WHEN SENIORS GATHER...

4th May - This is delayed news but nevertheless it's still hot...

Wim Valckx hosted our May gathering at his residence at the Father Maas House, 16 Bedford St., Box Hill, Vic 3128. There were 13 of us present: Boni Buahendri, Dom Flores. Elmer Ibarra, Ennio Mantovani, Frank Gerry, Gilbert Carlo, Jacob Kavunkal, Larry Nemer, Michael Quang Nguyen, Michael Madigan, Thien Nguyen, Tim Norton (special guest), and Wim Valckx. Apologies from: Bill Burt and Henry (overseas).

In the usual monthly sharing of stories, Dom Flores re-counted his experiences as participant in the Third Age Program recently held in Rome. Dom, like other participants, was enthused by the program. It was a good occasion for him to review his whole life and look forward to what still has to come. Frank Gerry also shared his experience as a staff member and one of the spiritual directors of the course. He said he gave an input on contemplative aspect of the vows. He was struck by the prayerfulness of the Third-Agers especially before the Eucharist.

Both Frank and Dom spoke optimistically of the Third Age program. ~

ENNIO MANTOVANNI AND HIS GOLDEN JUBILEE

May 16th (Friday) - Ennio’s golden jubilee external celebration consisted of many parts:
First: The Eucharist celebration – the dining-room was converted into a “sacred place’ where the 60 guests gathered for the Jubilee Mass. Ennio presided assisted by Deacon Gabriel. A leaflet was distributed, which contained the ceremony and all the songs. The DMC students led the lively singing.
Second: The Socials – after the Eucharist, the guests were invited to the socials where they were served drinks and nibbles as they got acquainted with one another. This was done along the corridors while the dining room was being prepared for the main meal.
Third: The Meal – after the socials, we asked our guests to proceed to the dining room for a sit-down dinner served by a catering service team led by Chito Javier, our DMC office manager. The caterers served in black formal attire.
Fourth: The Program – Boni Buahendri emceed the Program while Dom Flores welcomed all the guests. The three testimonies were given by speakers personally chosen by Ennio: Tim Norton (Essendon student), Larry Nemer (colleague in Rome), and Gabriel Kokon (student from PNG). Then we were treated with an entertaining Video presentation on Ennio’s whole life and ministry, from his seminary days in Austria, Germany, further studies, then in the PNG mission and finally in Australia.
Lastly: The Cake and Response – Ennio cut his made-to-order cake and blew off the ceremonial candles, followed by his lively response speech. Ennio claims he always said “No” to God, e.g. “No,” to becoming an SVD, because he wanted to become a diocesan priest; “No” to further studies, for he wanted to go to Africa. And lately, “No” to the Society’s accepting the new Preston parish. But God has his own ways. Ennio became model SVD; went for further studies and earned a doctorate in Missiology, and he is now the energetic chaplain of the Italians at Preston parish. God said to him: “I have chosen you, you have not chosen me!”
There are many more that Ennio said and did, but cannot be written down now. Otherwise our DMC library would not be able to contain them all. But these are told so that you may have taste of what has truly transpired at Ennio’s golden jubilee. (Cf. John).

The Catering staff; Ennio blows out candles; Ennio and Arnoldus family

ONCEINAWHILEBLOG Inauguration

13th May (Tuesday)

I’d like to inaugurate today my Blog, which I call: ONCEINAWHILEBLOG, because it’ll not come out regularly, but only once in a while. I have chosen to begin on the month of May on the feast of our Lady of Fatima.

I’d like to thank Randy Flores, SVD, who introduced me and constructed for me my first Blog connection. My gratitude also goes to Bob Mendoza (Janssen Spirituality Centre) for the basic teaching on Web Logging he gave me. Happy reading...!

Dom Flores, SVD

Elmer Goes to Wainuiomata, NZ

14th May (Wedn) – Elmer presided over the morning Eucharist in anticipation of his birthday (17th May). After more than one month as a member of our community, Elmer finally said goodbye. He came to DMC to work for his Visa to NZ. Now that he’s got it, he flies to NZ to assist Joseph Vu, the parish priest, who’s presently all alone.

While he was with us, Elmer helped in the community chores, presided over some of our community liturgy, earned an "L" permit in driving, ministered to the Filipino community, etc. Thank you, Elmer, for your presence with us. We hope you’ll get an assignment that suits your abilities, charism (or charm). In seminary years Elmer was a referee in basketball and a medical nurse before he joined the SVD. Goodbye, Elmer!

