Diwang Buskô

 

Parañaque (Philippines): 29 March 2005 -- The SDB Philippines North Province gathered on the Solemnity of St. Joseph (19th inst.) at the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians to witness two important events: the ordination of seven new deacons and the installation of the New FIN Provincial Superior.
    Of the Seven deacons, six belong to the FIN Province and one to the GIA (Japan) Province.  Fr. Francis Gustilo presented the candidates to Ordaining Prelate, Salesian Bishop Precioso Cantillas of the Diocese of Maasin (Philippines South) as his last formal act as out-going superior of the province.
        After the ordinations, Fr. Klement Vaclav, EAO Regional Superior, presided over the installation rites of the new provincial, Fr Andrew "Andy" Lee Wong.  Fr. Remo Bati, most senior of the Filipino SDBs read the letter of appointment from the Rector Major. Fr. Wong then pronounced his Profession of Faith in acceptance of responsibility for the care of confreres and of the service of leadership of the Salesians and the Salesian Family in the Philippines North Province.
        After signing the official documents, Fr. Wong received signs of leadership: the Good Shepherd Cross from Fr. Gustilo and the priestly stole from Bishop Cantillas.  The three were ordained together 25 years ago.  In jubilation, the youth of Don Bosco Batulao rendered a Philippine-inspired modern dance interpretation of Don Bosco's Dream of the Two Columns which has become the rallying point of the Salesian celebration of the the joint Year of the Eucharist and Mary in the Philippine Church.
    The rest of the day gave the SDBs, members of the Salesian Family and the young the chance to meet and celebrate with Fr. Andy and the new deacons at the Seminaryo ng Don Bosco grounds.
    For photos of the twin events and a profile of the New Provincial.Visit the FIN website www.sdb.ph

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