HUA HIN: 3rd August 2007 -- There are 59 of them - from the
youngest at 33 to the oldest at 74; fifty nine rectors or budding
rectors for Salesian communities throughout EAO, gathered under an
emblem of the Southern Cross and the Light of the world - reminders of
East Asia-Oceania Regional identity. And on 2nd August they
entered their second of a ten day formation programme.
Each day is being 'sponsored' by a Province in the
region, a way of noting the profile of that part of the region in a
particular way. 2nd August, commemoration also of Blessed August
Czartoryski, happened to be the turn of the Japanese, which brought
three young Japanese Rectors and contributor Fr John Marsiglio to the
fore. There was something by way of an outdoor exhibition the
previous night, giving the Japanese a chance to show what is being done
for vocational promotion, particularly through the aspirantate and
through their migrant ministry.
The day focused particularly on the spiritual
profile of the Salesian rector, beginning with a reflection by Fr
Winstanley on Jesus' mission and his style, based on his knowledge of
the Father. This led easily to the 'return to Don Bosco' by way of
seeking souls, lovingkindness, seeking out the poor and abandoned. The
speaker indicated how Jesus' table fellowship had its counterpart in
Don Bosco's Oratory style - the marginalised and at-risk approached
through an environment of hospitality and personal contact.
Fr Gustilo brought the group to the Constitutions,
Chapter 2, the Special General Chapter's way of bring Salesians back to
Don Bosco through mission, through living the Da mihi animas, through
our whole life. Two experienced rectors of those present shared some of
the ways they have built Family Spirit as rectors (Fr Lanfranco
Fedrigotti, HK and Fr Roger Miranda Port Moresby).
And then there was the wider sharing, in groups, in
assembly. Rectors from many cultural settings, Samoa, for instance,
where the culture, they say, has no secrets! Much discussion of the
'friendly talk', its difficulties, its possibilities. The questions
were important (and the answers, but too much for a news item here!).
The day concluded with a Goodnight from the Japan
province on how they are facing up to and acting upon 'new frontiers'. _________________ AustraLasia is an
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