Francesco Motto – “Introduction” in “The beginnings of the salesian presence in East Asia” Acts of the seminar on salesian history, Hong Kong, 4-6 December 2004. Vol II

This introduction serves as a preamble to the Acts of the ACSSA Seminar in Hong Kong (December 2004), commemorating the centenary of the Salesians’ arrival in India and anticipating a similar celebration in Hong Kong and Macao.

The speaker reflects on a century of Salesian history in East Asia, emphasizing its enduring impact on the present. The seminar aims to explore the Salesian presence in a broader East Asian context, extending beyond foundations by the Salesians of Don Bosco to include efforts by the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and other groups within the Salesian Family. While noting existing studies on Salesian history in India, the speaker highlights the need for a comprehensive examination of the Salesian legacy in East Asia. The two volumes containing the Acts of the Seminar feature around fifteen essays, offering an initial overview of Salesian origins and establishments in various Asian countries over fifty years. Contrary to the common notion that books mark the conclusion of research, the speaker suggests that these volumes should be viewed as a starting point for an ongoing exploration of Salesian history in East Asia.

Reference time period: 1900 – 2005

Reference institution:
ACSSA