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Mission Day with the SVD Community
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On 30 August, we flew down to Melbourne to attend SVD's annual Mission
Day. At the airport were Fr. Dom and Fr. Frank eagerly awaiting at Tullamarine Airport.
Mission Day
The Making ....
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| Fr. Wim, SVD, (with Bob) ensured parking runs smoothly. |
The place bustles with activities . . .
MISSION DAY: 1 September 2007
"CONFLICT AND RESOLUTION"
Oftentimes, women grumble about their life, of men in particular.
The Mission Day's theme: Conflict and Resolution. The speakers talked about women in Papua New Guinea. I think I have been
too pre-occupied with what's happening in my life I wasn't aware about the appaling condition other women suffer in other
parts of the world. What an eye opener! I just wished there were more people from Papua New Guinea on that day. I hope and
pray they are aware people do care to make their world a much better and safer place to live.
The Eucharistic Celebration
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| An offering by the Papua New Guinea community |
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| A vote of thanks from Fr. Dom |
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| Fr. Dom (rector), Gabriel (preacher), Fr. Henry (formator) |
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| Belen, with Fr. Dom. |
The Fellowship:
"One Heart Many Faces"
The SVD seminarians set up a 16-metre food table that morning. My mind boggled
on how much food there will be for dinner. And food came, lots and lots of them. Finally, during the fellowship the 16-metre
table was laden with their favourite dishes from around the world. What a banquet! Wish you were here.....
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| Fr. Caloy, a Redemptorist. |
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| Belen, relaxing with SVD priests & brothers. |
Where We Stayed
Dorish Maru Seminary (SVD)
From 30 August to 6 September, Dorish Maru Seminary was our home for 8 days. Here, we have "close encounters" with the
daily life of SVD priests. I tell you, headed by Fr. Dom, its Rector, they are the most hospitable bunch I have met. Life
here was an eye-opener for me and Bob. The day starts with a Morning Prayer and Mass and ends with the Evening Prayer, followed
by a simple breakfast and on to their respective activities for the day. Everything is in order. The place is spotless. Don't
we always hear "Cleanliness is next to godliness?" I suggest everyone, especially MEN, should have a week's intensive training
here at the seminary before they get married. It is a Must! And the world will be a better, happier and peaceful
place for all ..... women. Ha ha ha!
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| The gate to the compound of the Dorish Maru Seminary (SVD), Box Hill. |
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| Dorish Maru Seminary. |
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| At the Reception, you will be warmly met by Chito, secretary extra-ordinaire!. |
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| Fr. Dom Flores, SVD, Rector. |
Ben Seng House (SVD)
On sunny September 4 morning, Bob, Joe and I were driven to Ben Seng House by Colin, one of many good friends of
the SVD for years. At Ben Seng, we were met by Fr. Frank and was toured around in this beautiful with over 30 rooms seminary.
This used to be a Carmelite Sisters' Convent since 1927. We hope you could join us here in one of our retreats and dialogues
about our various faith traditions in the near future. Allow me to show you around......
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| On the road to Ben Seng House, Boronia with SVD architect Joe. |
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| Entrance to Ben Seng House. |
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| Entrance hallway. |
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| Hallway to the Chapel |
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| Ben Seng House Chapel |
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| The Dining Area. Ooopppsss!That's our mess as we make our plans. |
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| Another dining/kitchen area. |
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| The gym. |
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| The backyard. |
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ABOUT SVD:
SVD Societatis Verbum
Divini (Society of the Divine Word) - dedicated to the proclamation of the Gospel, founded on 8
September 1875 by St. Arnold Janssen.
Other congregations he founded:
Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS) whose mission is to faithfully
and selflessly serve the mission outreach & Servants of the Holy Spirit of
Perpetual Adoration (SSpSAP) whose mission is to maintain an uninterrupted adoration of the Blessed Sacrament,
praying day and night for the church and especially for the other two active missionary congregations.
At present, there are more than:
6,000 Divine Word Missionaries in 65 countries;
3,800 Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters in 35 countries;
400 Holy Spirit Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in 10 countries.
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