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.