called by the heavenly Father, whom your ancestors invoked as Creator even before knowing hismerciful closeness revealed in his only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Set out on the path of a new evangelization with the courage that comes to you from the Holy Spirit. (n.173); – Catechesis - Through profound catechesis and inculturation, theChurch inAfrica needs to help people to discover the fullness of Gospel values. (n.93). It is right, then, to maintain a living connection between memorized catechismand lived catechesis,which leads to a profound and permanent conversion of life. (n.32) AFRICAEMUNUS - Post synodal exhortation of Benedict XVI SecondAssembly of the Bishops onAfrica Servizio fotografico dell’Osservatore Romano 14 15 Don Bosco’sAfrican face 35 years of Project Africa (1978 - 2013) Looking back over the epic realisation of Project Africa, itmust be evident to everyone that nothing would have been possible unless the Lord had chosen to work through our confreres.

Fr Viganò launched Project Africa in response to inspiration from above, as he used say, and truly, an invisible hand guided us along rapid and secure paths so that it could all become a stupendous reality.

Some important factors which contributed to the success of this Project: a) The speed with which we were able to spread throughout Africa was due to the enthusiasm with which the Provinces greeted the RectorMajor’s invitation to be part of the Project.This aroused greatmissionary enthusiasm across the whole Congregation.

One can really say it was a project belonging to the whole Congregation.

It is one of the best examples of the Congregationworking as one atworld level to carry out a common project. It can of course provide a stimulus for other projects.

b) The generosity and spirit of sacrifice of the missionaries deserves our admiration.

Many of them faced serious difficulties starting from scratch and fitting in to the places they were sent to. They faced all these problems with courage and persevered, despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Many of these pioneers are still actively at work in various parts of Africa.

This is a sign of their love for the African people and their identification with the African cause.

c) Financial aid provided from the mother provinces, from various Salesian Mission Offices, from NGOs, and the thousand ways in which Divine Providence helped us are another factor. Don Bosco’s assurance that while we are working for the poor and for the salvation of souls,Divine Providence will never abandon us, was carried out to the letter during ProjectAfrica.

d) TheCongregation nowhas anAfrican face.

The number of African Salesians is in constant growth. This is due to our confreres’ commitment to seeking local vocations right fromthe outset of the Project.The result is that we have well-organised formation structures across the Region and there aremore than 100 novices annually.All this is possible with a good vocation ministry plan.

