austraLasia #2436

Salesian presence in Indonesia expands

SURABAYA-BLITAR (East Java, Indonesia): 9th June 2009 -- The Name Day of Bro Ephrem Santos (named for a deacon who is also a Dcoctor of the Church) seems to be an appropriate occasion to point to the growth of the Salesian presence in Indonesia, especially since Bro Ephrem is a key member, the Bursar in fact, of the 7 man community that has been established in East Java province.  This community is responsible for the new Salesian educational activity at Blitar (a technical school with more than 1,000 students) and Surabaya itself (a parish with between 800 and 1,000 Catholics).
    The Bishop of Surabaya, Bishop Vincentius Sutikno Wisaksono, invited the Salesians to his diocese almost from the moment of his appointment.  Surabaya had also been the first choice of the Salesians, despite the fact that other invitations have come in from Bishops wanting Salesians to set up educational activities in their dioceses.  As well as the parish and the technical school, there is a minor seminary at Garum, just ten minutes from Blitar. The Bishop has happy for the Salesians to assist this minor seminary.
    A specific role for the Surabaya community is also to serve as a centre to welcome many Salesians who pass through that area. Surabaya is the 'capital' of East Java, an important centre for trade, education.
    The Salesian presence in Indonesia is at the vigil of its Silver Jubilee celebrations.  The new presence in Surabaya is a welcome sign of growth.

  _________________
 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 2436
Subject and key words: EAO Provinces: ITM new presence
Date (year): 2009
ID: 2000-2099|2436