austraLasia #3426

 
Oh Brother!
PARAÑAQUE: May 7, 2014 -- There is a lot of activity going on in the vibrant world of the Salesian Brother in EAO.

Yesterday we noted three Brothers (Francis, Dominic, Ambrose, all from Myanmar MYM) making their final profession - there were others with them. Cl. John Peter Zin Min Thu and Cl. Henry Myo Lay (Myo Aung).

Bro Jomar Castillo, author of the article below, is making his final profession on 10 May. Please accompany him in prayer.

Meanwhile a new 'batch of Brothers' is joining the Formation Centre for the next round of formation activities. In the pic below Jomar's invitation (that's him in the yellow shirt) are new arrivals from Thailand and Timor Leste.

The EAO Salesian Brothers Formation Community (Bl. Stephen Sandor Community) in Parañaque could be considered as one of the most fruitful in terms of Salesian Brothers formation in the Congregation. Today, it is a canonically erected community since December 2013 and with an established Salesian Brother formation program.

Fr Anthony Nguyen (currently in charge), Br Raymon Callo (Economer) started the community in June 2012 with 6 brothers. In 2013 two more formators came into the community: Fr. Arnold Sanico (Catechist and in-coming First Rector for 2014) and Br John Baptist Trung (Prefect of Studies). The Salesian Brothers for the school year 2013-2014 increased to 12 (1 FIN, 4 VIE, 1 FIS-Pakistan, 1 PNG-SI, 1 THA- Cambodia and 4 MYM). Last March, six Brothers ended their formation program and will continue their studies in other universities or centres for their specialisation phase.

Perpetual Professions
This May, there are five young Salesian Brothers from the Sandor Community making their perpetual profession:

3 Brothers from MYM - May 6 - Anisakhan, Pyin Oo Lwin, Myanmar
Br. Ambrose Thant Zin Oo
Br. Dominic Sai Thiha
Br. Francis Sa,

1 From FIN - May 10 in Canlubang, City of Calamba, Laguna, Philippines (Diocesan Shrine of MHC)
Br. Jose Maria V. Castillo (me)

1 Brother from VIE - May 27 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (Provincial House)
Br. Dominic Nguyen Vo Ha Anh

Thanks to the help of the help of the FIN province, the first cycle was a success. The community is now looking forward to the new formation cycle of the biennium program come June 2014.

Two new brothers arrived for next school year doing their English language course (Br Armando Soares ITM and Br Saraphan Kaeser THA). Some other Brothers from other Provinces are expected to come to join the group this school year.

Blessed Stephen Sandor, pray for us!