Jakarta, Indonesia, 28 May 2016 -- During last week (May 21-28) was conducted the consultation for the new superior of the ITM Vice-province (Indonesia - Timor Leste). The EAO Regional Councilor gathered the confreres in four discernment encounters for 11 communities in Timor (Dili-Comoro, Fuiloro, Laga and Fatumaca) and three discernment sessions for 7 communities in Indonesia (Sumba, Surabaya and Jakarta-Wisma).
Great majority of the confreres were present and the 3 hour long prayer - reflection - sharing sessions offered a valuable contribution to the Rector Major and his council for the discernment phase during the plenary session in June. Each confrere sends to the Rector Major the personal contribution with his vision about the present situation, urgent needs for next 6 years, requested qualities of the next superior as well name of three candidates. Even the numerous confreres studying abroad (Belgium, Israel, Italy, Philippines) are contributing via email and Fr. Noel Villafuerte who is still recovered after his disk operation was visited for the consultation in the National hospital of Surabaya.
The ITM vice-province has 198 professed Salesians and 17 novices in two countries, with an average age of 36 years. Another 18 ITM confreres - missionary ad gentes - are working in all five continents.
During the summer plenary session of the General Council there will be finalized discernment for another new provincials, including also the first Superior of the PGS (Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands) Viceprovince.
The prayers of all AustraLasia readers for the discernment process are highly appreciated!