Project Africa, result of the Congregation working together (Fr Chávez, AGC 399 (2007 September),RectorMajor’s Letter “I came that you may have life and have it in abundance” (Jn 10:10b) Presentation of theAfrica-Madagascar region SALESIANHOUSES OPENED INAFRICA FRON 1979 - 2012 1979 Monrovia 1980 Malabo,Tambacaunda, Johannesburg, Robertsham, Maputsoe, Dodoma, Iringa,Mafinga, Korr 1981 Tappita,Ankililoaka, Bemaneviky,Mahanjanga,Tulear, Duéqoué, Porto Novo, Sikasso,Touba, Dondo, Luena, Goma 1982 Akure,Ondo, Ljely, Korhogo, Lomè,Malkerns, Luanda, Nairobi-Upperhill, Dilla 1983 Ebolowa,Chingola, Luwingu, Parakou, Kazembe,Moatse 1984 Ivato,Oyem, Lusaka, Embu 1985 Mikoneseng, Bamako, Kara,Wau,Abrigat 1986 Lungi,Conakry,Cononou, Kanakan,Thies, Karthoum, Mafinga,Makuyu, Nairobi, Nairobi-Utrume,Zway 1987 Betafo, Kandi,Calulu,Mafinga 1988 Onithsa, Lomé, Dodoma, Kinshasa-Luckunga, ospedale Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi-Studentat,Adua 1989 Bombo,AddisAbeba-Gotera 1990 Ivato, Lusaka,Cintasse 1991 Abijan-Koumasi, Luanda 1992 Sunyani, Brazzaville,Yaounde, N’Dalatando,Moshi, Nzaikoni 1993 Fianarontsoa, Bobo-Dioulasso,Osterbay, Shinyanga, Moambe 1994 Bangui, Lomé, Naitobi-Boys Home, Lubumbashi-Tabaconda 1995 Sarh, Harare, Lilongwe, Luanda-Lixeira, Famuli, Bujumbura, Lubumbashi-Bacania,Mbuji-Mayi, Dekemhare,Ashaima 1997 Nkhotakota, Shambyu, Lufubu, Rynfield, Benguela, Luanda,Goma-Ngangi, Lubumbashi-Procura 1998 Tulear, D’jamena, Lubumbashi-Jacaranda,Mekanissa 1999 Kinshasa, Debrezeit,Matunda 2000 Rosenhill-Mauritious, Bangui,Yaunde, Kakuma, Kabgayi, Gatenga, ElObeid, Nairobi-Dybes 2001 Liana 2002 Mansa, St.Louis, Kinshasa-Mansina,Uvira,Gambela 2003 Ambohidratino, Hwabgasin, Hwange, Kabwe, Lubumbashi-Ruashi 2004 AddisAbeba – St. Joseph, Bujumbura, Kinshasa - Maria Ausiliatrice, Lubumbashi – Ferme Jacaranda, Ennerdale, Viana 2005 Butare, ElObeid, Ibadan, Yaoundé –Teologato, 2006 Asmara, Ashaiman, Freetown, Sunyani, Port Louis 2007 Adamitullu,Tonj,Wau, Kamuli 2008 Kakuma, Dakar, Ebolowa 2009 Morogoro 2010 Juba, Kigali, Lusaka –Makeni, Nkhotakota 2011 Porto Novo – Tokpota 2012 Shire, Soddo Since the beginning of Project Africa (according to the 21stGeneralChapter 1978) and until 2003, 139 new Don Bosco centres were founded. Amongst these at least 45 offer trade education in agriculture more than 900African Salesians.

Addis Abeba Adamitullu Kakuma Juba S 21 and manufacturing. At present there are 900 African 17 The Faith Journey inAfrica!

A precious treasure is to be found in the soul ofAfrica,where I perceive a “spiritual ‘lung’ for a humanity that appears to be in a crisis of faith and hope”, on account of the extraordinary human and spiritual riches of its children, its variegated cultures, its soil and sub-soil of abundant resources. (Africae Munus,13) Africa, often seen as a continent ofwars and poverty, is a land with a thousand faces. Its main resource is its people, rich in tradition, who look to the future with dignity and determination.

The Missions Department is dedicating Salesian Mission Day 2013 to the black continent.

It is an invitation to get to know better the peculiarities of this land and especially what the Salesians are accomplishing there today.

Don Bosco’s charisminAfrica There are distant roots to the Salesian presence in Africa. Don Bosco had received several requests, but it was Don Rua, his first successor,who sent the first Salesians there.

Continuing the founder’s plan, he supported and developed the activities of the growing Congregation, including Africa in his plans for its expansion.

In 1891 the first Salesians, from France, led by Fr Charles Bellamy, arrived in Algeria to begin the foundation of the StAloysiusOratory.

Then cameTunisia, Egypt, SouthAfrica, Mozambique, Democratic Republic of the Congo,Morocco, … But the turning point came after the 21st General Chapter, when Don Bosco’s 7th successor, Fr Egidio Viganò, launched Project Africa in the 1980s.

Some provinceswere asked to send confreres and support works in Kenya, Lesotho, Senegal, Tanzania and otherAfrican countries.

The Salesian presence in this vast continent is undoubtedly the result of this grand project which the Congregation and the Salesian Family have carried out. Today there are some 1500 Salesians in Africa; most of them areAfricans and areDon Bosco’sAfrican face!

