Hajja Salesjana July-September 2019

32 H AJJA S ALESJANA Early the next morning, again together with the Bororo community, we made a short procession and visit to the cemetery at the settlement. There, at the tombs of Simao and Fr. Rudolph, we prayed for everyone. My thoughts flew from there to Africa to the border of Burkina Faso and Togo, where our Salesian confrere Fr. Cesar Antonio Fernandez, a missionary from Spain, had his life cut short just a little more than two months ago at an absurd border roadblock. It was one of the most senseless shootings by radicals, simply because he was a priest and missionary. I hope that the title of this letter is a just response to these two stories. Blood poured out brings forth so much anguish but also generates life. I saw this among the Bororo and Xavante peoples, and we see it in Africa, where “life miracles” happen daily. These few lines hope to be a “thank you” for the so very many dedicated persons of boundless generosity. It is also meant to be a thank you to so many of you, dear friends and readers of the Salesian Bulletin, who continue to trust in the good which we do together in this world – this world that never ceases to need good things and good news to cheer the heart, and actions that change lives. Indeed, not everything that happens in this world is bad. On the contrary, the world has been redeemed, and there is so much good that is sown and happens each day – but the good doesn't make news. It seems that only evil, tragedies, violence, and murders do. Then let us be people who spread good news. The last thing I want to share with you is this: despite the suffering and pain in the face of these murders, they are realities that bring forth life. With affection, Don Angel