austraLasia #2539
EAO Retreat – We strive to be different
(A. Pereira sdb)
BATULAO (FIN): 16th November 2009 -- “Lets not glory in
success, but always strive to be different”, said Fr. Franics Moloney
sdb, to the confreres as he concluded the Retreat of Rectors for the
EAO region. (The retreat is now over by almost a week - but
remember,
it's catchup time!)
At the Eucharistic celebration the previous evening
we were
challenged by Bishop Luis Antonio G. Tagle to be authentic examples of
the disciples of Christ to the priests, community and society.
Mary Help of Christians House of Spirituality (Don
Bosco Batulao)
with its pleasant climate, excellent facilities and warm hospitality
was indeed the ideal setting for the East-Asia-Oceania Rector’s retreat.
64 salesians with an average age of 51 hailing from
9 countries and
every province of the region attended the retreat.
The Retreat was preached by Fr. Francis J. Moloney
sdb, Provincial
Superior of the Australia-Pacific Province. It had as its theme –
‘Discipleship’. With the help of scriptural texts and dwelling
strongly on the Gospel of Mark, the preacher, Fr. Moloney opened
scripture, gave new insights and above all enabled the participants
draw parallels to their own situations and their lives.
‘The retreat on the Gospel of Mark has been very
enlightening’ –
Fr. Andy Satura, FIS
‘It is wonderful that something old could be
viewed from a new
perspective’ – Fr. Noel Osial, FIN
‘The insights and the reflections were deeply
provoking – not
only intellectually, but also interiorly – Fr. Albert Lenon, PNG-SI
‘The conferences were very helpful to enable the
participants
reflect on their vocation’ – Fr. Maurice Vallence, MYM
‘The meditations on ‘Discipleship’ which focused
on the various
figures of the Jews, the apostles, the others including Mother Mary –
made me realize the fragility and at the same time the nobility of our
response to Jesus’ invitation – ‘to be with Him’. The Apostles
mirrored our weakness and made us see the reason why. Mary
mirrored
the cause of our strength to become true disciples. Holding on
and
trusting in the Love of God was the reason for everything’ – Aaron
E Alcoseba, FIS
The programme was well planned and the retreatants
had plenty of
time for personal reflection. Food, lodging and other needs were
well
cared for by the community. The retreatants enjoyed the excellent
Family Spirit – that has brought confers together from far corners of
the region – Pakistan and Mongolia in the North to East Timor and the
Solomon Islands. The sharing of the Rectors at the Good nights
gave a
good knowledge of the activities and difficulties of the EAO region.
‘We are the newest region in the
congregation. We realize how
diverse we are. The coming together has given us an opportunity
to
know and interact with each other and know that we are diverse and
belong to a region so diverse”, said Fr. Francis Gustilo, as he
expressed appreciation for the confreres coming together for the
Retreat.
Special thanks to Fr. Eli Cruz, Provincial of the
FIN Province, Fr.
Francis Gustilo the coordinator and Fr. Christopher Kennedy, Rector of
the community for the excellent arrangements to ensure that the every
need was well catered to.
Refreshed and renewed - some have returned home,
while the others
are attending the Rectors Formation.
_________________
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Title: australasia 2539
Subject and key words: EAO General Rectors' Retreat
Date (year): 2009
ID: 2000-2099|2539
