Port Moresby, PNG, 5th-7th Sept. '04 -- Among the important priorities highlighted at the Salesian Family Missionary Seminar, held at Don Bosco, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea from 5th - 7th September, 2004, were: Inculturation of the Salesian charism, Formation of personnel with an emphasis on vocations, Evangelization and Networking with the local church and each other.
Input and presentations formed an important part of the programme, which in turn formed the basis for reflections and discussions. Fr. Alfred Maravilla sdb, highlighted the relationship between the Gospel and Culture. Fr. Luciano Odorico sdb, dwelling on his personal response as a missionary, spoke of his joys and difficulties and above all of the need to make culture part of himself. Fr. Philip Gibbs svd, presented the Shape of an Inculturated community and the need to understand and respond to culture today. The Evangelizing mission in Samoa was presented by Fr. Iosefo Vaitele sdb and Salesian Missionary Spirituality was dealt with by Sr. Florita Dimayuga fma. Sr. Matalena Leota fma, Fr. Ziggy Kruczek csma and Fr. Luciano Cpelli sdb, shared their personal challenge in Inculturation in the context in which they live and work.
Sharing of one's personal stories and life’s experiences were possible in great depth as the participants gathered in congregational and area groups. Lines of action to make practical the priorities and objectives have been drawn up. “There is now the need to discuss it, perfect it and put it into practice”, stated Fr. Francis Alencherry sdb, Councillor for the Missions.
Cultural diversity and richness – in the group of eleven nationalities - was evident during the well-animated moments of prayer each day. Electronic presentations brought home powerful messages and concepts, and gave the participants a clear understanding of situations prevalent in Oceania. Joy and cheerfulness was evident at the very lively ‘Salesian Family Nite’, as young and old creatively entertained the gathering.
In her closing remarks, Sr. Ciri Hernandez fma, Councillor for the Missions, stressed the need for a spirituality of presence that is in harmony with the person of Christ and in constant dialogue with culture and religion of the people.
Several expressed the need for an increase in the duration of the seminar, as intense sharing had to be cut short. The participants motivated and filled with greater confidence now return to their field of apostolate with greater awareness and a commitment to ‘Missio Ad gentes’. The Salesian Missionary spirit is indeed alive and active in this land that stresses communion, family and relationships.
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