austraLasia 1610

Consecrated the for the Mission

Extraordinary Assembly of Confreres

 

PORT MORESBY: 12th July 2006 -- The Extraordinary Assembly of Confreres was opened by Fr. Andrew Wong, provincial of the Philippine North province on the 9^th July, 2006 at the Delegation House, East Boroko, PNG.  Fr. Luciano Odorico, delegate welcomed the Provincial and the confreres to this important time of re-foundation.  His emphasis was to keep in mind the unity between the ‘mission’ and ‘contemplation’ as clearly expressed in the ideals of Fr. Egidio Vigano, ‘Consecrated for the Mission’, that we as Salesians may always implant the charism of Don Bosco in the two countries of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands. 

    This is the 6^th Extraordinary Assembly of Confreres for the confreres of PNG and the 1^st with the Solomon Islands confreres.  Being process-oriented, it is one which has involved a lot of preparation and participation.  The 21 confreres began the EAC with a recollection and Adoration. 

    Fr. Alfred Maravilla, moderator outlined the schedule for the coming days and reminded the confreres of the ‘sacred trust’ placed on each one present by the members of their communities.  “We need to prayerfully discern where we are going to?” he said.  Each day will involve meetings and discussions while the evenings will be set aside for reflection and prayer. 

    At the goodnight, Fr. Valeriano Barbero, pioneer of the Papua New Guinea works stressed, understanding and openness to the Spirit with a deep respect and an appreciation for the confreres.  “Despite difficulties and limitations, we have achieved much and all our works are much appreciated”, he said.
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A little further south and a little earlier in fact (AUL) the Australian province held its annual Province Day.  A feature of the occasion was the celebration of 70 years of Salesian life by Fr Alan MacDonald and 60 of those as a priest, Frs Bob Curmi and Bill Edwards 50 years of priesthood, and Fr Frank Bertagnolli, 4o years of priesthood.  A photo of the jubilarians can be found on the ANS photocover for yesterday.
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One further item - expect a break in service over the next week and a bit.  Your correspondent finds himself in various parts of one or other continent and at times on foot - other than plugging into a passing lamp post it may not be possible to send austraLasia.  Just accept them as and when and if they arrive.  A long gap will not mean your computer has broken down!
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