Salesian Family Welcomes Pope Francis to Mongolia

Pope’s Visit: Salesian Family at Work

(ANS – Ulan Bator, Mongolia – August 31, 2023) –Pope Francis will be in Mongolia from September 1 to 4 for his apostolic visit. The media will focus on the public events. Behind the scenes, many have been working since the Pope announced his visit to the “land of the eternal blue sky.” Many Salesian Cooperators, Salesians of Don Bosco, and Daughters of Mary Help of Christians are involved in these preparations, together with other religious of the prefecture apostolic. Among these there are also a Salesian brother and an FMA sister.

Sr. Hanako Kojima, FMA, is a Japanese missionary who has been in Mongolia for many years. People are easily impressed by her jovial character and ability to communicate well in the Mongolian language. She will be the head of the selected staff who will prepare the Pope’s meals during his stay in the prefecture apostolic. “When I was told that I would have this task I was so happy, but also so scared,” Sr. Hanako explained. Protocol does not allow Sr. Hanako to reveal the papal menu. “I feel really privileged to have been chosen along with other sisters for this humble service to our Holy Father,” Sr. Hanako said with joy shining in her eyes.

Bro. Andrew Le Phuong Tran, SDB, has been a Vietnamese missionary to Mongolia for many years. Previously, he was in charge of the Ulan Bator Technical Training Center. He is currently the treasurer of the SDBs’ Mongolia Delegation, responsible for the Planning and Development Office; he’s also the treasurer of the prefecture apostolic. Cardinal Giorgio Marengo, prefect apostolic of Ulan Bator, appointed him general coordinator of the Pope’s visit. He will be part of the official delegation that will receive the Pope at the airport and see him off on September 4. “My role involves meeting and informing Mongolian government officials, liaising with the Vatican staff in charge of the Pope’s visit, and supervising logistics,” explained Bro. Andrew.

Asked what his biggest challenge is, Bro. Andrew explained that, in addition to the heavy workload and tight deadlines, he had to meet with government officials, many of whom were initially unaware of all the implications of the Pope’s visit. In fact, this is a first for many in Mongolia. “But my joy is even greater when I see the transformation of the understanding of many government officials and ordinary Mongolian citizens regarding the Pope’s visit. When we began preparations, we were dealing with undersecretaries of departments who were not fully aware of the implications of the papal visit. But as the Holy Father’s arrival approached, many government ministers contacted me to verify that the government’s preparations were in place,” explained Bro. Andrew.

“Welcome to Mongolia, Pope Francis!” comments the entire Salesian Family in the country.