Surabaya, Indonesia, 24 March 2019 -- On the third Sunday of Lent, the Parish of S. Michael Archangel or “Santo Mikhael” Tanjung Perak in Surabaya, Indonesia, witnessed the handing over of responsibilities for its Parish Priest. This parish has its name “Tanjung Perak” because its location is just nearby the port of Surabaya, namely the port of Tanjung Perak. The current Bishop of the diocese of Surabaya, Bishop Visentius Sutikno, grew up in this parish.
The Salesians of Don Bosco were entrusted with ministering to this Parish about ten years ago, when the Filipino Missionary, Father Noel Villafuerte took up his responsibilities as parish priest. Within this period of ten years service, Father Villafuerte has remained as parish priest and he was assisted by several Salesians who have come and gone due to each one’s need and assignment.
The newly born vice-Province of Indonesia (INA) has been mapping out its situation of its works and assigning people to take charge. Father Noel is among the confreres who have been assigned new responsibilities. It was time for him to leave the Parish of “Santo Mikhael” and to take his new assignment. In his post as parish priest, the vice-Province has entrusted Father Lino Belo, currently the Provincial Vicar, to be the second Salesian Priest to lead this parish.
The celebration of the Eucharist of the Third Sunday of Lent in this parish church was presided over by a diocesan curial priest who represented the Bishop. In this celebration, the ceremony of handing over responsibilities as parish priest took place, assisted also by several Salesians, including the Provincial, Father Andy Wong. The parish church was filled with parishioners and friends who came to attend Mass and express their gratitude for all the services of the outgoing parish priest.
Father Noel will assume his new post as the Rector of the Provincial House in Jakarta, capital city of Indonesia. He also will take up his job at provincial level, as the Provincial Delegate to the Salesian Family. The installation of Father Noel as Rector of the Provincial House is planned for April 1, 2019, in the Community of Wisma Salesian Don Bosco Jakarta, which is also the Provincial House of INA Vice-Province.
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