3065 Signs of hope around the region: professions, ordination
austraLasia #3065
 
Signs of hope around the region: professions, ordination
PHILIPPINES: 7 May 2012 - At around 10:15 in the morning of May 5, 10 new Salesians of Don Bosco were born to FIN, FIS and CIN provinces from the Sacred Heart Novitiate community in the southern Philippines Province. Earlier, on 1st May, 13 Salesians from both Philippine Provinces, but also from ITM (both Timor and Indonesia), MYM and VIE (Mongolia) made their final profession at Paranaque. A further four made their final profession in their respective Provinces, three from VIE and one from AET (Ethiopia).

Our new Salesians used to call themselves Donum Dei Domum Deo Novices. They include one from CIN; three from FIN; 6 from FIS

Around 25 priests came to concelebrate the occasion, a handful of Salesian Brothers also came to show their support to Br. John, the one Salesian brother who professed in the group.

Our newly professed Salesians took up the theme "The gift you have received, give as a gift" Mt.  10:8.

Fr. George Militante, SDB, the vice provincial of FIS, presided at the Mass while Fr Eli Cruz, SDB, provincial of FIN, delivered a moving homily.

He challenged the newly professed to live up to their being "Salesians, not just sometimes, not just in name... But in their every heartbeat" and to "Never be afraid to thread the path of heroes and saints."

He gave this message specifically to Br John, "The name Salesian is an equalizer."

Br. John gave the profession speech towards the conclusion of the Mass.

A Pontifical blessing was imparted by the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI which was read by Fr. George, and in which His Holiness invoked abundant graces for the newly professed. 

In his address, Fr Andrew Fung, vice provincial of CIN province, thanked the Philippine provinces for their help in contributing "a solid foundation in the Church of China."
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The earlier event (Final Profession) took place at the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians at Paranaque in the afternoon (3 pm) on May first. This day was chosen by the candidates for perpetual profession to give meaning to their vows, the feast day of St. Joseph the Worker and Labour day. Indeed our perpetually professed were reminded by the provincial during the Solemn Eucharistic Celebration  to work hard at all aspects of their vocation as clerics or brothers. In the same way they have been given the task to love Don Bosco, the Congregation and the young; that will make them true Salesians and of course, good shepherds. This is exactly what they understood in choosing “Remain in my Love” (John 15, 9) as the motto of their perpetual profession. That love which binds us all Salesians together.

Here are the perpetually professed: Keith Anthony J. Belcina (FIS), João da Costa Boavida (ITM), Inocencio Diamantino Da Silva (ITM), Eugenio Raymundo B. Inocentes III (FIN), James Khen Khen Lian (MYM), Generoso A. Llenos (FIS), Jeffrey L. Mangubat (FIN), Carmelo L. Martinez (FIS), Nelson E. Munar (FIN), Raphael Tu rein Oo (MYM), Arnoldus P. Pattyona (MNG), Paul Michael B. Suarez (FIN), Dominggus H. Telupun (INA). Among them there is only one Salesian Lay Brother Missionary in Pakistan. In addition to these thirteen brothers, four more made their perpetual profession in their respective provinces of origin: Addis Kemiso Gebreikidan (AET), Dominic AI Nguyen, Dominic Linh Phung, Martin Luan Van (VIET). They have gone through an intensive summer formation led by Bro. Raymond Callo and some other Salesian facilitators. Conferences, personal guided retreat, visits to Salesian presences, encounters with young people, were organized in order for them to have a clear mind of what they are committing themselves to. 

After the Eucharistic celebration, the Seminaryo welcomed everyone to a “Merienda” for all the guests, young people and family members. In the evening the whole community (brothers and workers as well), the post-novices and novices surrounded our Salesian Brother Carmelo (the one Brother amongst the perpetual professions) at a meal offered by the Southern Province together with his family.

Shortly, much further east in Samoa, on 29th May, Deacon Philip Kapeli will be ordained priest by the Archbishop of Apia.  More on that when the event takes place.