By Fr. Pedro Sachitula SDB

Port Moresby, 14 November 2023 - Blessed Philip Rinaldi - PGS Vice-Province was privileged to host the annual meeting of Provincial Delegates for Formation of the East Asia Oceania Region, from 9-12 November 2023. The meeting was held in Port Moresby, East Boroko, Emmaus Conference Centre.

12 Delegates participated in the meeting together with Br. Raymond D. Callo and Fr Jose Kuttianimattathil from the formation sector (RMG). The meeting dealt with the following objectives:

• To foster greater collaboration in the formation of the EAO Region;
• To share and study the formation concerns of our Congregation and Region;
• To “dream” for a better formation of confreres in our Region;
• To draw up concrete lines of action that help to implement and contextualize the formation plan of the Congregation.

The sessions started with a substantial Lection Divina on the text of the Beatitudes (Mt. 5:1-10), guided by Br. Raymond. Participants were invited to ponder on: “Blessed are you, Formators.”

The Second day (10th November) was marked by a joint meeting with the Mission Sector. Fr. Shoji represented the Region for the mission sector. The participants studied, reflected, and shared on topics such as Formation in Mission and preparation and accompaniment of missionaries - Ad Gentes. On the same day, the participants visited Don Bosco Technical School Gabutu. They were given a warm welcome by the school community, with songs, flower laces, and dance. After interacting with students and teachers, the delegates joined the Salesian community for lunch.

After three hours of work, reflection, and sharing on the third day (11th November), the participants enjoyed a good outing at Loloata Resort. It was a moment of relaxation and a chance to get to know Port Moresby city and its surroundings.

On the last day (12th November), Bro. Raymond and Fr. Jose gave inputs and various information, allowing the delegates to respond and share their insights. There was a clear exhortation to celebrate and make known the Dream at 9 of St. John Bosco. Fr. Anthony Nguyen, the Regional Coordinator for Formation, presented the summary of what transpired during the 4-day meeting in the form of Lines of Action.

In the sharing and good night talks given by the participants, there transpired a great sense of gratitude for making this meeting happen. Several expressed the joy of journeying together as a region, sharing best practices, experiences, resources, and challenges. Everyone commended the regional annual meetings to continue as a way of ensuring fidelity to the Salesian charism and mutual accompaniment.

Br. Raymond appealed to the Delegates to keep in touch in formal and informal channels, share resources and seek for help or guidance. Fr. Jose thanked all the participants in the name of the Rector Major and the General Councilor for Formation for the great work of formation done in the Region. He also thanked the PGS Vice-Province for hosting the meeting.

---

---