Nothing Can Separate Us, Not Even the Pandemic

By Cl. David Ben Usolin, SDB

       Tigaraksa, Indonesia, 2 February 2022 -- During January, the Salesian Community of Tigaraksa, the Novitiate, held a small badminton tournament together with the lay people who work in the community, mostly Muslims. They joined the game three times a week. The last game was closed on January 28 with the ceremony of award for three teams.

       Don Bosco Day in Tigaraksa Novitiate was celebrated over two days, January 30 and 31. On January 30, around 70 people gather together in the large Gymnasium. Most of them were Catholic youth who came frequently to the community before the pandemic. Fr. Andang Kencana Aji, SDB (Rector of the Community) opened the day with an opening speech. Cl. David Ben Usolin gave the recollection session on “Serving, Loving and Forgiving” as three elements that cannot stand alone.

       Beside the session, ice breaking and action songs, the participants played “Friends for Life” card games from IoFC Community (Initiatives of Change) before and after the session. This is a set of cards that contain unique quotes and questions to help young people in telling their stories. The guiding questions were triggers to urge them to speak and knowing each other.

       After lunch, we had fun games and sports animated by Cl. Heribertus Ola Narek. Fr. Advent, SDB celebrate the Sunday Mass in the evening. In the homily, he gave us a message about knowing each other before we make a judgement. After the dinner, Fr. Rector delivered a closing speech. He said that the pandemic is not an obstacle to be together. Beside the restrictions and protocols, there are always a community that always welcome the youth. The participants also played the ‘Kahoot’ quiz. There were 50 questions about Don Bosco and the Salesians in Indonesia.

       On January 31, Fr. John Laba, SDB celebrated the Mass. In the homily, he gave us two words to reflect on: commitment and empathy. These words were lived by St John Bosco in his work among the youth. After dinner, the Novices presented a short-dubbing drama inspired by the story/dream of the ‘Pergola of Roses’. May everyone of us can find a small ‘Rose’ along the way to God. Viva Don Bosco!

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