austraLasia

ALA_5434

First profession of two Salesians in Hong Kong

By Cl. Andrew Chan and Cl. Thomas Li
Newly professed Salesians

Salesian Missionary House, Hong Kong, China, 30 July 2020 -- The 12 novices for 2020-2021 in Lawaan - Cebu (FIS), Novice director Fr Philip Lazatin, made their first profession in three different locations - in Cebu (24 June FIS), in Canlubang (5 July FIN) and in Hong Kong (16 July CIN). Due to the Covid19 pandemic restrictions all three celebrations of the first religious profession happened in low key. We are grateful for the sharing of China province's two newly professed Salesians:

"After the first profession, I feel so blessed and really thankful to God. It is because for many years I have dreamed to be a Salesian, and now, after seven years of discernment since I have started to think of my vocation, I am a professed Salesian now. It is not easy to walk on this path, but the most important thing is, God is always guiding, accompanying and supporting me on this journey, no matter in the past, in the present or in the future. What I have to do is to trust His plan and to entrust myself on His hand.

Because of the Covid-19 and other reasons, I have some more chances to serve my community and my brothers. Honestly, it's not easy for me who is not so selfless to serve others, especially when I think that I have more responsibilities than them. I feel that... it's not fair! Sometimes, I expected the others would be like Jesus... so perfect and concerning.

However, in meditation, I thought of how Jesus serves and how He burdens our burdens. The scene of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples as a SLAVE came into my mind and keep echoing. Jesus also invites us to wash the feet of one another: to be a slave of one another! A slave would serve his master unconditionally. WHEN WE SERVE, WE BECOME LIKE JESUS! - This fact would be our strength to continue to serve. Lord Jesus, thank You for everything that You have given me, including all the challenges. Through the challenges, I am learning to become like You." Cl. Andrew Chan (from Macau).

"With the help of God, on the 16th of this month, I made the first religious profession in the Salesian Congregation. The four years since I first entered the formation house really passed in a blink of an eye. This period of time has really made me grateful. First of all, I have to thank God. If it weren't His constant companionship with me, I don't think I would be here now. When I encountered difficulties, when I felt painful, and when I quarrelled with my batchmates, He was listening to my complaints in silence, and then in silent prayer, I understood that these are some small trials in life.

It is incomparable with the mystery of His crucifixion. And after overcoming these difficulties, I learned more experiences or got closer relationships with other people. Each of us is called by God himself, and God has given everyone a unique talent for this. If we faithfully respond to God's call, we can gradually find our ways to complete fulfilment in Christ.

Then I would like to thank my teachers and everyone who remembers me in prayer. These are the motivations that help me move forward. Don Bosco said: "With you, my life is meaningful." Indeed, the people I have met in the past few years and the young people I have served have made my life completely different. So, let us guard our enthusiasm for serving God in our hearts together until it blossoms and bears fruit. God bless!" Cl. Thomas Li (from Taiwan).

We are grateful for their very personal sharing and pray that the joyful daily self-giving will be a good inspiration for many young people around them to follow Jesus closely.