By Cl. César Joaquim da Costa, SDB

Rome (Gerini), Italy, 23 December 2015 - A joint group of 14 Salesians SDB (ITM - Indonesia-Timor Leste) Viceprovince and FMA Sisters (TIN - Timor Leste-Indonesia) hold a Christmas meeting in the UPS - Rome (Università Pontificia Salesiana) with Fr. Virgílio da Silva, ITM Superior. This meeting began with the Holy Eucharist in the Chapel of the UPS Salesian community. The Mass was presided by Fr. Provincial and concelebrated by Fr. Acácio (Timor) and Fr. Petrus (Indonesia). During his homily, Fr. Virgilio encouraged us to prepare well for the coming of the Lord at Christmas. “During this period of our preparation”, he said, “we have to light our own torch in order to light the way we pass through. With fire in our hearts, we can put on fire other people, not to destroy, but to clean the mistakes (sins) in our hearts. In this way we would be able to receive Jesus, the Son of God who became one of us at the first Christmas.”

Hence, Fr. Virgilio also shared his recent visit and encounter with two of our senior missionaries who were working in Indonesia – Timor Leste Vice-province. Fr. Dino Donaggio (81 years, now in Italy-Nord East province) is an Italian missionary who worked in Timor for more than 30 years. Through his own experience as missionary, he reminded us: WHOLE HEARTED OBEDIENCE TO WORK AND HELP THE YOUNG PEOPLE. Fr. José Llopis Carbonell (88 years) is a Spanish missionary, a founder of the Salesian presence of Indonesia in 1985, now in Spain province of Seville. He asked the Salesians always to WORK FOR VOCATIONS.

This meeting attended by five Salesians (Fr. Provincial, Fr. Acácio, Fr. Petrus, Dc. Isaias and Bro. César) and seven Salesian Sisters (Sr. Ermelinda, Sr. Tánia, Sr. Apolonia, Sr. Celina, Sr. Júlia and Sr. Suzana including also the former TIN provincial and present FMA General Councilor Sr. Paola Battagliola.

We would like to express our Blessed Christmas 2015 and happy New Year 2016 to all Salesian Families all over the world.

NB: Fr. Virgilio da Silva just concluded his 'new provincial course' and visited his confreres in Italy, Spain and Portugal.

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