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austraLasia #3244

  

PNG-SI Salesian Family Day and Retreat

PORT MORESBY (Papua New Guinea) - 14 July 2013 -- The Salesian Delegation of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands enjoyed a whole day of celebrations on 6th July 2013 at our Delegation Day!

On 7th July, the various members of the Salesian Family in the Delegation of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands gathered for the Salesian Family Day.  Salesian priests and brothers, Salesian (FMA) sisters, Caritas sisters, Salesian Cooperators, Archconfraternity of MHC, Aspirants, Vocation Candidates, Bosconian Past Pupils and other friends.  We began with a lively celebration of the Eucharist in the shrine of Mary Help of Christians, honouring Blessed Peter To Rot.  The Eucharist was presided over by Fr. Raffy Galve sdb, Delegate. A reflective and inspiring talk followed the Eucharistic celebration.  Fr. Chrys Saldanha sdb spoke of Faith and the New Evangelization to the members of the Salesian Family.  Then followed a delicious meal, enjoyable games and an entertaining family circle.  Fr. Raffy Galve was appreciated for all his dedication, service and commitment to the different groups of the Salesian Family.  May God continue to bless us so that we may increase and do more good to Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands youth!

The Retreat for the Rectors of the different Institutions was then held at the Emmaus Conference Centre.  “The Retreat, is a time to reflect on how we go about the work of the Lord”, said Fr. Chrys Saldanha, preacher of the retreat.  His first talk highlighted the fact that we need to ‘Return to Don Bosco’.  Over the next few days, he dealt with topics such as: Community Life, Our consecrated life, Our work for vocations, On-going formation and our Blessed Mother.  The insightful talks were filled with lived out examples and anecdotes.  Every member was able to relate it to his lived out situation in the community and institution.  A topic on ‘Authority’ had powerful insights for each confrere as he did his best to accompany and inspire his confreres; collaborators and boys grow in joy and happiness.  “Authority is one of the best services you can render to others because you are helping them grow in unity, in the mission of the Church and above all in their vocation to holiness”, said Fr. Chrys.  He made special mention of the fact that we need to move away from ‘Information’ to ‘Transformation’ and that ‘each person is responsible for his own formation’.

The Retreat ended with the concluding mass at which the members renewed their Vows.  Fr. Raffy Galve sdb, PNG-SI Delegate thanked Fr. Chrys for a very reflective retreat that has touched the lives of the participants.  He requested the members to share the conferences with the members of their community.  A meeting of the Rectors then followed to deliberate on the administrative issues of the Institutions and the Delegation.