Currently the Salesians of Don Bosco are in 43 out of 54 countries that make up Africa.

The project lasted for 25 years: from 1980 when first launched, to 2006, when Don Bosco’s 9th successor, Fr Pascual ChávezVillanueva, during the TeamVisit to the Africa Madagascar region, declared that it was complete.

The catechumenate: journey of faith SalesianMission Day, besides helping us get to know about Salesian work in a continent, also offers us a way of more deeply understanding a theme. The focus for 2013 is the catechumenate as it is experienced and offered inAfrica.

The slogan chosen by the Missions Department is “the journey of faith inAfrica” and it helps highlight a number of topics: • Evangelization of the young seen as part of Salesian education. Don Bosco used say, referring to the beginnings of his work, that it all began as a work of catechetics.

• The catechumenate experienced as a journey of education to faith; a learning process, and one of understanding and witnesswhich theChristian is called to experience while preparing for the Sacraments of initiation.

And finally, the role of the catechist, witness and educator in Christian living; a significant role which is important in the ministry of theAfrican Church.

Africa is undoubtedly a continent of life: statistics describe it as a young continent, average age is twenty. Despitewar and sickness, which can wipe out whole generations, the youthful presence is numerous and lively.

What we offer as Christians and Salesians is accepted seriously and enthusiastically.

1video 16 18 work of priests, religious, but especially lay catechists, truemissionaries and witnesses to the Word.

In Iringa diocese, following the first century of the Gospel’s proclamation, a second evangelization is under way. The diocese, along with others in Tanzania, has two challenges to face up to: the scarce number of priests and the extent of rural areas.The response to these challenges, now strengthened by long tradition, is the activityof the lay catechists. InmanyAfrican dioceses the catechists are important forChristianministry and play a fundamental role.

Catechists are called to be first evangelizers in their families, in small rural Christian communities, inmission stations and parishes.

They are workers of evangelization and catechetical ministry leaving the priests to administer the sacraments.

To carry out their task, catechists need a specific, proper preparation.TheCatechist FormationCentre atMakalala does this through a two year residential course.There are lessons in the Bible,morals,Church teaching, introduction to psychology andmethodology,maths, civic education, Swahili, the national language, and English. At Makalala the Salesians, along with theMissionarySisters ofStTeresa of the Infant Jesus from Iringa and Tosamaganga dioceses, have created a formation environment focused on sharing daily life.The academic course also has gradual involvement in practical activities through guided apostolate which is followed up by those in charge of theCentre.

To qualify as catechists, the young students at Makalala not only try to do well in their studies, but they also have to put upwith sacrifices.

Emmanuela, for example, has had to leave her family for a time and leave her 10 When I told my parish priest I wanted to be a catechistheansweredby saying thathewould ask the Catechist Centre atMakalala.When I arrived here I began to learn about things of theSpirit, of faith andmy faith began to grow; it has helpedme to go out and proclaimGod’s Word to everyone. (Yoanne) South of Dar Es Salam, capital ofTanzania, we findthe regionof Iringawhichin the localHewe languagemeans “strong”. It is an extensive region covering 57 thousand squaremeters, and lies some 1500 metres above sea level. The Christian Faith was brought here by German Benedictinemissionaries inOctober 1896.Then withthe adventof the FirstWorldWar, theConsolataMissionaries arrived.Over the years the seeds of the Gospel have grown thanks to the year old with relatives so she could focus on the course properly. I am happy – she says – to learn the catechesis about Jesus Christ, and have learned so much about him from the lessons, since earlier I knew little but now I know Jesus and thankGod for this.

Pope Benedict XVI wrote: Catechists are very valuable pastoralworkers in themission of evangelization.

Their role has been very important for first evangelization, accompanying the catechumens, in leading and supporting communities.

Theyhave carriedout anaturalwork of successful enculturation which has brought wonderful results.

