By Rica Lavilla, ASC

Port Moresby, PNG -- On October 27, 2018 the Salesian Family Council of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands had its last quarter meeting at the SDB Provincial House in East Boroko, Port Moresby to reflect on some points in the Identity Card of the Salesian Family, evaluate the 2018 Salesian Family Day, discuss some areas of cooperation as a family and set the plans for 2019.

The meeting started with a formation input on the Identity Card of the Salesian Family (Art. 4 Unity in Diversity, Art. 10 Exchange of Gifts) given by the Provincial, Fr. Alfred Maravilla, SDB who also presided over the meeting attended by the Delegate of the Salesian Family, Fr. Angel Sanchez, SDB, and the representatives of the different groups namely: FMA, Salesian Cooperators, Caritas Sisters, ADMA, and the Past Pupils Association.

Sharing of reflections on the two articles from the Identity Card followed. Fr. Alfred highlighted that “we are a family of great diversity…each group is different…diversity is a beautiful gift we have as a Salesian Family”.

An evaluation of the Salesian Family Day held last April 7, 2018 at Don Bosco Gabutu was also included in the agenda. There were some areas for improvement like that of communication and delegation of work but in general the family spirit was there and the group assigned did their best to prepare well.

The Rector Major’s Strenna for 2019 was also presented and each of the members in attendance was given a copy. Fr. Alfred, SDB underlined what the seventh paragraph is emphasising: …the Rector Major insists on an essential reality of holiness and he does it through a question: “what does ‘holiness for you too’ mean?” It is an exciting topic that this question offers, and even more exciting is the answer to each of the Salesian Family members.”

Some areas of cooperation were also discussed during the meeting. On the area of vocation promotion for example, while members are asked to promote the group’s particular vocation they can also help promote that of the other groups. The Salesian Bulletin is also one venue for cooperation. Members are encouraged to submit articles that will make their vocation known to others.

The meeting concluded looking forward to the 2019 Salesian Family Day to be hosted by the Caritas Sisters of Jesus on March 23, 2019.