austraLasia #2850
note: I'm sure people understand that a busy
meeting schedule, sometime poor or non-existent
connections, and travel have made regularity impossible.
This situation will continue for the near future, but in
the meantime.....
Nostalgic Joint Practical Trainees Seminar
Talisay, Cebu Philippines: 5 May 2011 – from April 30
to May 1, 2011, practical trainees from China Province (CIN)
and Philippines South Province (FIS) gathered together at
Don Bosco Retreat House near Cebu City for the joint
Practical Trainees Seminar. Fr. Godofredo (Godo) Atienza,
SDB, Novice Master of some of the participants when they had
their novitiates a few years ago, directed this meaningful
gathering of 12 young confreres - 1 Filipino, 1 American, 4
Chinese and 6 Vietnamese. They prayed, studied, ate, played,
and shared their experiences and realizations during this
short but engaging formative process.
On the first day of the Seminar, Fr.
George Militante, SDB, Provincial Superior of FIS welcomed
them and celebrated the Holy Eucharist for the participants.
He highlighted the importance and necessity of witnessing
and living out to the full one’s Salesian consecration. In
the mid-morning and afternoon sessions, Ms. Leah Samsom, a
very close collaborator of the Salesians and a member of the
Salesian Family herself, spoke of the dedication and choice
of the FIS to work for Children In Conflict with Law (CICL).
The input and sharing regarding Juvenile Justice opened the
eyes of and enriched all the participants, especially
regarding the role of the lay mission partners as well as
the Government and Non-Governmental Organizations, in the
presentation of the education and evangelization of the
CICL. The group visited Don Bosco Pasil, a vocational school
and youth center and had dinner at the Don Bosco Technical
Center. Fr. Honesto Geronimo, SDB, the new Rector of the
Community and Novice Master of some of the participants,
welcomed them as a father. They also took the opportunity to
celebrate the 25th birthday of Br. John Lou of CIN.
On the second day, the profession
anniversary of three of the participants, Fr. Godo spoke of
the Preventive System, popularized and lived out by Don
Bosco, and its cultural and historical background. He made
the talk more enriching by sharing his own personal
experiences laced with humour, a sign of the cheerful and
joyful Salesian. The brothers also read and reflected upon
the notes from Fr. Eli Cruz, SDB, the Provincial of
Philippines North Province (FIN), regarding the youth
culture and situation. They also took time to swim together
at Tambuli Beach Resort in Mactan Island and had sea food
for dinner in SuTu Kil Restaurant.
On May 2, Tuesday, before going back to
their respective communities, the participants evaluated the
seminar with Fr. Godo. Then, Fr. Andrew Fung, SDB,
Vice-Provincial of CIN met the practical trainees from CIN
for evaluation and gave some directions to help them improve
the way they accomplish their work. He encouraged them to
help in building up their own respective communities.
They responded and participated with enthusiasm and
flexibility and are hopeful that they will be able to do
better in their apostolate and all the more deepen and
strengthen their Salesian vocation. _________________ AustraLasia
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