It is the catechistswho have let their “light shine beforemen”, because seeing the good they do, whole peoples have been able to give glory toOur Father in heaven.Africans have evangelizedAfricans.

This role, so important in the past, is also essential for the present and future of the Church. I thank them for their love for the Church.(AfricaeMunus 125) 19 2video The faith inAfrica -Tanzania Makalala catechist school 20 21 Through profound catechesis and inculturation, the Church in Africa needs to help people to discover the fullness ofGospel values.

(AfricaeMunus 93) Since they came to Angola, Salesians have been involved in fostering basic human values, evangelization and the Salesian charism.

The historical context soon had them facing challenges. Fr Martin Lasarte says: The context of Angola is quite special. We Salesians have been here in Angola for almost 30 years.

Itwas very difficult at the beginning because of the war and the communist era during which theSalesianswere forbidden to operate educational works: we could only work in parishes.

This is why our centres developed parish catechetics so much.

Luanda, capital of Angola, with more than 5 million inhabitants, is a city full of life. Just as for the whole country, 60%of the population is under 20.

After 2 decades one can still see the signs of the civil war. The most evident one are the vast outskirts where millions of Angolans, having left the hinterland, have built dwellings.

The Salesians, faithful to their charism, are involved in activities of education and evangelization through literacy, technical training and catechetics.They have two large parishes in Luanda, each with centres for gathering people and catechetics for the youth: St Paul’s parish and St Joseph of Nazareth parish.

In 2012 a total of more than 10,800 catechumens have attended 21 formation centres and 637 catechists have been involved.

In St Paul’s parish, following directions from the Archdiocese of Luanda, the formation course for sacraments of initiation lasts 4 years.The first year of pre-catechumenate, is an introduction to the mystery of God. The course then continues with the first year of catechumenatewhich beginswith the sign of the cross and then ends with thembeing given the symbol of the apostles: the Creed.

The catechumens are given the kerygma in the course of this year: the good news of Jesus of Nazareth.

In the second year the Church, the face of Christ, and his mystery, is presented. At the end of this they are given the prayer of the Our Father. The final year focuses on the sacraments ofChristian initiation and personal commitment.

In order to take in all the catechumens, St Paul’s parish has an agreement with some State schools who make some of their classrooms available on Saturdays. A pastoral choice has been to ask catechumens, as they grow in faith, to get involved in a group. This also helps involve young people after Confirmation.

Fr Stefano Tollu explains it; he is in charge of the Good Shepherd community, which is part of St Paul’s parish.All thosewho should receive the sacrament and are 17 or older have to take on community service in one of the areas belonging to our church community.What does this do? It brings an awareness of the livingChrist amongst us and we have had some pleasant surprises.

3video The faith inAfrica -Angola There is leaven in Luanda In St Joseph of Nazareth parish in the “Lixeira slum” - in Portuguese itmeans a rubbish dump – Salesians face two great challenges: forming the many catechists and the daily situation formany young people, which is difficult. Fr Santiago Boix says: … whoever attends catechetics has tomake sacrifices and for their beliefs they have to overcome many difficulties, like lack of time,money, other problems.

Our young peoples’ journey of growth in faith and spirituality begins with work on the outskirts, where youngsters in our works have various ways of entering the journey. Many come to us through sport – capoeira, football, basketball – others come from other Salesian communities through school, many are Catholics but others are from other faiths and want to understand their faith. Others still come from literacy centres or youth groups in our small communities. Many come directly through the catechumenate, asking to grow in faith. But all this work here begins from work in the outer suburbs.

22 23 The Church has entrusted me with 104 communities.

