Fatumaca, Timor-Leste, 10 December 2021 -- The Salesians of TLS vice province rejoice in celebrating the Solemnity of Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary with 10 novices taking their first vows. They are:

1. Abenio P. M. Zacarias (Fuiloro, Lautem)
2. Abilio Gomes (Atsabe, Ermera)
3. Alberto Ximenes (Baguia, Baucau)
4. Arcanjo Victor ( Malahara, Lautem)
5. Avelino da Cruz ( Bazartete, Liquiça)
6. Benigno Vital (Quelicai, Baucau)
7. Fabianus Paulus (Fuiloro, Lautem)
8. Hélio Fausto (Poetete, Ermera)
9. Leonio Moreira (Bidau Santa Ana, Dili)
10. Ronaldo Guterres (Venilale, Baucau)

       The celebration was held in the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians Fatumaca. Thousands of young people and the family of these neo-professed participated in the Holy Eucharist which was celebrated by the Provincial, Fr. Apolinário Maria Ornai Neto, with some 30 Salesian concelebrating priests.

       In the homily, Fr. Provincial mentioned the importance of this day. It is on this day that Don Bosco started his mission with a single boy; Bartholomew Garrelli with a simple catechism lesson. Don Bosco had a little dialogue with this little boy and it has become a vast congregation in the world, providing education to the poor, especially those most in need. Don Bosco‘s charism and his mission have influenced many young people around the world to decide to follow in his footsteps. They have consecrated themselves to God in the Salesian congregation in order to take care of their fellow young people.

       Furthermore, Fr. Apolinário mentioned the significance of Religious life in following Christ in a radical way of living. Our vows make us more radical in our Sequela Christi, he added. Fr. Provincial also encouraged the newly professed Salesian confreres to cultivate a good habit of praying and reading as they enter the world of philosophy.

       During the Mass, the 10 newly professed received the Salesian Medal for the temporary professed Salesians and the Salesian Constitutions and Regulations as their guide in their whole life an authentic Salesian.

       Fr. Apolinário concluded his homily by entrusting the 10 new clerics to the Blessed Virgin Mother to protect, guide and lead them as they start this Journey full of hope.

       This was also a day of investiture for these 10 clerics as they began adding the title SDB as their DNA forever.

       At the end of the Mass several people were chosen to deliver the thanksgiving speech; they included one of the newly professed, a representative of the parents of the newly professed, Fr. Rector of the Hosting community (SDB Fatumaca) and Fr. Provincial.

       After the Mass, all the participants were invited for a great Banquet before departing.

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