ITM Salesian Brothers: An encounter with Da Mihi Animas
Amidst Mosques and Mosquitoes
JAKARTA: 25th January 2008 -- The Indonesian Formation Commission with three other senior brothers organized a three day (January 21-23) encounter in a spacious retreat center located in Jakarta City. It started with a trip to this quiet and old retreat house run by the Diocese of Jakarta. The ten Salesian Brothers (3 perpetually professed and 7 in temporary vows, with an average age of 31 years) come from the 3 communities of Jakarta, Tigaraksa and Sumba. The main theme concerned Da Mihi Animas - Strenna 2008. But they also discussed related topics: Human Growth, The Brother Identity in Indonesian Context, The Practice of Salesian Assistance (Preventive System) and Formation. The Provincial, Fr. Andres Calleja, SDB animated the last day during the Mass followed by a talk on the Da mihi Animas and a question and answer session.
There was ample time for prayer, personal reflection and sharing with confreres. One of them said: "Because there were about a dozen Mosques that surround the retreat house, all of us were reminded to pray to Allah several times a day, starting at 4:00 AM! Then the mosquitoes did their part to make us pray that these winged creatures do not disturb our sleep. We ran out of anti-mosquito lotion!"
The meeting ended with five recommendations based on the Strenna of 2008, through various mass media materials or activities honoring the holiness of Blessed Zatti, one who practised the 'da mihi animas.'
From an optimistic perspective, these 10 Brothers realize that there are 16 other ITM Brothers who are in Timor or in other countries, as missionaries or as students in formation. So it is planned that they share notes especially with the Brothers in East Timor who will have their own encounter similar to this one.
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Title: australasia 2037
Subject and key words: EAO Provinces ITM Formation Brothers
Date (year): 2008
ID: 2000-2099|2037
