austraLasia #2137

Red-letter day for EAO as large number make final profession

by Savio Angelo Sanchez, one of those who said 'forever'.

MANILA: 2nd May 2008 -- Yesterday, Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, was indeed a red-letter day. 15 Salesians made their perpetual profession : 14 clerics and 1 coadjutor. Among them 1 is a Korean, 1 Indonesian, 6 Filipinos, 4 Vietnamese, and 3 Timorese. The celebration was held at the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in the presence of an assembly of about 500-600. Family members from abroad of those making their profession also came for the event. It was presided over by the new Regional of EAO – Fr. Andrew Wong. Other major superiors were also around: the new Provincial of Korea – Fr. Stephano Nam, the new Councillor for Missions – Fr. Vaclav Klement, the Provincial of FIS – Fr. Julius Sanchez. The acting provincial of FIN – Fr. Danilo Torres received the vows, while a delegate of the Provincial of Vietnam, and the FIS Provincial were the witnesses. There were more than 20 SDB priest concelebrants.The liturgy lasted for two and a half hours. The aspirants from Canlubang filled the Shrine with their good singing voice. The out-going rector of the Post Novitiate in Canlubang – Fr. Roel Soto, and his Vicar – Fr. Michael La Guardia, were the cantors for the Litany of the Saints which is a “rare” feature, something unique! Usually, the cantors are from the aspirantate or from among the brothers, this time, a duet from the priests.

The newly-perpetually professed chose as their theme: “The love of Christ impels us” ( Caritas Christi urget nos) from 2 Cor. 5:14. Before the Final Blessing, Br. Helder Da Conceicao Guterres from ITM – “lone ranger” according to Fr. Wong, delivered a message on behalf of the other newly finally professed. A plaque of appreciation for his parents was handed to him by Fr. Wong after reading the citation in Tetun and translating it into English for the assembly. After the liturgy, everyone headed to the Seminary for the refreshment.

Tomorrow afternoon is the ordination to the diaconate of the Korean who just made his perpetual profession yesterday.

  _________________ 
 AustraLasia is an email service for the Salesian Family of Asia Pacific.  It also functions as an agency for ANS based in Rome.  For queries please contact admin@bosconet.aust.com . Use Bosconet-wiki to be interactive. RSS feeds - just go to Bosconet, click on austraLasia 2008 in the sidebar. You will see the RSS orange icon in your browser address bar - add it from there.  Avail yourself of the Salesian Digital Library at at http://sdl.sdb.org

Title: australasia 2137
Subject and key words: EAO Provinces FIN, FIS, KOR, ITM, VIE
Date (year): 2008
ID: 2000-2099|2137