Subject: 'austraLasia' #257

BROTHERS IN ABUNDANCE

T.V. Johny

A note from Kalyani. Don Bosco Vidyaniketan.

The 21st General Chapter of 1978 gave new insights about the Vocation

to Salesian Brotherhood and the identity of this vocation. Keeping this in

mind in 1980, through the Acts of the Superior Council the then Rector Major

Fr. Egidius Vigano, enhanced a positive outlook towards more of an evolution

of 'Theology of the Lay element' in the Salesian communities and in the

Church. The whole of Salesian congregation started imploring the Lord of the

harvest, to send more lay brothers to the Salesian vineyard. Special prayers

were framed and every community started praying especially for brother

vocations.

National and International congresses were organized in India and also in

some other countries. This too gave a boost to 'Brother-hood vocation'. I

firmly believe, all the departed Salesian priests and brothers, especially

Bro.Charlie (INC) of happy memory (from Burma) who was an exemplary Salesian

brother and who predicted a time will come the ratio of Salesian priests and

brothers will be 50:50, will be earnestly interceding for more Brother

vocations.

Thanks be to God for showing the signs of hearing everyone's prayers for

brotherhood vocation. Thanks also to the past rectors and other staff who

did hard work for the growth of this institute. Thanks to the present rector

Fr. Jose Chunkapura, who takes so much care and concern for the welfare of

Salesian brothers especially for those here in formation.Now Don Bosco

Vidyaniketan is 18 years old and this house is FULL It has become more

than ever an international community, with a total of twenty six brothers.

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