Scholasticate History	Scholasticate Personnel

Scholasticate News Perpetual Vows

Perpetual Vows

Perpetual vows

On the 6th of January the community of the international scholasticate put on its very best, celebrating the joy of seeing eight scholastics make their perpetual oblation. The joyful eight scholastics began at the international scholasticate three years ago, with the exception of Gulshun BARKAT who had already completed theology prior to his arrival. Gulshun is currently doing his specialization (Licentiate) in Church History at the Gregorian University. Who are these newly professed oblates?

As an international representation of the scholasticate community, they come from different countries and cultures, yet are united in the oblate charism. Gulshun is from Pakistan, David from the USA, Francky from Haiti, Elysé and Rossina from Madagascar, Sauti from Zambia, Emmanuel from Nigeria and Pius from Bangladesh.

No words, no language could express the integral joy and emotion of the community on this day. This occasion is the fruit of a long journey of community discernment, definitive engagement of the vows and personal engagement as well.

The presider for this occasion was the Superior General, the words of welcome were given by Fr. Roberto Sartor OMI, superior of the scholasticate. The General house chapel was graced with the presence of relatives, brothers and friends coming from different parts of the world. They made the feast more beautiful by their presence. For the animation of the Mass, the choir was made up of scholastics of the General house and those from Vermecino scholasticate. In his homily, the Superior General positioned the vows in the actual context of the world today. We are in solidarity with the poor in respect of our charism.

Following Fr Generals homily was the rite of oblation which culminates with the acceptance of the vows by the Superior General. The Mass was concluded with our traditional hymn – the Salve Regina.

Vows

As usual, after a festive lunch the newly professed, together with the guests and the whole community met in the scholasticate feast room to enjoy a moment of artistic and cultural exhibition. At the very beginning of this artistic and cultural exhibition was a PowerPoint presentation based on the great moments in the lives of the newly professed. This year was especially marked with the participation of the guests, with dances and well known songs. The testimony of the guests is clear: they loved this wonderful day of perpetual profession.

There is a saying that ‘he who introduces should conclude as well’. In the same way, Fr Roberto SARTOR superior of the scholasticate, concluded by thanking all the people who shared this day with us. To all the newly professed – a happy New Year and Perseverance. To all who helped in making this day possible, thanks a million. Until next time!!!!!!

A Time to Feast and be Joyful

As customary, on the 26th of December 2008 the community of the international scholasticate came together in fraternal unity to celebrate the joy of the birth of our Lord Jesus. It was a much cherished moment of sharing. In the morning we celebrated Holy Mass, to thank God for His presence in our midst. In the evening a feast was prepared with games, artistic presentations, and typical dishes from our different parts of the world. In addition were the presentation of gifts, and presentation of prizes to the sports winners of the month of December. To end with – around the ‘PINATA’ we rejoiced and concluded the feast with the same spirit of joy.

‘A bath of Snow’

Vallada

As accustomed, during Christmas time there are those who go on retreat and this time our eight brothers accepted for perpetual oblation went on retreat. Others remained home and others left for Vallada (North of Italy), where they spent five days. This was an unforgettable experience, especially for those whom it was the first time for them to see snow. They were greatly excited when they saw snow fall on them. These are moments that remain in the mind and heart. Some however, were ‘under the weather’ having caught the cold. They had a strong sneeze in the snow but did not loose the same excitement they had. These were happy moments, a practical experience and above all a good sharing with the families, lay oblates and friends who were together with us during this time on holiday.

Special words of thanks go to Fathers Ettore Andrich OMI and Marcellino Sgarbossa OMI for their hospitality and fraternal spirit that really made these days stunning. In this way we welcomed the New Year 2009, from which we expect a year of peace, hope and unity with God.

Vallada