For me it is an experience of growth, so enriching because of the example I receive fromthe catechists, especially those in charge of leading the community in prayer, catechesis, works of charity. Seeing these brothers of ours, with so many difficulties, especially surviving day by day in their work in the fields, seeing that they have the faith and constancy to pray daily, invite other people to pray…it is realwitness forme! (Fr Josè Francisco López) InAngola there are elevenSalesianworks and some presences being developed.Thework of education and evangelization is a busy one both in populated and rural centres. Moving away from Luanda, towards the south east, are two Salesianworks, one in Dondo and the other in Calulo. Besiades the activities – aspirantate, literacy and trade schools – there is a work of evangelization and catechesis that spreads out over hundreds of kilometres.The parishes belonging to these two works each have about a hundred smallChristian communities, far apart and spread over a wide area.

There are two key players inChristian life in these centres: the catechist and the priest.

The first leads in prayer, sacramental preparation, leads celebrations of the Word; the second periodically visits the communities and administers the sacraments, especially Penance and Eucharist.

Communities are visited occasionally by the missionaries. Their arrival is always cause for much happiness and heartfelt celebrations like Eucharist or preparatory rites fro Baptism especially during HolyWeek.

FrAgustín Pascualini is 72 years old; originally fromArgentina he has spent 22 years inAngola.

He has other communities whom he follows up dedicatedly, not sparing time or energy.

Fr Agustín says: Of the activities we carry out in these villages, evangelization is themost important, teachingwhat Jesus taught. […]The main preparation is done by these two and all the community supports them with their prayers and speak to their neighbours about what goes on in church.

The catechist is the second key player in evangelization and promoting theGospel in the rural areas.Also inAngola – as John Paul IIwrote in his Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia In Africa (n.91) - The role of the catechist has been and remains a determinative force in the implantation and expansion of the Church in Africa.

They are the first ones responsible for the life of the community and sometimes not just the spiritual life.They do not act alone but involve the family. Domingos Marinha Gama has been a catechist since 1974; in 1998 he was appointed central catechist at Munenga. He says: Since I beganmywork as coordinator catechist I have encountered many obstacles; but with God’s help I have begun to see the way clear and I have begun to like the work. […] A catechist’swork is always there, because that’s my vocation.At anymoment at any time I have always had a group to prepare for the sacraments to help them better know the light of Christ.

The general catechists also have the task of ongoing formation for other catechists.

Alexandre Manuel, who helps Fr Luis Victor Sequeira in the villages along theCuanza River, has this role. He says: As a coordinator catechist in this parish we bring all the catechists together every twomonths for preparation, and then we accompany them on mission visits every Friday, Saturday and Sunday and follow up their activities, especially catechetics.

Pope Benedict XVI in Africae Munus wrote: Dear catechists remember that for a great number of communities, you are the concrete and immediate face of the zealous disciple and model of Christian life. (AfricaeMunus 127) 4video The faith inAfrica -Angola Workers in the harvest 24 25 Mary Help of Christians parish is located to the east of Lomé, in a populous suburb,many of the peoplewere followers of traditional religions and were converted to Christianity...

In the area there is a strong sense of life and popular energy: when one converts, he gives himself with all his heart and soul to the Catholic faith. (Fr FerdinandZigui) Salesians came to Lomé in 1982, as part of ProjectAfrica.The firstmissionaries found the situation of youth in constant socio-political change. Poverty, illiteracy, lack of infrastructure didn’t stop the Salesians fromdedicating their efforts to evangelization and education of the young and the ordinary people.

MaryHelp ofChristians Parish, Lomè covers awide area and a population of 80 thousand people.They live in 5 parish communities in areas based on ethnic or tribal groups:Gbényédji, Ablogamé, Akodesséwa, Dékadjévi and Kanyikopé. The core of pastoral activity is offered by the catechistswho prepare people for the sacraments and Christian living; it is a real journey of faith. It is open to youngsters from Christian families and other youths and adults who have truly decided to convert.

The first step is the important one, the preevangelization stepwhere themain chance for them to meet is in the oratories and the schools. Fr Lucas Camino Navarro says: The evangelization process, before beginning the catechumenate, is carried out through physical presence in this area by the oratory, a presence which attracts many youngsters with cultural, recreational and other activities, and it means people come to theCatholicChurch alreadywelldisposed, and happywith our good organization of things. The first question arises out of this: What do I need to do to become aChristian?And this is where the pre-catechumenate begins.

