(ANS – Dili) – At the end of January, the Saint Callistus Caravario Vice Province of Indonesia – East Timor (ITM) has had two important events: the meeting of Salesian Brothers, held at Lampung, Sumatra, in Indonesia, from the 23rd to 26th, and the blessing and opening of a large multi-pupose structure on Don Bosco’s feast day at Fuiloro, Timor Leste.

12 Salesian Brothers, 7 from Indonesia and five from East Timor, gathered together in the Ngison Nando (which in Javanese means 'quiet place') Retreat House in Lampung, Sumatra, for the ITM Salesian Brothers’ Encounter, which is usually held every two years.

The theme for this year followed that of the Salesian Brothers Congress in Hua-Hin, Thailand (18-23 Aug. 2013): “Reflection on the History, Pedagogy and Spirituality of the Salesian Brother in preparation for the Bicentenary of the Birth of Don Bosco.” The resource person and speaker, Bro. Raymond Callo, a staff member of the East-Asia Oceania Salesian Brothers’ Specific Formation Team in Paranaque, Philippines, and Coordinator of the EAO Formation Commission was invited to share his reflections in each session.

On the first day the group reflected and shared, starting with a Lectio Divina in the morning, on Don Bosco’s history in relation to the identity of the Salesian Brother; on the second day, on Don Bosco’s pedagogy in relation to the Salesian Brother; and on the third and last day on Don Bosco’s spirituality and the Salesian Brother.

Before the end of the Encounter, Bro. Mon also explained the revisions done in the Congregation with regards to the Formation of the Salesian Brothers and the  EAO Specific Formation Program for Salesian Brothers in the Philippines.

The activities were not all intellectual and spiritual, there was also time for a cultural night, for an outing and swimming, a time to relax and enjoy each others’ company.

On the Solemnity of St John Bosco, Fuiloro saw the inauguration of the Don Bosco Jubilee Hall.  It is first biggest hall in the ITM Vice-Province. It was financed by the Attaché for Civil Society, Office of the Prime Minister of Timor Leste. The project itself was coordinated by the rector of the community, Fr. Jose Vattaparambil, an Indian missionary.  His intention is to remember the Bicentenary of the Birth of the Saint of the Young, the 65th anniversary of the Salesian Presence in Timor Leste, and the 25th anniversary of the Don Bosco Agriculture School at Fuiloro.

Fr. Joao Paulino Aparicio Guterres, the ITM provincial, presided at the Holy Eucharist, concelebrated with the Salesian priests from that community and the parish priest of  Lautem. In his homily, Fr. Joao emphasised the importance of consolidating one's faith and knowledge in God, for anyone serving young people.

For his part, the  Deputy Prime Minister, Fernando Lasama, congratulated the Salesians on their work and promised that the Timor Leste Government will always give its support for the good of all Timorese people. And finally, the President of the National Parliament also said that by building the structure we hoped to build on our growth as human beings.

Published on 10/02/2014