MANILA: 21st August '04 --  Batulao, some 100 kms south of Manila has seen the largest ever gathering of Rectors from the region.  Or, more accurately, 'is seeing', since the 12 day programme is but half way through.  The 64 Rectors have gathered with several Major Superiors including Fr. Klement, the Regional Superior, Fr. Cereda, General Councillor for Formation, and Provincials from the two Philippine Provinces, China, and Thailand.

 

China province has brought all of its rectors from areas as far flung as the Mainland, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao.  Most of the rectors form the two Philippine's provinces are also in attendance.

 

The overall theme of the gathering is to explore the spiritual mission of the Salesian Rector today.  This first week has been devoted to a study of the Memoirs of the Oratory as a way for participants to experience Don Bosco's own spiritual journey which, by implication in what Fr. Braido calls the 'Memoirs of the future', is also the spiritual journey of those who lead in his name today.

 

At the halfway break, the group is being hosted by various Salesian communities in the Manila area, so they can experience the Salesian work.  This includes the Street kids work of Tuloy Sa Don Bosco.

_______________________________