The catechumenate lasts for 4 years: 3 forBaptismplus one for Confirmation.Then comes a year for a deeper appreciation of the Faith.

Attention given to ongoing formation of new Christians and catechists forms part of the main thrust of activities inMary Help ofChristians parish. François Kalenon, responsible of The School of Faith, says: The School of Faith began in our parish in the 1990s, in 1991/92 in fact. It is a setupwhere young people, catechists, those responsible for Movements are involved.

It contributes to developing faith and forming catechists in improving their teaching.Topics like family, marriage, sacraments and daily life. All of this helps onemature in his or her faith.

But the journey also has itsmoments of sheer effort and occasionally failure, returning to practicing traditional religions or sects. Fr FerdinandZigui, says: Following the catechumen’s journey and beginning a Christian way of life, many beginwith a strong inner sense, very keen, but then “fall back” little by little…then after a while they rediscover their faithwhen they realize they are “empty” and they should set out again on the journey of faith.

The Easter Triduum, like in the early Christian communities, is the high point of the catechumenate. According to need and opportunity, during the days preceding Easter the preliminary rites ofBaptismare celebrated like Ephata – opening up to the grace of hearingGod’sWord and professing it – the handing over of the Symbol of Faith, summary of Christian teaching, and the anointing of the catechumens. On Easter night, the huge parish Church seems so small for the thousands of faithfulwho take part in theVigil.The EasterVigil thus becomes not only amemorial ofChrist’s resurrection, but a celebration of life in faith. Hearing the word, the symbols, the body, singing, music and dance express and communicate the joy of life in God and the solemn nature of the celebration.

5video The faith inAfrica -Togo Parish as a school of faith 26 27 Testimonies Testimony of LéaMarie KABORÉ – amamma catechist In 1993, I began my commitment in the group of catechists for youth.This group of lay people is engaged in witnessing to their own faith in spreading the God News of Jesus, in particular among the children. Even as a girl I didn’twant to keep the Jesus they had helped me to know tomyself. I therefore tried to teach this faith to children, helping themdiscover the joy you experience when you meet Christ. I try to offer thema catechismthat is not only teaching but rather a catechismfor life, catechismlived in the circumstances of everyday.

The purpose of my commitment: to help youngsters find a life of faith.

At theDon Bosco ’Oratory,we practise this catechesis in the Salesian way with joy and optimism.

We are trying to educate our oratorians to discoverGod through the “Good Nights” the Word of God and various activities the youngsters like … Friends, let’s live our faith!

Dear young people of the whole world get involved in the Movements so that you will be salt, light and leaven to continue to build the Church and ourworld in peace, reconciliation and justice. Don’t be afraid to bear witness that you are disciples of Christ.

Testimony of Hélène – a young catechumen Before being confirmed I didn’t go toMass, take advice fromanyone or know any prayers. After beginning catechism I realised that I was like a lost sheep. I used to listen carefully to the “Mamma Catechist” whose questions made me think about my life.Three years later Iwas baptised and I decided to livemy lifewithJesus, getting involved in Young Peoples’ Catholic Action. Now that I am confirmed I realise that the One on whom we fix our gaze gives us strength to face obstacles. To young people I say: Yes, Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. And I invite themto carry out theirmission in theChurch: there is somuch to do andwe, the young, are strong andwe need to help theChristian community to proclaimtheWord ofGod.We should remind ourselves that the future is ours;we are the adults of tomorrow. Dear young people think about these questions:Who amI today?What is themeaning of my life?On whom do I base my life? How am I building my future starting today? (Hélène) Testimony of Hrrvé – A young catechumen I’ve enjoyedmy catechismverymuch: Iwas born in aCatholic community.

