The gift of diversity in communion - international novitiate in Cebu

By Our Own Correspondent

Talisay City, the Philippines, 29 November 2016 -- During these 3 weeks many of the Salesian Novices around the world are quite happy, due the absence of the English speaking Novice-Masters for an ongoing formation course in Rome (Nov 20-Dec 5). And the Sacred Heart Novitiate in Cebu - Talisay City, Lawaan (FIS province) is not an exception.

Although the country of origin and their culture and mother tongue are different, the formation language is English. All of them are young, between 21-23 years of age, coming from the Philippines, Cambodia, Japan and Pakistan. The diversity of spoken languages is most visible at the entrance wall.

Inevitable cultural shock and inter-cultural community dynamics are facilitated by their previous stay in the Philippines at least for one full year of the pre-novitiate (both in FIN or FIS province). In their international community they learn about the patience, of accepting each other and the skills of inter-cultural communication. Those coming from the Catholic environment of the Philippines bring their centuries old traditions and customs. And those coming from the young and minority Churches of East Asia, they bring together their joy of living a missionary life among their fellow non Christian beliefs.

Their Novice-Master Fr. Ronel Vilbar is among the 26 participants in the formation course in Rome, General House. During this period their Provincial, Socius and Assistant are more busy to accompany them in this important period of their life, two months before writing their request for the first profession.

The Sacred Heart Novitiate in Cebu is located in wonderful green environment of small hill in Lawaan, with a Retreat house, Aspirantate, Don Bosco Seminary College and DB Clay and Social Communication Center of FIS province. On the Salesian cemetery are resting 10 Salesians who ministered in the Southern Philippines.

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