'austraLasia' #35

'HABEMUS PAPAM!': FIRST FILIPINO PROVINCIAL

Peter Zago

CEBU, 20th January 1998: The new year started well in the young

Salesian province of the South Philippines. On January 1st at 6.30 p.m.

all the confreres and members of the Salesian Family who could attend,

gathered in Boys Town for the recitation of Vespers and for a solemn

supper. My good night talk was the moment all the province was waiting

for: I officially announced the name of the confrere appointed by the

Rector Major to succeed me for the next term. That finally stopped all

rumours and speculations going around. The announcment was welcomed

with joy, and now Fr. Pat. Buzon is our superior.

I want to make public what I said in the good night: I'm proud that

finally we have a filipino superior who of course will have to struggle

and make his mistakes like I did but who will surely facilitate further

the 'iter' of inculturation of the Salesian spirit in the culture and

values of this our dear country.

Dear Fr. Buzon, rest assured that what you were sharing and asking for

in the few words you addressed to us after my good night talk will

surely be attended to with joy and enthusiasm by all the confreres.

Peter Zago