EveryThursday andSaturday evening I used to take part in the catechismlessons ofmy said that instead I should go to play with them. I made my first communion in 2006, and three years later I was confirmed. Since then I have feltmy heart full and I go toMass regularly every Sunday.

I invite all young people to followthe catechismlessons, and to be constructers and not consumers of them; to give up everything that leads to evil and instead to take part in the various church activities. (Hervé) Testimony of Steve Jonas – a young catechumen My journey in the catechismbegan withmymother, rooted in the Christian practice ofmy family until Iwas six years oldwhen I started going to catechism in the parish, every Thursday and Saturday.

The catechistwas amazedwithmy answerswhichwere almost always right. When I received the Body of Christ for the first time I trembled inside. Conquered byChristmy lifewas changed bywhat I experienced.

I speak to all the young people in theworld, in particular those in Burkina Faso: proclaimtheWord ofGod aside the leaven in our world. My experience of Jesus makes these words of his ring out in my heart : “As you did it to one of the least of thesemy brethren you did it tome.” (Mt 25,40) (Steve Jonas) to Mass, from anyone Cateinvolved them to their mission the Church: so much and we, and we the Christian enjoyed my catechism very much: I was a Catholic Every Thursday and Saturday catechism lessons in spite of the fact that some of my companions felt my to Mass follow the catechism lessons, catechism began with my mother, of my I was old when by Christ my life was by what the world, may they be ready to proclaim the Word of God now and always, to put everything that does not help them to bear witness to the presence of God. Let’s go! We are Dear parents, we are the mirror for our children.

They reflect in some way what we are, what our family is like. Don’t be afraid to educate our children according to our faith!

Dear catechists, our mission is to create a relationship between the youngsters, the young people and Christ: it is a great responsibility.

Don’t let us be afraid to communicate our faith to our catecumens.

(LéaMarie KABORÉ is a catechist and animator in the parish of Our Lady of the Apostles and at the Don Bosco oratory in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso).

28 29 Contribute to catechist formation and production of catecheticalmaterials in localAfrican languages!

Provide a scholarship for the poorest catechists!

Support production ofmaterials for catechist formation courses!

Help themto buy a Bible, catechism, and other catecheticsmaterials!

I urge bishops and priests to be concerned for the human, intellectual, doctrinal,moral, spiritual and pastoral formation of catechists.They should pay great attention to the living conditions of catechists, in order to ensure their dignity.Nor should they overlook their legitimate material needs, since the faithful worker in the Lord’s vineyard has a right to a just recompense (cf.Mt 20:1-16), while awaiting their due fromthe Lord, for he alone is just and knows our hearts.

(Benedict XVI, Africae Munus, 126) For the transfer ofmoney raised: Fondazione Don Bosco nelMondo Via della Pisana, 1111 – 00163 Roma Banca Popolare di Sondrio –Agenzia 2, Roma, Italia IBAN IT 26V 05696 03202 000008100X30 (per Euro) IBAN IT 13 Z 05696 03202VAR US 0008100 (per USD) SWIFT: POSOIT22 Causale: GMS 2013 Tel. (+39) 06 6561 2764 • E-Mail: donbosconelmondo@sdb.org web: www.donbosconelmondo.org SMD 2013 Project In Angola - Luanda: In 2012, in total, more than 10,800 catechumens attended 21 formation centres and 637 catechistswork in them.

(Watch video 3) InAngola - Dondo and Calulo: Calulo has more than 100 villages each with its own catechist. InMoxico there are villages 600 km away from the centre, almost inaccessible. The priest can get there only once a year. There are Christian communities and smallmission chapels there, all led by catechists. (Watch video 4) InTanzania -Makalala: The catechist centre, set up as a proper campus, takes in and prepares lay catechists fromvarious dioceses. Bible classes, moral teaching, Church doctrine, introduction to psychology and methodology, mathematics, civic education, Swahili, the national language, and English are amongst the courses offered. (Watch video 2 InTogo - Lome: School of Faith. This is for young people, catechists and leaders of Movements.

