By TLS SocCom Team

Comoro, Dili, Timor-Leste, 1 March 2024 -- From 24 to 26 February 2024, the Regional Councillor, Father Joseph Nguyen Phuoc SDB, carried out the Extraordinary Visitation in the community of St. John Bosco CENTEC in Dili. He arrived at 8.00 am and was welcomed by the Salesians, the Lay Mission Partners, students, and the aspirants. Rector of the community, Fr Hermenegildo Pereira, SDB, welcomed the Regional Councillor and presented the history of the work of the Salesians for youth. The Regional Councillor also had the opportunity to address his introductory words to the Salesians, Lay Mission Partners, and the young people. He emphasized the nature of the Extraordinary Visitation, which he carried out on behalf of the Rector Major of the Salesians, and requested all the participants to pray for a meaningful and fruitful visit.

Three events coincided with his visit to the CENTEC community. The first event was the feast day of Saint Louis Versiglia and Saint Callistus Caravario. As the main celebrant and homilist, Fr Phuoc invited the educative and pastoral community of DB CENTEC to imitate the zeal, self-offering, and martyrdom of these two Salesian protomartyrs. In special way, he mentioned the life and work of Saint Callistus Caravario, who were once lived in Timor-Leste way back in 1927. Because of his love for God and for the young people, Callistus left his home country and went to mission lands and later on died as a martyr. The second event was the basketball championship games in honor of St John Bosco and Saint Calistus Caravario, the patron saint of the Vice-Province. He was present at the award ceremony and was able to give a short address on behalf of the Rector Major. Lastly, the bi-annual meeting of DB Tech ASEAN was held. Fr Phuoc had the opportunity in the opening session of the meeting to emphasize the importance of networking for a better service in our TVET centers, mostly in ASEAN countries. During his three-day visit, the Regional Councillor had the opportunity to have personal talks with the Salesians and dialogue with the lay collaborators, the volunteers, and the young people.

On the last day of the visitation, the General Councillor convened a meeting with the Rector and the members of the House Council to present his assessment of the work of the Salesians and to make some recommendations for this religious and apostolic community. He also held a final meeting with all community members to present his assessment and recommendations on behalf of the Rector Major.

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