Sharing Reflections of Mission and Vincentian Life
We welcomed Fr Mathew Kallammakal (Assistant General) and Fr. Robertus Wijanarko (Visitor of Indonesian Province) to Australia in early February to discuss with members of the Oceania Province how to develop and grow the International Mission in the Solomon Islands. Joining the meeting: Fr Greg Brett, the newly appointed Visitor of Oceania and three of his Council – Frs. Brian O’Sullivan, Philip Robson and Joseva Naqou.
The reflections focused on seeing the Solomon Island Mission as a strength for both the International Vincentian Community and the Oceania Province. We are ministering in a resource-poor local Church amidst great difficulties at times yet with a spirit of co-operation and encouragement across Provinces. We acknowledged the support and commitment for the Solomon Islands Mission by both the General Curia and the Asia Pacific Visitors Conference. We agreed that more personnel and resources need to be allocated to this Mission for its ongoing viability and vitality. Part of the sharing included the plan of the Oceania Province: to commit itself to the Solomon Islands Mission, especially in providing confreres for the Parish side of the Mission. This was well received by Frs. Mathew and Robertus. All in all, there is a very positive outlook to the Solomon Islands International Mission. However, with all things, more work and commitment is needed to assure its growth.
After the meeting, we shared a meal…a good Australian bar-b-que and a few drinks…while sharing life as Vincentians.
