(ANS - Bethlehem) On December 28, the Salesians of the Province of Jesus Adolescent in the Middle East celebrated Provincial Community Day. The   Communities of Cremisan, Beitgemal, Nazareth and Ratisbonne came together in Bethlehem. The celebration took place on the feast of the Holy Family. There were three phases – a formative input, then the Eucharist and finally a fraternal gathering.

By Mathew Valiyakattel SDB and Romero D'Souza sdb

The Provincial thanked all the confreres who have given their lives to the Salesian Congregation and in particular to the Province of the Middle East. The formative input was followed by the Eucharistic celebration at which Fr Munir El Rai presided. The liturgy and singing were led by the community of Ratisbonne, Jerusalem. During the Mass, the Provincial urged the Salesians to live religious life authentically, loving God and the community, not losing anything of our missionary zeal and respect for others, developing a culture of fraternal correction, continuing to grow as a Salesian Family on the model of the Holy family of Nazareth.

After the Eucharist the confreres met for dinner which was followed by a programme of entertainment. The atmosphere was cheerful, enlivened by songs performed by the young confreres in different languages. There were also exciting moments of magic and trickery performed by Fr Pier Giorgio Gianazza and Nguyen Thi Hoang Joseph.

The celebrations concluded with the words of the Provincial who congratulated all on their participation in true family spirit and thanking everyone for their service in the Province. It was indeed a memorable day.

publiced 30/12/2015