austraLasia #1863

An interesting kind of monthly recollection

KUNDIAWA (PNG): 4th June 2007 -- Kumgi-Kundiawa, in the Highlands area of Simbu Province, PNG, is known for its Don Bosco Institute of Technology but in recent times serves also as the novitiate for the PNG/SI Delegation.  Now the Salesians are redoubling their efforts for vocations by making use of the monthly recollection for the Salesian community as an opportunity to invite candidates interested in Religious Life and Priesthood (and not just for the Salesians) to join them in prayer.
    Fr Ariel Macatangay, Rector and novicemaster, describes how some 30 young men and 6 young women, all candidates from amongst their own students, joined the Salesians for the monthly recollection at Mary Help of Christians Cathedral in Kundiawa, capital of Simbu province.  It was a combination of a morning talk applied to the theme of vocation, a time for confessions, followed by the midday celebration of the Eucharist.  And of course, given that the event involves the young people themselves, they were invited to share in a simple luncheon, local style, with cordial, biscuit and minced meat.
    The Salesian presence at Kumgi has highlighted Salesian devotion to Mary Help of Christians not only by influencing the name of the diocese' cathedral, but by celebrating the Feast in a particular way. Just a little over a week ago, on 24th May, the Feast was another special vocational opportunity - this time for the renewal of religious profession (on the occasion of her Silver Jubilee) of one of the three Sisters of Charity of St. Anne, Sr Kanti. The Sisters work in close collaboration with the Salesians at the Technical Institute. Not members of the Salesian Family in an official sense they are certainly an important aspect of the presence of Consecrated Life, and of the attraction it offers to young people in Kundiawa in association with the Salesians.
    The month of May was marked especially as a vocations month for the Institute, and 5 students also made their first Holy Communion.
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