By Fr. Ramoncito A. Padilla, SDB
Fatumaca, East Timor - Another memorable happening for the ITM (Indonesia-Timor) Vice-Province just occurred a few hours before. Rev. Fr. Provincial, Fr. Virgilio do Carmo da Silva, SDB, and four of his companions, Fr. Manuel Ximenes, Fr. Adérito da Costa, Fr. José de Sa, and Fr. Apolinario Neto (Vice-Provincial) celebrated their Silver Jubilee of Religious Profession.
The venue chosen for the celebration of the twenty-fifth asnniversary was the Valdocco of the Salesian Work in Timor, that is, Don Bosco College, Fatumaca, where also the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians is also located.
The liturgy chosen for the day was that of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, since on the 31st of May, Sunday, Solemnity of the Blessed Trinity, it could not be celebrated, and because May, the month of the Blessed Mother was already ending.
Like Mary, the jubilarians want to be signs and bearers (Christóforos) of Christ’s love and joy to all their brothers and sisters, especially the young people in need.
The Provincial was the main celebrant during the Eucharistic Celebration, and during his homily, he spoke of the history of his and his companions’ vocation, and the fact that even if there were their ups and downs, God was ever faithful in giving his grace so that they may continue the journey in their Salesian life.
A very touching moment was when the five priests renewed their religious profession in front of the altar of the Shrine, in which many Salesians, the whole Student Body of the College (around 300 students), a large number of the Salesian family, and especially the 70 Aspirants and 14 Novices who saw in the five priests their inspirations to continue with consistency and faithfulness in their vocations, were witnesses of such a generous offering of selves. A thunderous round of applause was offered for the jubilarians as they embraced each other after the renewal of profession.
Fr. Provincial also urged the assembly to pray for the other Salesians of the Vice-Province who were also celebrating their 25th year of religious profession, but were not able to come to Fatumaca.
After the liturgical celebration, there was also a celebration at table, a fraternal agape, in which everyone had a taste of the most delicious food that can be served only in East Timor, and also of the family togetherness typical of every Salesian house.
