Fatumaca, Timor Leste, 29 December 2017 -- Was a good time for the confreres in the ITM Vice-province to enjoy the camaraderie as well as to share the joy of Christmas with one another. This Christmas gathering held in Fatumaca.
Before the main activity as it was scheduled, there was a concluding meeting of the Provincial Pastoral Team. The meeting took two hours with the last two presentations from the Provincial Delegate for Mission Animation and the Provincial Vicar on the preparations for the visit of the Rector Major. For the mission animation in the province, after presenting the evaluation and the calendar for the mission animation, the delegate suggested that in every house should establish missionary group and should commemorate the Mission day in every 11th of the month.
The Provincial vicar presented the plans and preparations for the incoming visit of the Rector Major with various commissions and their respective leaders and members.
After the meeting, the confreres proceeded to courts for futsal and basketball game. There was a break after the game in order to prepare for the Mass.
His Excellency Bishop Virgílio do Carmo da Silva, SDB presided over the Eucharistic celebration concelebrated by numerous Salesian priests. In the homily, the Provincial recalled each confrere as well as the novices the gift of life and religious vocation given graciously by God and should be grateful. Following the message of the Readings for that day, the superior reminded the Salesians to be committed to the vows they have pronounced and offered one’s life to God in the service of the young people. Before the final blessing, Bishop Virgílio thanked the Provincial and the confreres for allowing him to recharge his Salesian spirit by participating this annual gathering.
After the Mass, the confreres proceeded to refectory for lunch and short program afterwards. Every house had chance to present their items (songs and or dance) and exchange of gifts. The event ended up with the message of gratitude from the Provincial to each and every confrere and most especially to His Excellency Bishop Virgílio, announcing the new appointed rectors and parish priests as well as those confreres who will be going abroad for studies.
It was a joyous celebration to share the gift of Christmas and chance to know one another.
This time also the ITM Vice-Province thanked God for the witness of life and perseverance of these following Salesians as they celebrated their anniversaries of religious profession and priestly ordination: Fr. Rolando Fernandez, a Filipino missionary in Timor Leste, celebrated his 55th anniversary as Salesian and 45th anniversary as priest; Fr. Ramoncito Padilla, another Filipino missionary, celebrated his 45th anniversary as Salesian; Lay brothers Marçal Lopes and Crispim Hornay with Fr. Jose San Juan (again another Filipino missionary) celebrated their 35th anniversary as Salesians; Fr. Rui Gomes, his silver anniversary as priest and Fr. Anacleto Pires, Fr. João Roque, Fr. Peter Tukan together with Timorese missionary in Moçambique, Fr. Adolfo celebrated their silver anniversary as Salesians.
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