austraLasia #2560
 
Further resources for 18th December...and other items of interest

ROME: 16th December 2009 -- Any amount of response from the last two austraLasia's, which suggests that there is still a readership out there!  Anyway, yesterday's item on resources for 18th has struck a chord; it seems people are keen to have material and share material. 
    A pity that we have not been able to get the 'Salesians 2010' 'Annual' (for want of a better word) out to people by this stage.  It is due in its English version, all colourful 140 pages of it, perhaps tomorrow and will be shipped out immediately to all provinces which have ordered it.  Maybe I'm a bit too close to the whole thing to be judging it objectively, but the highly critical Spanish Mission and Development Office, which wanted many thousands of copies, thinks it's the best thing since sliced bread!  Let's hope it can arouse similar response in the English-speaking world.  You should have it in your Province by Christmas or shortly afterwards, and may it warm your heart for what is displays of the living and active Salesian charism around the world.
    Fr Chavez' address at the Senate Chapter Hall on Monday night in Rome is now available in an English translation.  The occasion was the launching of the Acts of the Human Rights and Preventive System Congress in book form and multimedia edition,  but he used it as an opportunity to speak to civil society 'believers and non-believers alike' as he put it, about the Salesian Congregation and its educational presence around the world on behalf of the rights of the young, pointing out amongst other things that the 18th December, as well as being the birthday of the Congregation is also the UN World Day of Migrants' Human Rights.  He also quoted the UN Special Reporter on the Right to Education as saying that the Salesian Congregation is probably the most representative educational agency in the world.
   Another batch of possible resources for 18th has come in.  The YouTube links you can have here (pictures of Don Bosco set to reflective music), and here (on Our Lady and our renewal of commitment on 18th), while the other link, while meant for 16th in a lead-up to the 18th, could be used at any time - it's a brief reflection on art. 12 of the Constitutions.  All three items come courtesy of the African nation of Ghana (AFW in Salesian Province terms) and Fr Richard Ebejer.  Thank you.
-----
On an entirely different matter and of broader interest since some EAO students are at Ratisbonne, comes news that "The Salesian community of Jerusalem hosted its annual musical concert in honor of St. Cecilia on the evening of December 15th. This year was made extra special by the inauguration of the newly dedicated St. John Bosco hall at the Ratisbonne monastery. Previously a multi-purpose room, this open space was converted into a premier auditorium over the past several months through the hard work and initiative of Fr. Dario Superina. Present to help solemnize the event was Fr. Maurizio Spreafico, provincial of the MOR province, who blessed the hall prior to commencing the momentous occasion.
Theology students and staff members from the SS. Peter and Paul study center provided the lion’s share of musical pieces which covered a rich repertoire of various compositions. From the engaging sounds of Latin America to the unmistakable melodies of the middle-east, nearly 100 guests were in attendance to relish the euphonious feast lasting nearly two hours. Fellow religious, lay faithful and neighbors from the area were present to enjoy the concert. Upon conclusion of the evening, Fr. Francis Preston, rector of the theology center, gave an accurate account of music’s place in the life of any Salesian community. He graciously thanked all those who made the event possible, particularly the talented Salesian musicians who worked hard preparing over the last several weeks. Judging by the resounding applause and joyful expressions on the faces of those exiting the event, it appears to have been a highly successful evening". 

Be interactive with the EAO blog Cetera Tolle.
  _________________
 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 2560
Subject and key words: 18th Dec.
Date (year): 2009
ID: 2000-2099|2560