Opening Ceremonies
summit January 9th, 2009
The 1st Rogationist Mission Summit 2009 at the Oasis of Prayer in Silang, Cavite literally opened in colors, as flags representing the Rogationist presence in various parts of the world were paraded during the entrance of colors at around 10 a.m. Flags from Italy, Brazil, USA, Mexico, Vietnam, Indonesia, Rwanda, Papua New Guinea, Albania, South Korea, and many other countries — including the Philippines of course — were paraded by novices, and signaled the start of the seven day international event. Besides the RCJ participants from around the world, students from the Rogationist College also attended.
Fr. Danny Montaña served as the master of ceremonies. During the opening prayer, Fr. Michelle Marinelli asked the intercession of Fr. Founder that “he may give us the capacity to give one in order to receive a hundredfold.” He asked the Lord to grant generosity to be available in the journey of discipleship. Fr. Marinelli also asked the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of St. Joseph.
The Philippine-Indian Delegation Major Superior, Fr. Bruno Rampazzo, gave the welcome address and Fr. Giorgio Nalin, our Superior General, gave the opening address. He told the participants of the RCJ’s opening of new frontiers, characterized by the pastoral implementation of the Rogationist charism of prayer for vocations, the poor and the children. Fr. Nalin also cited the problems that face the congregation and look forward to the collaboration and sharing between the Rogate family and its various collaborators.
Fr. Gabriel Flores presented the missionaries from the Italian Center North Province: Fr. Sebastiano De Boni, Fr. Matteo Sanavio and Fr. Herbie Canete. Fr. Matteo shared that one of their activities is starting a shelter that was requested by the municipality of Tarragona, Spain. An unused house ‘chalet’ that was being used mainly as a stockroom now houses nine children. Fr. Sebastiano also shared about a new apostolate in Padua where they extend assistance to the marginalized who are still willing to be helped and cooperate with them to receive further training for eventual employment. After the reports from the Italian northern province, the morning meeting was adjourned and lunch followed.
- Chronicle
- Comments(0)