New novitiate for the regions of Asia and Oceania, from May 2021
The College of Leaders Asia and Oceania, formed by the superiors of the Administrative Units of these two regions of the Institute, announced the creation of a new novitiate in Tamontaka, Philippines, which will receive the new novices from both regions in May 2021. We reproduce the entire announce here below.
Interregional Novitiates 2021-2022
The Administrative Units of Asia and Oceania have a long history of collaboration in Formation. MAPAC and the Inter- Regional Novitiate at Tudella in Sri Lanka are the best examples of this.
In May 2019, the Leaders of the two Regions started to discuss how to cater for the anticipated increased number of candidates from 2021-22. The numbers will be more than can be accommodated at Tudella. As a result of these discussions, which also involved the General Councillors linked to both Regions, we have decided to establish a second Inter-regional Novitiate at Tamontaka, which is located at South Cotabato, Mindanao in the Philippines.
In making this decision, we adopted the following principles:
- Having suitable Formators is the priority. We have sufficient for two Novitiates now and need to continue to prepare Brothers for this important ministry.
- There needs to be consistency and continuity of formation across the two regions.
- To ensure this is the case, we need to continue dialogue and collaboration; events such as the annual Formation Colloquiums help facilitate this.
- That we do not expend additional funds on construction of new facilities.
- That we review the need for two Novitiates in two years’ time.
What this means for the intake of Novices is:
MAY 2021:
- Tudella: The Novices there will continue their novitiate until First Vows in 2022.
- Tamontaka: All new Novices will start their Novitiate at Tamontaka for a two-year period.
MAY 2022:
- Tudella: All new Novices will start their Novitiate at Tudella and remain there until vows.
- Tamontaka: The Novices who started in 2021 will continue until profession in 2023.
The Tudella Formation team will remain as it is. The team for Tamontaka is yet to be finalised.
Brothers, this is our plan at the moment. However, with the COVID situation as it is, there may need to be alterations. We will adapt as required.
Please continue to pray for our men in Formation and those working with t them.
Fraternally
Br Canisio Willrich, Br Dominador Santiago, Br John Hazelman, Br Mervyn Perera, Br Peter Carroll
College of Leaders Asia and Oceania