THE DMC SOCCEROS

On the 14th of June, when all the exams were finished at the YTU, the students put away their books for the meantime. Then they went off to the soccer field at Box Hill and play their favorite soccer game. This was followed by a convivial dinner. It was truly relaxing time!

In the photo are: (Standing L to R): Anton Nahak, Ino, Le Phi Long, Sang Bok Son "Bosco", Gabriel Kokon, and Willy Uvea. (Sitting L to R): Kasmir Nema, Alusio "Sio" Maravu and Eddie Lerring.

But what has sports to do with preparing for ministry or being a missionary? The remark of the late Pope, John Paul II, is well known to us. When he was criticised for having a swimming pool constructed in the Vatican grounds, he said that it would be "...cheaper to construct a swimming pool than to have another Consistory to elect a new pope!" ***

Incidently, I found out that our sports budget is placed under our health budget. Ahah! A healthy mind in a healthy body! However, St. Paul, whose YEAR OF ST. PAUL we celebrate this year (2008 June to 2009 June) has this to say: "Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us..." (Heb. 12:1, NRSV)

YOU ARE A LIVING REMINDER!

There’s this SVD confrere whose habit is to tie a knot on his handkerchief to help him remember stuff. At one time he had three knots. He claimed he learned the habit from his early childhood. ***

I heard the story of a husband whose loving relationship with his wife went sour like vinegar. They gave each other the silent treatment. One night the husband placed a note by her pillow with this message: “Wake me up at 6am; otherwise I’ll be late for work.” The following morning the husband didn’t wake up. His wife didn’t wake him up to remind him or so it seemed. Naturally, he was furious. But then he found a note by his pillow which said: “It’s now 6am. You better get up otherwise you’ll be late for work!”

Today, mobile phones do the reminding job. Mobiles remind us of our appointments: birthday parties, AGM meetings, etc. Place your mobile on vibrating mode and it will tickle you, not to death, but to a delightful amusement. ***

This reminds me that prolific writer, Henri Nouwen, who wrote inspiring books; one is: The Living Reminder (cf. photo). He strongly held that every Christian is a ‘living reminder’ to others of what they already are, hold, or believe. Yea, we’re just reminders, just like Paul constantly was a reminder his beloved Corinthians: “Let me remind you of the Good News which you (already) received…” (1 Cor. 15:1).

Going back to the three-knotted handkerchief – one day my SVD confrere forgot what each of the three knots should remind him of..!? ***

BABY RAFAEL IS CHRISTENED AT DMC

Last Sunday, 8th June, baby RAFAEL WILLIAM was christened at the DMC chapel. Boni Buahendri administered the sacrament. The parents are Ronaldo Canterella and Gabriella Mahony. Both are Australia born and good friends of Boni for many years.

In fact, Boni also was celebrant at their wedding three years ago. Rafael is the first baby. They are a very lovely and committed Catholic couple. Around twenty seven relatives and friends of the couple attended the baptism. There was good singing of the congregation during the Mass and ceremony. A party for baby Rafael was held at the seminar room.

When not very busy, Boni takes up also pastoral work, besides his work as director of the postulancy program and vocation director. ~