By Fr Joao da Costa Boavida, SDB

Maliana, Timor-Leste, 28 December 2018 -- The Salesians of Don Bosco from Timor-Leste Vice-province gathered at Don Bosco Technical School Maumali, Maliana, for their annual gathering and to celebrate Christmas together as a province. On the afternoon of the 27th, confreres from different communities all over Timor-Leste were arriving at the Maliana Community. They were welcomed by Fr João Roque Guterres, SDB, the Rector of the community, Bro. Marçal Lopes, SDB, the economer and school principal together with Fr Nelson Fátima, SDB. Upon arrival, the confreres were invited for a late lunch for those who had not taken their lunch. At 5:30 p.m. the Provincial, Provincial Council members, Commission heads and Sector heads of the province, and Rectors, were summoned to the school meeting hall to develop the annual animation plan for 2019 and calendars for the activities of the province for the coming year. The meeting lasted until 7.30 p.m.. Then, all the confreres met once again in the community dining hall for supper. After supper a short prayer was said and Bro. Marçal Lopes, SDB gave the good night. He explained the history of the Salesians opening their mission in that locality.

On 28 December the day began with morning prayer in the school chapel followed by breakfast. At 8:30 a.m. once again all the confreres gathered in the school assembly hall for a conference by Bishop Virigilio do Carmo da Silva, SDB. Bishop Virgilio shared the experience of the Synod of Bishops on Young People, Faith and Vocational Discernment. He emphasised three particular situations young people are facing nowadays: the challenge of the digital world, the immigration phenomenon and all kinds of abuse that youth are experiencing. He mentioned that the synod was a Pentecost experience where the church has been listening to young people. He encouraged all pastoral agents to a renewed youth ministry. The Church should create a space where young people can experience a family environment.

Holy Eucharist in honour of Holy Innocent Martyrs was celebrated after the conference. The Bishop was main celebrant at the Mass, and the Vice-provincial Fr Trans Pinto, SDB preached the homily. Before the final blessing, the Provincial, Fr Apolinario Maria Ornai Neto, made an official announcement regarding new assignments of the confreres for 2019. This was followed by lunch. The bishop of Maliana Diocese Bishop Norberto do Amaral was also present during lunch time. Then each community presented their program, followed by an exchange of gifts. The annual gathering terminated with the final remarks from the Provincial. He thanked the Maliana community for a very well-prepared gathering. He also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the two bishops who were able to make time for this annual gathering. Then, the confreres returned to their respective communities.

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