“Life as Prayer”

By Bronwyn Dean and Caroline Quinton

Sydney, Australia, 27 September 2024 -- Salesian confreres from local Salesian communities throughout Australia, along with three Salesians from Samoa, convened for the Quinquennium Gathering 2024. This event took place over a three-day period, from the 23rd to the 25th of September. The Formation Commission of the AUL-Pacific Province, under the leadership of Father Anthony Ngoc Dung Nguyen SDB, organized a comprehensive seminar during this gathering. The theme for this year's gathering focused on “Life as Prayer”.

Father Frank Bertagnolli SDB, conducted sessions on the topics of Don Bosco and Prayer, the Grace of Unity (Prayer Life and Apostolate), and the Salesians and the Eucharist. Father Anthony Dung, facilitated sessions focusing on Personal Prayer Life, the Salesian Style of Prayer, and the Salesians’ devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Father Anthony articulated the significant role of Mary in the Salesian vocation and the foundational aspects of the Society, drawing insights from several key articles of the Constitution. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging Mary’s maternal intervention as essential to the establishment and guiding principles of the Society, presenting her as a vital intercessor for youth, a theme prominently reflected in the dreams and teachings of Don Bosco. He elucidated Mother Mary’s role in the spiritual lives of Salesians, depicting her as a purveyor of wisdom and a model of faith. Father Anthony encouraged a deep and abiding devotion to Mary, imploring Salesian Confreres to emulate her virtues and cultivate a more profound relationship with her, particularly through daily practices such as the Rosary, which serve to unite them with the mysteries of Christ.

The Quinquennium program included a variety of activities, some of which were led by Father Jeff Miller SDB, such as exploring the neighborhoods of Sydney and taking a tour of the city.

Let us continue to keep all Confreres who took part in the Quinquennium this year in our thoughts and prayers. Mary Help of Christians, pray for us!

---

---