Our Heater Went "Kaput"

14th May (Wedn) - Last week our heating system suddenly stopped. Our maintenance manager reported that our it went “kaput!” We waited agonizingly day after day for the spare part (pump) that would come from far away Adelaide, SA. Meantime, we had experienced how poor people or the less fortunate put up without the luxury of a heater. Brrrrrr!

Finally today two men came to deliver the needed spare part and in no time our rooms became warm again. Thank you, Colin and your team.

Ben Macajes, SVD, Arrives by Train

May 13th (Tuesday) - Ben Macajes, who has been ministering in the recent years in the Archdiocese of Canberra-Goulburn, arrived at DMC today. He took the train yesterday from Epping, NSW, stayed overnight at Canberra, and proceeded to Melbourne, arriving at Box Hill station before lunch. For his train fare from Sydney, Canberra to Melbourne, he paid only a total of $154. "Very cheap,” he said.
Ben came to the Australia province 31 July 1993. He has had a colorful ministry both here and overseas, e.g. formation work in the Philippines; mission work in Argentina for 12 years; studies in EAPI & Pastoral Bible Course at Nemi, Rome; migrant chaplain and parish work in Brisbane; for three years and a half he ministered in the Archdiocese of Canberra-Goulburn. Frank Gerry, whom Ben met in 1988, was instrumental in his coming to Australia.

While waiting for his new assignment in the Society, Ben will be with us at DMC for as long as needed. Ben, feel at home. There lots of good people and fresh air in Melbourne!

SSpS and SVD Celebrate Pentecost Together

May 11th (Sunday) - Our celebration of Pentecost came in two parts:

The first part was at St. Anne’s parish, Kew. The combined choirs of the SSpS and DMC students sang at the Mass. John Brady, the parish priest, presided over an almost packed church. Sr. Crista shared a reflection on the Holy Spirit, who, she said, is the feminine side of God. One of the many songs that inspired the church congregation was Carey Landry”s composition: “We are a people on fire with the Lord..!” The organist, Dennis, directed the choir. After the Mass, the Srs. Crista,Rosmina and Theresa served lunch for the guests.

The second part took place at the Sisters’ convent at Box Hill at 5:30pm. Since it was too cold to gather outdoors, the agape dinner was held indoors. With 30 guests the convent was too small for comfort, so we occupied 3 of their rooms. There was lots of sharing our life stories. Special guests were: Jack Brady, parish priest of Kew; Robert Matthews, parish priest of Box Hill, and his assistant, Anthony Selvaraj. Also present were: JSC-Boronia staff and Bill Burt and Thien Nguyen of Preston. Srs. Felicitas, Scholastica, Mila and Adeline hosted the gathering and dinner. When someone suggested that this kind of gathering should be held once a month, we had a good and hearty laugh! ~

Jacob Kavunkal Transferred to Down Under

Today at 4pm, Jacob Kavunkal accompanied by Michael Quang came to the Rector's office to announce happily of his formal transfer from India to the Australia Province.

Jacob made his first profession in the Society 42 years ago. He has earned his licentiate and doctorate in Missiology in Rome. Presently he's still a resident faculty member at the Ateneum, Pune (India). Besides his work at the Ateneum, Jacob has lectured overseas, e.g. Sri Lank and Philippines, but on a yearly basis at the Chicago Theological Union (USA) and Yarra Theological Union, Melbourne (Australia).

Jacob plans to come for good to Australia after he finishes his commitment in Pune, 12th October this year depending on the approval of his Australian Visa. Welcome to the club, Jacob!

Michael Madigan on Home Leave

On the 2nd May, Friday, Michael Madigan got the sad news of the death of his younger brother +Ciaran. The news came by telephone conversation with his other brother who called from Ireland. On the 3rd of May (Sat.), Michael said Mass for his brother +Ciaran with the community attending. We prayed for his brother and family on their grieving time.

(Michael's look alike)

After some discerning, Michael decided to go home for his brother's funeral. Anticipating his home-leave, he left for Ireland on 6th May (Tues) and will be back after three months time. This affected the schedule of the students studying English under him. They will resume their English tutoring under him when he returns.

On the 5th of May (Mon) we had a subdued celebration of Michael's birthday and we also farewelled him for we'll not see him until the 17th of August, Sunday. Mike, our prayers go with you and have a good time..!