4638(II)_Precious time of discernment for the Indonesia Delegation

Commenced the Extraordinary visitation of ITM Viceprovince

February 11, 2018

By Fr. Lino Belo, SDB
Delegate for Indonesia, ITM

Jakarta, Indonesia, 10 February 2018 -- Just few hours after the departure of the Rector Major from Jakarta in the morning of February 8,was commenced the Extraordinary visitation of our ITM Viceprovince of St. Callisto Caravario (Indonesia - Timor Leste) in Wisma Don Bosco, Jakarta. The whole visitation period does stretch until May 10, 2018 with the conclusion in Fatumaca, Timor Leste.

During the first meeting with the Rectors and members of the Indonesia Delegation Council was present also the Provincial of ITM, Fr. Apolinario Ornai Maria Neto. After the initial prayer held by the Delegate for Indonesia Fr. Lino Belo and the reading with comment on the official letter for the Extraordinary visitation all 12 participants were involved in lively animation moderated by the EAO Regional Councilor, Fr. Vaclav Klement.

Main focus of the first day meetings was on the balanced and integral charismatic growth in the young Delegation (2010-2018) with only 33 years of Salesian presence in this country (1985-2018). The visitation time is also intertwinned with the discernment - consulation process for the establishment of the future Viceprovince of Indonesia. The extraordinary visitor animated us with input about the discernment culture and method, since we need to discern a number of issues. Special attention was dedicated to formation, Salesian mission, social communication and Salesian Family. Also the remarks of the recent supervision visit from the General Economer office were discussed and commented.

Our Delegation of Indonesia has at present time 5 canonical communities, 2 parish presences with 66 Salesians and 12 novices. We are very young, with the majority of the confreres still in initial formation - 30 Salesian Priests, 10 Salesian Brothers, 20 postnovices - practical trainees and students of theology with 6 missionaries ad gentes working abroad. Although the Salesian Family is not yet very much developed (3 FMA communities, 1 ASC center, 1 VDB) - the communion and family spirit among all members is very promising sign.