austraLasia
1525
New EAO Study
Centre for Brothers approved
ROME: 12th
April 2006 -- Already in the English-speaking Salesian world, there
are two approved Centres for Brother formation, one in Shillong, India (2004),
and one in Nairobi, Kenya (2005). Now there is a third, Manila - Paranaque
City, Philippines. The Rector Major with his Council indicated their
approval of this project yesterday.
The Shillong Centre
had always been a theoretical possibility for Brothers from EAO but the reality
is that visas are almost impossible to get. So investigations were mounted
by the Formation Department in Rome, with the help of Fr Klement, with a view to
establishing a centre for our own Region. The investigation revealed that
of several possibilities, Seminaryo ng Don Bosco at Paranaque offered the best
option. The aim is to begin in June of this year, and two key formation
guides have already been nominated, one from Vietnam, and one from
Korea.
At the moment there will not be a community
separate from the Seminaryo community. The Rector
will be the same for both the clerics and the Brothers, but while the Brothers
will take their meals and play sport with the others, there will be a different
formation programme with distinct features other than studies - Good Nights,
Eucharist, conferences will be apart. The Brothers will frequent a
two-year course at the Don Bosco Centre for Studies which is only a stone's
throw from the Seminaryo. This course will be specifically designed for
them, following a curriculum set out by the Formation Department. The
course will also be open to others, lay men and women, Religious and on
completion, candidates will receive a Diploma of Theology from the Salesian
University in Rome.
This is a Regional venture, located in
the Philippines; in other words it will receive the support of provinces in the
region in as many ways as are possible for them - providing candidates, staff,
finance. Provincials have already indicated that they will send their
Brothers to Paranaque once the Practical Training period is concluded.
This phase of specific formation is the responsibility of the Provinces of East
Asia-Oceania.
The kind of curriculum involved can be
worked out by looking at the Ratio - it includes Scripture, various aspects of
theology (systematic, pastoral, moral), spirituality, Salesianity, and human
sciences. This latter group includes communications, psychology,
sociology. In each case, the new Centre and its staff must confront the
particular needs of Brothers as represented by our Region and also the wider
scene. It is a brave new step and one not just accomplished by a few
signatures of approval. austraLasia looks forward to reporting on further
concrete steps in making this a vibrant reality for the growth of the Brother in
the Region and the Congregation.
_____________________
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