Salesian Family Animation by Regional Councilor ASC 

Mr. Philip Yu in Jakarta

By Our Own Correspondent

Jakarta, Indonesia, 21 June 2018 -- On the evening of June 20, 2018 gathered 70 members of three Salesian Family groups (40 SDB, 10 FMA and 20 Salesian Cooperators) in Wisma Don Bosco, Sunter - Jakarta, with the presence of Sr. Alma Castagno (FMA provincial TIN, Indonesia-Timor), Mr. Philip Yu (EAO regional councilor of the ASC - Salesian Cooperators) and Fr. Klement (EAO regional councilor SDB).

This wonderful Family encounter was not prepared long time ago, but started by a happy co-incidence of three different events. First of all the whole country of Indonesia is in special mood due to a long Eid al-Fitr holiday (end of the holy month of Ramadhan), then on June 20 the FMA Sisters of Indonesia concluded their spiritual retreat, for the ASC it was the first occasion to meet Mr. Philip Yu, their EAO Regional councilor and for the SDB it was a time of discernment for their first provincial.

The whole charismatically improvised event was dedicated to short input about the Salesian Family by Fr. Vaclav, followed by sharing in mixed groups (each 1 FMA, 2 Salesian Cooperators and 3-4 SDB) about own vocation journey and mutual enrichment happening among the SF groups. At the occasion was also introduced the SDB missionary candidate Cl. Paulus Bataona, leaving soon for his practical training to PNG and the first issue the Indonesia Salesian Bulletin.

Although there are regular SF celebrations and prayer moments, it was the first time when members of all 3 groups mixed together for personal charismatic sharing. Then in the whole Assembly listened to two FMA, three Salesian Cooprators and some SDB feedback. Salesian Cooperators were invited to give a good night talk in the religious communities, all three groups confirmed the effort for joint vocation promotion and voiced concrete needs of Youth Ministry in Sunter disctrict of Jakarta.

After this common meeting, the Salesian Cooperators gathered for their separate meeting with Mr. Philip Yu to share about their vocation commitment and autonomy in communion. Evening prayer for concluded with the Good Night Talk of the SDB regional councilor. The whole family event was concluded with shared meal in the Postnovitiate community.

At this graceful occasion all of us became more aware about the main principle that in the Salesian Family 'we need each other' and there are so many things the religious need to learn from the lay people and viceversa. We give thanks to God and to Don Bosco for his great gift of the Salesian Family.

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