austraLasia #2822
 
Casket version of Don Bosco Relic moves on to Hong Kong
- and other news

THE REGION: 17 March 2011 -- Tried bravely to celebrate St Patrick this morning, in Rome, but the Government has declared 'Italian Unity Day' after 150 years! However, we managed to somehow bring them together in the Lenten liturgical journey. The 'Unity' vigil here began with a power blackout of several hours. Same last Sunday, so keeping web sites and email up to date this week has had its moments. Seems that the Rector Major arrived briefly from Asia last night and on his way out again shortly to South America, but as there was a blackout, we didn't get to see him, and his supper leftovers were cold! Lent with a vengeance.
    We are seeking further news from Japan on the Salesian side. The rest is known from non-stop coverage.  What we do know is that the Salesian Family have geared up to help through Caritas Japan. Other than incidents of minor damage in and around Tokyo and the now increasingly alarming situation of radiation fallout which might be affecting anyone within its reach, the Salesian Family, as indicated by Fr Cipriani, has no special needs of its own. He adds: "Have only just got back (from Hua Hin). It is really a chaotic, terrible situation. Everything possible is being done, though communications, roads etc. (are in such a state that) they don't make it easy for getting things to the areas most in need. Kerosene is in poor supply for heating, food..... it's getting stuff there where it's needed that is the most difficult thing. Then regarding radiation - the government asks for calm, but the situation doesn't look too good. We need to pray...."
He goes to indicate that while Salesians are working at gathering necessities for others, which they are sending to Sendai Diocese through Caritas. He indicates that if people wish to help through them (the Salesians) they will see that it is sent on via that channel.

JAKARTA FAREWELLS DB
The Casket will have left Jakarta today for Hong Kong.  It was really intended initially to make that journey on 12 March, but, as a local resident put it, citing yet again the well-known line, but this time with a twist: "Don Bosco's heart was stolen".  We hope it wasn't his heart, however!  The location for Indonesia has been a single one - the St John Bosco Parish, and people, this time, have been the pilgrims. The Archbishop of Jakarta (Ignatius Suhariyo), celebrated Mass in the presence of the Relic on 9 March. The Bishop of Purwokerto, who strongly desires a Salesian presence in his diocese, came the following day. The Bishop of faraway Surabaya, who has a Salesian school and Parish already in his diocese, came on 11th.
    The Salesians and many pilgrims, have made the best of the unexpected 'bonus' days from 12-16 March.
    Meanwhile, the coming weekend will see major celebrations further South in the Salesian Parish in inner-city North Brunswick, Melbourne, before the Statue-relic moves to Sydney where it will be greeted with much enthusiasm at the Salesian Parish of Our Lady of the Rosary, St Mary's, western Sydney.
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