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Fransalian International

"Be what you are, Be at its best!"      - St. Francis de Sales

Editorial  Introducing the MSFS St. Francis de Sales  Fr. Peter Memier MSFS in St. Lucia  Fr. Louis Favre General Assembly 1997  Wellspring Fransalian Media Centre  Suvidya College     VISAKHAPATNAM PROVINCE Congress of the FRANCE-SWISS PROVINCE NAGPUR PROVINCE PUNE PROVINCE SOUTH-WEST PROVINCE NORTH-EAST INDIA TANZANIA Vol. 1  January 1999

Fransalian International

AT the threshold of a new millennium marked by globalization of cultures, industry and technology, the universal Church especially in India is eager to open new avenues of inter-cultural and inter-religious communication in order to feel and think in consonance with the whole of human society. Today's society with its fast changing ideals and ideologies, needs and demands of time calls for an active involvement of every individual to coincide with the Christian ideals of peaceful and meaningful co­existence in the modern society. Fransalians as a pioneering missionary congregation with its pastoral, spiritual and intellectual pursuits patterned according to the spirituality of St. Francis de Sales cannot lag behind. Hence the raison d'etre of launching a literary medium to enhance communication and co-operation between provinces, friends and well wishers and benefactors.

The genesis of Fransalian Illustrated Magazine as a common enterprise of the MSFS Congregation took its root during the General Assembly of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales held in India in December 1998. Enthused by the spirit of St. Francis de Sales the acclaimed patron of writers and journalists and perceiving the need and signs of time the assembly unanimously endorsed the idea to launch this means of communication on interprovincial level. Tie editorial board representing all provinces was constituted and the members of the board decided to publish it at least once a year. The magazine was christened: FRANSALIAN INTERNATIONAL to evince its international trait. We are very happy to present to you the first volume of the same.

The FRANSALIAN INTERNATIONAL highlights the activities of the MSFS congregation spread over all the continents and serves as a link between its members, friends and benefactors. As editorial policy we will be presenting in every issue an article on St. Francis de Sales and Ven. Peter Mermier, news and views of the Provinces, especially those events of general interest to the readers. We have also decided to include bits and pieces of information and literature in French and German for the French and German-speaking people. Quotes and anecdotes from St. Francis de Sales, sages and saints will be added for reflection. Pioneering enterprises of the Provinces, columns on arts, small writes-ups on distinguished personalities, and a series of theology-update will be the regular features of the coverage.

The FRANSALIAN INTERNATIONAL aims at inculcating a renewed perception of the realities attuned to the teaching of the Church and the demands of the time. In promoting the thrust of renewal and reform they endeavour to establish not only new links with various provinces in India and abroad but also to launch literary networks on the national and international levels. This project is enhanced by the two important centres: Centre for Intercultural Dialogue and the Fransalian Media Centre affiliated to the INDIAN INSTITUTE OF SPIRITUALITY. The present venture is a modest attempt at realization of a new model of dialogue and cooperation with all Fransalians in a global perspective. May our effort find fruition and serve as an effective medium to disseminate the Good News and create a value-based society conducive to greater human unity and concord.

We are grateful to Rev. Fr. Superior General, the major superiors of all the provinces, friends and well wishers for their support and encouragement May Fransalian International prove its worth and enhance friendship, understanding and cooperation and usher in a new era of inter-provincial and international understanding. We wish all our readers a beautiful and blessed New Year.