austraLasia #1786
A 'double-whammy' today from the Indo-China peninsula
Local bursars seminar moves to Vietnam
HO CHI MINH CITY: 13th March 2007 -- After successful gatherings of bursars in
several other parts of Asia, including most recently in Jakarta, Fr Mazzali,
Economer General of the Congregation, has now moved to Vietnam, where Rectors
and local bursars have gathered at the Provincial House, Thu Duc HCMC. On
this occasioin Fr Mazzali has been joined by Fr Walter Van Wouwe, a Belgian
former missionary in Vietnam (but also in ITM), and a key member of the
Financial team at the Salesian HQ in Rome.
Rectors and Provincial Councillors have also availed
themselves of the opportunity at the HCMC gathering - all 7 councillors, 20 rectors
and 25 local bursars are in attendance. The seminar, which began on 12
March, is due to finish on 14th.
Can anything good come from Nazareth?
Just come and see - but in Myanmar!
ANISAKAN: 13th March 2007 -- It has taken precisely a month for the news
to filter through from Myanmar, and the in the meantime the Rector Major, who
was due to be present for Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Salesian
aspirantate, 'Nazareth', at Anisakan in the centre of Myanmar, was unable to be
present because of visa difficulties. However, good news simple must get
out, even if it takes time!
The Rector Major wrote the vice province a stirring letter
of congratulations for the occasion, drawing on the difficult history of
Burma-Myanmar, from the war years onwards, and the example of heroic Salesians,
for his inspiration. He pointed out that Nazareth aspirantate, founded to
foster vocations, had done precisely that. It remained open at a time
when most other houses were forced to close because of political circumstances.
Finally, the Rector Major called on the image of Don Bosco the dreamer, noting
that to its 70 years of history, the Salesian presence must now add dreaming -
for the future of the nation and to dream great things for the Church and the
Congregation.
Archbishop Charles Bo sdb, himself a product of Nazareth,
was obviously a major figure at the celebrations, which took place from 13-17
February. He was able to recall its precise history - 55 Salesian
confreres, 20 diocesan priests, 8 novices this year! He added, naturally,
one archbishop (himself) and one superior of the vice province, the current
superior Fr Joachim Ye Maung.
Nazareth-Ansikan is a cool and lush place situated
conveniently between the Mandalay-Mamyo (now called Pyin Oo Lwin road and
Anisakan railway station. It is 36 miles from Mandalay and comprises 26
acres of good arable land.
Jubilee events included a 'welcome home' to past residents,
a youth leadership course and past pupils meeting, and the actual day of
celebration for the jubilee on Friday 16th February followed by a Thanksgiving
Day on 17th attened by the local bishops and Archbishop Bo.
While 'Nazareth' recalls the adolescent Jesus, it also
recalls Mary in a special way. There was a distinct Marian touch to the
entire celebrations, reflecting both the Salesian and Burmese spirituality that
has made this 'Nazareth' so special.
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