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ALA_5275

Traditional EAO Advent encounter with thanks and dreams

By Fr. Carlos Cheung (CIN)
Convener of 2019 EAO encounter in Rome

Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy, 15 December 2019 -- The by now traditional Advent encounter of the EAO confreres in Italy was held this time at Sacro Cuore, in the Rooms of Don Bosco on 14 December 2019. Thanks to the meticulous preparation of the convener, among the twenty participants this time were not only the EAO Salesian students from 8 different provinces (CIN, FIN, GIA, INA, KOR, PGS, TLS and VIE), but also two Filipino chaplains working for their migrant communities in Turin (Fr. Charles Malangit) and Milan (Fr. Noel Osial) with three new missionaries still waiting for their visa to Mongolia (Cl. Felix Almeida from India and Cl. David Justin from Nigeria) and to Brazil (Br John Long from Vietnam).

From 11:30 to 2 p.m. the EAO confreres enjoyed the rare occasion for being together, sharing, praying and getting know each other. The Eucharist with the EAO regional councilor as main celebrant was enriched with the 'Thank you' prayers, giving thanks for the most meaningful gifts received during this last year 2019. Fr Vaclav in his homily highlighted three inspiring confreres: Fr. Paul Fong, the first Chinese rector and confessor of faith (1919-2019) who passed away during the visit of Rector Major in Hong Kong (August 16); Br. Alex Abelgas, a new Filipino missionary in Pakistan, who is gaining the love and respect of our students and teacher thanks to his 24/7 assistance in the Lahore Don Bosco Technical school, and Br. Umbu, an Indonesian Brother, who is doing his practical training in Dumangas (FIS).

After the Eucharist a joyful 'Lucky Draw' followed with a few gifts provided thanks to the courtesy of one China province senior confrere. While getting their gift, each participant shared his wish or dream for next year 2020. The lunch was held with the Saint Joseph community of the General house and the last joyful moment was the photo session (group and personal) with the Rector Major in the courtyard at Sacro Cuore.

Our hope from Rome is that all respective EAO provinces will receive all the necessary graces this coming Christmas and our dream is that more EAO provinces would send their confreres to study in the 'eternal city' in the future. Our thanks go to the organizers and the logistic back up for this encounter, Economer Br. Jess (PGS), and many others!