austraLasia 1624

The first Salesians from the Salesian Novitiate in Sumba

 

SUMBA (Indonesia): 3rd August 2006 -- The Feast of St Alphonsus of Liguori saw the seven Indonesian novices staying in Sumba conclude the ceremony of religious profession in the Novitiate Chapel, amidst the cheers of oratory youth. Fr. Andres Calleja, SDB presided over the Mass and gave the homily. A crowd of religious and lay people joined in this historical moment. These seven are the first batch of novices to finish their formation in Sumba.  

    Seven plus One was the underlying theme of the day. Everyone was in eager expectation for another profession in the weeks ahead because one novice had to extend his novititiate year due to a prolonged hospitalization early this year.  

    It is interesting to note that this day of profession had been a practice continued from the time when the novitiate was still in Tigaraksa. Placing the First Vows on this day of St. Alphonsus is an acknowledgement that the Salesian roots have an affinity with the spirituality of St Alphonsus. By coincidence, the Redemptorists have a significant presence in the Sumba diocese. They have their novitiate house about 45 minutes by car from the Salesian novitiate.
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