By Mr Manuel J.C.Da Silva, ASC
Dili Center Coordinator
Dili, Timor Leste, 12 April 2017 -- The Association of Salesian Cooperators (ASC) in Timor Leste is still young (2006 - the first promise). This association emerges and grows together with the situation of this young nation (2002 - independence). Each member has a strong commitment to face the reality of life of the nation. They journey in the spirit of St. John Bosco with a single principle namely “With no fear and untiring zeal to spread the mission of the Association of Salesian Cooperators in the society.” They are holding onto the principle of hope and courage. This is the our commitment in the society. This principle serves as guidance to the directive councillors and members to assume personal responsibility which entrusted to them by the ASC members.
The Statistics of the ASC Timor Leste
The ASC begins its official work following the orientation of its rules and regulations initiated in the year of 2006 with six members. Then within 10 years of its existence in the country, the members of the ASC are increasing significantly in numbers:
Dili Center
- Established (30 March 2006), 50 members with promise (2 deceased members) - 57 Active members and 26 Aspirants
- Salesian Youth Cooperators - in formation (SYC): 22 persons and Children (of) Salesian Cooperators: 28 youngesters. Venilale Center
- Established (15 July 2015), 10 members and 13 Aspirants
Laga Center
- Established (hopefully on August 27, 2017)
- 10 Aspirants in formation
Quelicai Center
- Established (hopefully in 2018)
- 38 Aspirants
TiMOR LESTE - TOTAL of 67 Salesian Cooperators (2 Centers) and two Aspirant centers in formation and Total of 87 Aspirants in four centers.
FORMATION AND MEETING
Initial formation for the Aspirants is done monthly on the first Sunday, Ongoing formation for the promised Cooperators is done monthly also on the first Sunday of the month.
- Meetings
- Mission - Apostolate
- Family Apostolate
- Oratory in Public schools
- Oratory Visit to Families in each community
- Charitable Action
- Apostolate in the local Church
- Finance
- Don Bosco Bicentenary Celebrations
- Translation of the (new) Project of Apostolic Life
Regular meeting is done monthly with all members. Extraordinary meeting with the Local Council only when there is an (urgent) need.
There are four areas 1. Family Apostolate, 2. Youth Apostolate; 3. Charitable Action and 4. Assisting the Local Church in the Parish or Diocesan activities.
The apostolate spirit by consolidating members of the families. Strengthening the sense of belonging and communion as one family. 60% of the ASC members are composed of members of the family such as father, mother and children. The ASC also broadens their mission to the public schools which are nearby the ASC Centers. We read and proclaim the Word of God and share the faith experience.
Through these activities, the ASC enriches itself with various experiences. These experiences help to widen the horizon and make them conscious in sharing and partaking in the suffering of others. Through these experiences the ASC members learn to thank God for the blessings they received.
One of the plans of the ASC is bringing the images of St. John Bosco and Mary Help of Christians to the schools which are nearby the ASC chapters. They are meeting the faithful and young peole who are thirst of God’s loving presence.
Through their families the Salesian Cooperators also bring the images of St. John Bosco and Mary Help of Christians to visit the families and they are happy with the presence of these images. These images are considered help for the families. There are activities like reading and sharing the faith experience. The families try to share to one another the importance of the Word of God in their lives. Through these images the young people are invited to recognize themselves that when they are far from God, they do not know how to love.
We organize also charitable actions in different places which are identified beforehand. This activities are done twice a year during Easter and Christmas seasons (Caritas like action)
About 90% of the ASC members in Dili, Venilale and Laga Centers are involved in the local Church (Parish) mission. They participate in the mission of the Dioceses and Parishes as Catechists, Pastoral workers, members of Pastoral Councils or in liturgical animation.
The ASC organizes itself to have its financial support. Each member is encouraged to contribute (monthly) an amount of US$ 5 or a minimum of US$ 2. The ASC also recognizes that it receives funds from the donors.
The ASC from Dili, Venilale and Laga Centers are collaborating with the Salesians to organize some activities such as: Thanksgiving Mass for the Lay Mission Partners at national level; Quiz on the life and mission of Don Bosco at national level; Organizing one week Salesian Don Bosco Expo 2015 at national level.
The translation of the Project of Apostolic Life (PAL) into local Tetum language already started. It is already in the final phase. With this translation, therefore, we can facilitate and help our members to have better knowledge and understanding about their identity in the Association.
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