austraLasia #3244
PNG-SI Salesian Family Day and
Retreat
PORT MORESBY
(Papua New Guinea) - 14 July 2013 -- The Salesian
Delegation of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands enjoyed a
whole day of celebrations on 6th July 2013 at our Delegation
Day!
On 7th July, the various members of the Salesian Family in the
Delegation of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands gathered
for the Salesian Family Day. Salesian priests and
brothers, Salesian (FMA) sisters, Caritas sisters, Salesian
Cooperators, Archconfraternity of MHC, Aspirants, Vocation
Candidates, Bosconian Past Pupils and other friends. We
began with a lively celebration of the Eucharist in the shrine
of Mary Help of Christians, honouring Blessed Peter To
Rot. The Eucharist was presided over by Fr. Raffy Galve
sdb, Delegate. A reflective and inspiring talk followed the
Eucharistic celebration. Fr. Chrys Saldanha sdb spoke of
Faith and the New Evangelization to the members of the
Salesian Family. Then followed a delicious meal,
enjoyable games and an entertaining family circle. Fr.
Raffy Galve was appreciated for all his dedication, service
and commitment to the different groups of the Salesian
Family. May God continue to bless us so that we may
increase and do more good to Papua New Guinea and Solomon
Islands youth!
The Retreat for the Rectors of the different Institutions was
then held at the Emmaus Conference Centre. “The Retreat,
is a time to reflect on how we go about the work of the Lord”,
said Fr. Chrys Saldanha, preacher of the retreat. His
first talk highlighted the fact that we need to ‘Return to Don
Bosco’. Over the next few days, he dealt with topics
such as: Community Life, Our consecrated life, Our work for
vocations, On-going formation and our Blessed Mother.
The insightful talks were filled with lived out examples and
anecdotes. Every member was able to relate it to his
lived out situation in the community and institution. A
topic on ‘Authority’ had powerful insights for each confrere
as he did his best to accompany and inspire his confreres;
collaborators and boys grow in joy and happiness.
“Authority is one of the best services you can render to
others because you are helping them grow in unity, in the
mission of the Church and above all in their vocation to
holiness”, said Fr. Chrys. He made special mention of
the fact that we need to move away from ‘Information’ to
‘Transformation’ and that ‘each person is responsible for his
own formation’.
The Retreat ended with the concluding mass at which the
members renewed their Vows. Fr. Raffy Galve sdb, PNG-SI
Delegate thanked Fr. Chrys for a very reflective retreat that
has touched the lives of the participants. He requested
the members to share the conferences with the members of their
community. A meeting of the Rectors then followed to
deliberate on the administrative issues of the Institutions
and the Delegation.
