3254 Preseverence, a gift of God! (ITM)
austraLasia #3254

 


PERSEVERANCE, A GIFT OF GOD! (ITM)

JAKARTA (INDONESIA) August 1, 2013- Today, is another day of rejoicing for the Salesian Delegation of Indonesia, ITM. Three months ago, two Indonesian Salesians received their priestly ordinations. A few days ago, on the 24th of July a group of seven made their first profession and another group of seven started their Novitiate. Today is a day of gratitude to the Lord for the perseverance of 11 young Salesians (10 Clerics and 1 Salesian Brother) who renewed their profession, and 3 Salesian Brothers who made their perpetual profession.

At 06.00 in the morning, the Provincial of the ITM Vice-Province Province, Fr. João Paulino Aparicio Guterres presided over the Mass to receive the renewal of vows made by 11 postnovitiate confreres. In his homily Fr. Matius Sudiantoro, Rector of the Postnovitiate, commented on the readings of the day (Thursday of the XVII Week of the Year; Gospel: Matt. 13:47-53) saying that those renewing the profession were like fish collected in the net, the good ones taken and chosen to be sent and become signs and bearers of God’s love.” He urged them to take care of the gift in order to remain always a gift to others. 

Then at 06.00 in the evening, the Rite of Perpetual Profession was held during the Holy Mass presided over again by Fr. Provincial. It was celebrated in the Parish Church of St. John Bosco, Danau Sunter, Jakarta. Several Salesian priests concelebrated. A large number of parents, relatives, benefactors, religious men and women, young people and parishioners thronged to the Parish in order to witness the great event. The Provincial Delegate, Fr. Yohanes Boediharardjo Soerjonoto delivered an inspiring homily commenting on the Gospel Reading (John 15:9-17): “The Lord said ‘No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.’ May the love of the three Salesian Brothers making their perpetual profession today be as radical as that of the three martyrs of Turin: Avventor, Solutor and Octavius (who died in the very spot where Don Bosco built the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians), in their definitive commitment to live the evangelical counsels and work tirelessly for the salvation of the young up to their last breath like Don Bosco who said, ‘For you I study, for you I work. For you I live, for you I am ready even to give my life.” (Constitutions SDB 14).

After the Litany of the Saints, Salesian Brothers Yasinto Noronha, Lusianus Kelo and Yulius Eliseus Nuwa Owa made their perpetual profession, reading the official formula that they themselves have written and signed. Fr. Provincial received them in the name of the Rector Major, witnessed by Fr. Jose Carbonell Llopis -the pioneer of the Salesian missionary work in Indonesia, and Bro. Adriano de Jesus.

After the Perpetual Profession Ceremony, those who had gathered held a fraternal agape during which the Brothers expressed to everyone the joy and gratitude they felt in their hearts for a day never to be forgotten.