By Cl. Anthony Pun, SDB

If we consider the EAO region to be the furthest region from the Pisana, Rome, perhaps the four of us stay in a distance nearest to the headquarter, and yet we may be easily forgotten by confreres in EAO.

Who are we? And where are we?

We know that for Salesians, who are doing their further studies in UPS, live with the communities in the campus. As for those who are in their specific formation, studying theology in preparation for their priesthood, they stay in Gerini community of Bl. Zeffirino Namuncurà. In the year 2015-16, among the 47 confreres coming from different corners of the world, there are 1 formator and 3 formatees from EAO:

Fr. Nguyen Ngoc Vinh Joseph, Vietnamese, has been staying in Rome for 11 years. Besides being the formator in Gerini, he is doing his doctorate in Holy Scripture in Pontifical Biblical Institute.




“Hi, I am Lou San. I come from Hong Kong, the China Province. I just made my perpetual profession last summer, and now, I am beginning my third year of theology.”




“My name is Cesar J. da Costa, born on April 22, 1988, in a village in East Timor, Baucau. I began to receive Salesian Education when I was 12. Inspired by the examples of Salesian missionaries, I was attracted to Salesian life and made my first profession in 2008. In the coming year, I shall begin my second year of theology.

I am happy to be here in Gerini because I get to know confreres from different countries and their cultures. I would like to take this opportunity to send my greetings to all confreres in EAO, and we are always united in prayer.”




“Hi, I am Anthony Pun, coming from Hong Kong, China, as well. I am a new arrival to Rome. Before starting my theological studies in UPS, I am now learning the language.”

On 28/9 – 1/10, our community had a 4-day program in Pacognano, near to Napoli. In the light of the Jubilee year of the Mercy, proclaimed by Pope Francis, we planned our community project in 4 dimensions: human/ fraternal, spiritual/ liturgical, intellectual/ cultural and pastoral.

May the Jubilee year be a fruitful year to come, and we hope to share more news with you in the near future! Let’s keep each other in our prayers!