FMA Mongolia: 2009

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Santa Maria Domenica Mazzarello in Mongolia

austraLasia #2417

There's the 150th....and then there's the 128th, Ulaanbaatar style!

ULAANBAATAR: 17th May 2009 -- The celebrations for the Solemnity (for the FMA) of St Mary Domenica Mazzarello were quite special this year in Mongolia, given the relatively recent arrival of the Sisters there. The four parishes (3 in the capital and Mary Help of Christians Parish, Darkhan, 200 km further north) remembered to pray for all FMA in five continents.
The young people associated with the Sisters showed interest in studying the life story of the Saint through leaflets and presentations (ppt) and joined in willingly with story-telling and quiz competitions. Even the kids from St Dominic Savio Community Amgalang went home with lots of prizes.
What made it more memorable was the all-out involvement, support and animation from the four Mongolian Salesian Cooperators.
The Strenna too for this year is gradually and slowly being materialized in Mongolia

Catechism class of Sr. Mel in Dari ekh, UB

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Association of the Salesian Cooperators

Fledgling ASC unit in Mongolia benefit from FMA presenceULAANBAATAR: 7th April 2009 -- Following the Palm Sunday Mass with the Salesian Family in Mongolia's capital, the four Salesian Cooperators had their regular first Sunday formation session. For April and May it is the FMA turn to guide this formation, an opportunity to emphasise several aspects particularly dear to them - Gratitude Day (26th April), St Mary Mazzarello (13th May), and love and devotion to Mary Help of Christians (24th May). The ASC and FMA prepared cooked and ate lunch together, after which they watched the life story of Mary Mazzarello prepared by Sr Caterina Cangiá. It helps that the four Cooperators can speak and understand English. They were, according to our correspondent, quite overwhelmed by the story of a peasant girl gradually led by the Lord to encounter Don Bosco, and it was an opportunity for them to learn how important the window at Valponasca and the well at Mornese is in the FMA tradition. Their preparation for the events to come includes the praying of the Novena to Mary Help of Christians, something they will do during lunch break and to which they will invite other baptised Catholics at the Don Bosco Industrial Skills Training Centre. Before leaving the formation session each was given a 'word in the ear' reminder, this time from Mother Mazzarello, like 'give good example to the young', 'do not be discouraged with your defects', 'cheerfulness if the sign of a grateful heart'. Mother Mazzarello envisaged each of her convents as 'the house of God's love', and this small group of Cooperators was able to depart that day happy that they have joined the large Salesian Family, filled with the love of God and ready for the challenge to work more for the salvation of the young.

Mongolian Moment of Grace

austraLasia #2375Mongolian moment of grace(Sr Mel David fma)ULAANBAATAR: 10th March 2009 -- It was a cool (-3C), sunny, breezy Sunday afternoon, March 8, after the Sunday catechism apostolate in the parish and Mass for the people. The Salesian Family in Mongolia had had its first Salesian Family Lenten recollection at St Dominic Savio Children at Risk Centre, Amgalang, Ulaanbaatar, the capital. Provincial Delegate Fr Carlo Villegas began with the recommendation of the Rector Major, touching on the conversion of St Paul. From there he moved on to the Salesian Family Charter (aka Identity Card) and the Salesian Common Mission Statement. He included an examen of conscience by Fr Marko Ivan Rupnik SJ. It was a moment of grace as the seven SDBs, 4 FMAs, 4 ASCs and 3 Salesian volunteers took turns, availing themselves of the sacrament of reconciliation during exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. It was also International Women's Day, so we prepared, cooked and shared supper together. The Salesian Family in Mongolia is now preparing for the annual retreat from June 28 - July 4 with Fr Frank Moloney of Australia. The retreat will be held at Don Bosco Educational Centre, Darkhan, the country's second largest city. Heeding the Rector Major's call we journey with the Mongolian Salesian Cooperators as they commit themselves for the salvation of the young.