austraLasia #2197


RM speaks directly with Pacifican Confrères

MELBOURNE: 13th July 2008 -- ANS has already reported broadly on the meeting of the Rector Major with Salesians of the Australia-Pacific Province at Lysterfield. A further word now needs to be said on his session with the Pacifican (mostly Samoan) confrères along with Fr Jim Hoe. (Jim spent 12 years in Samoa and will now return to the Pacific but to Fiji where he will take up residence at Don Bosco House Nakasi (Suva) and also teach at the Pacific Regional Seminary). The provincial was also present for this session.
    The Rector Major, speaking without notes, presented a penetrating analysis of the process of evangelising culture and allowing the culture to shape how one lives the Gospel. He spoke of his own experiences as a young Salesian in Mexico within the context of the history of religious life in that country.  He then spoke of the challenge that each Pacifican Salesian must face in terms of their courage, their depth and their unconditional association with the mission of Don Bosco.  Generally, Pacificans find it difficult to ask questions.  The culture allows authority to speak down, but never allows the person of lower status to speak up.  However, the Rector Major's easy presence and frankness with these young Salesians generated a most valuable exchange that the young Pacifican confrères will remember for the rest of their lives.
    On Sunday July 13 the Rector Major and a small group of Salesians gathered with the Salesian community at 'Rupertswood' Sunbury. The importance of this gathering cannot be overestimated. 'Rupertswood' is the Mother House of the Salesian presence in Australia, after a failed beginning with the aboriginal people in north western Australia. Much of Australian Salesian history has its origins and resides there.
    A moving ceremony was held at the Salesian cemetery where all Australian Salesian SDBs and FMAs who have died in Australia are buried. From there the Rector Major was shown through the magnificently restored mansion.  The Rector Major was deeply impressed by this remarkable piece of Salesian history. But it is not only Salesian history. 'Rupertswood' is one of the most celebrated buildings from the Victorian era. It served as the residential mansion for the Clarke Family among the most significant landowners of young Australia. And as Australian Salesians like to recall with pride, it is also the place where the famous 'Ashes' associated with Test Cricket competition between England and Australia can be demonstrated to have begun - but that is another story! Let those who have ears, hear!
    The Rector Major complimented the Salesians who have done so much to care for this remarkable piece of Australian heritage.
    A quiet meal at the Province Centre was combined with a visit from two young Vietnamese student confrères who were in the Australia-Pacific Province in 2007 to study English, and two Thai Salesians who are doing their theological studies in the Province. Tomorrow, the RM and Provincial, also Fr Wong as Regional, will join the Holy Father in Sydney....prefaced by the Salesian Youth Celebration spoken of in the previous austraLasia a few hours ago.
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Title: australasia 2197
Subject and key words: SDB Provinces AUL RM
Date (year): 2008
ID: 2000-2099|2197