austraLasia #2353

PNG-SI Rectors meeting celebrates Salesian Family and 150th
Port Moresby: 8th February 2009 -- The 2009 Strenna, and with it a recalling of the event 150 years ago which saw the founding of the Salesian Congregation (and of the Salesian Family, as the Rector Major reminded everyone at the recent SF Days in Rome), was the focus of the Rectors Meeting in Port Moresby on Saturday 7th February 2009, in the Mary Help of Christians Shrine, Port Moresby. The meeting itself had begun on 6th.
Concelebrating with Fr Raffy Galve, PNG-SI Delegate, were 15 priests representing their communities from the far-flung corners of the Delegation.  Fr. Edwin Genovia, Rector at Vunabosco, was unable to be present as flights to and from Rabaul have been cancelled due to the eruption of the volcano.
The different groups of the Salesian Family were represented along with students, teachers and friends. The aspirants led the singing at the Eucharist.
"We continue the movement of Don Bosco", said Fr Galve in his homily. "150 years ago a group of young boys gathered in Don Bosco's room and professed as 'Salesians'. We continue the movement, not only as Salesians, but as the entire Salesian Family, and we pledge to be in communion", he said.  In stressing family he also shared moments from his own family where support for each other had brought them together and kept them strong.
At the end of the Eucharist, a 2'x6' poster of the Strenna was handed to Rectors to display in their Houses - a constant reminder of the need to reach out to the young.
The previous day had found Rectors sitting long hours in animated discussion. An exhibition, depicting the early beginnings of the Houses, has been planned for the Feast of Mary Help of Christians. The various communities are looking at ways to bring about a greater awareness of the Salesian Family. 
  _________________
 AustraLasia is an email service for the Salesian Family of Asia Pacific.  It also functions as an agency for ANS based in Rome.  For queries please contact admin@bosconet.aust.com . Use Bosconet-wiki to be interactive. RSS feeds - just go to Bosconet, click on austraLasia 2009 in the sidebar. You will see the RSS orange icon in your browser address bar - add it from there.  Avail yourself of the Salesian Digital Library at http://sdl.sdb.org

Title: australasia 2353
Subject and key words: EAO Provinces PNG-SI SF and 150th
Date (year): 2009
ID: 2000-2099|2353