It contributes to Faith development and catechist formation so they can improve their catechism teaching.

Topics include family, marriage, sacraments and daily life. (Watch video 5) 30 31 Poster Booklet Holy picture with prayer DVD with texts in various languages, presentations (PowerPoint) folders with photos DVD with 5 videos: The videos offered for the Salesian Mission Day 2013 speak of Salesian pastoral activity in someAfrica countries and have certain common elements running through themwhich receive varied emphasis: catechumenate, strict collaboration between priests and catechists, Easter Triduum and baptismal rites. Each video also has a brief comment by way of a quotation fromthe post-synodal Exhortation Africae Munus of Benedict XVI.

The first video, The Faith Journey in Africa, general in nature, briefly tells the story of how the Salesian charismcamabout and developed in the African continent and the importance of the pastoral option of theChurch: the catechumenate as a journey of conversion and formation to Christian faith.

The second video, Makalala Catechist School, is about the catechist who has an important role in African pastoral activity. It presents the work of formation happening at Makalala, in the south ofTanzania.

The third video, There is leaven in Luanda and the fourth video,Workers in the harvest, present the Salesian work of evangelization inAngola in two different contexts.The first focuses on the problems of the large urban centres; the second shows the systematic work of the missionaries called to go out to the many villages spread throughout this broad territory. In both circumstances one sees the strong need for strict cooperation between consecrated and lay, priest and catechist.

The fifth video, Parish as a school of faith, describes the work and the way it has been organised by the very large Mary Help of Christians Parish, Lomè, Togo. This offers a glimpse especially at the high point of the catechumenal journey: the Easter Triduum, which is a joyful, profound experience.

Questions to aid reflection Given the wealth of experiences seen in the faith journey inAfrica, what possibilities are there in your context for initial proclamation, catechesis and catechumenate? TheAfrican continent is often viewed froma perspective of poverty,war and suffering.

What activities could you undertake in order to get to know the situation in Africa better, as one of a deep experience of faith and human values? During thisYear of Faith, how can you re-ignite your own faith and the faith of the young in your context? Teaching materials AFRICA - green TheMission Rosary for theYear of Faith As a Salesian Community or Educative - Pastoral Community let us contemplate, throughMary’s eyes, themystery of Christ as it is revealed and proclaimed across the continents.

AMERICA - red ASIA - yellow EUROPA - white OCEANIA - blue Worldwide Prayer Campaign For the Year of Faith the Congregation for Evangelization of Peoples is launching aworldwide campaign. Its aim is to use the Rosary as away of accompanying thework of evangelization throughout the world and to pray that many of the baptised may deepen their faith’.

Pope Benedict XVI has told national Directors of the Pontifical Mission Society that: Today the Mission needs intense prayer. (11May 2012) What is theMission Rosary In February 1951 Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen (USA, 1895 – 1979) used radio (The Catholic Hour) to launch the ‘World Mission Rosary’. This rosary is made up of 5 colours representing five continents. Main intentions are for peace in the world and proclamation of theGospel.

Prayer Jesus walk with me Jesus stay with me Jesus never leave me Jesus evangelize me May my mouth speak words of peace and reconciliation May my ear listen to your voice May my heart never be cold May children never see me and run away Mary Queen of Africa, protect your children Mary Mother of the Church, journey with us Let our feet run fast to help the sick and the poor Let our lips magnify the greatness of God Jesus walk with me Jesus stay with me Jesus never leave me I am your witness.

Amen Direzione Generale Opere Don Bosco Via della Pisana, 1111 - 00163 Roma Tel. (+39) 06 656.121 - Fax (+39) 06 656.12.556 - e-mail: cagliero11@gmail.com Tipolitografia: Istituto Salesiano Pio XI - Tel. 06.78.27.819 - E-mail: tipolito@donbosco.it