Bishop Alberto Ricardo gave his consent for Father General to canonically erect the Lahane House as a Jesuit Community in preparation for its becoming a novitiate.

Bro Duong Tha departed on Sunday, October 14, for Cagayan de Oro, Philippines, where he will participate in the SEARSOLIN course at Xavier University after some months of English study.

Fr Emil Denemark suffered from Dengue Fever early October and was hospitalized in the National Hospital. We hope he has completely recovered.

Fr Joaquim Sarmento pronounced his final vows on Saturday, October 27, at the shrine in Soibada. We thank the Lord for his calling Joaquim to final incorporation into the Body of the Society. Please keep a prayer for him as he prepares for his new ministry as Novice Director for East Timor.

Now that Father General has approved the appointment of Fr Emil Denemark as Treasurer of East Timor, a treasurer’s office was set up in one of the parlors at the front door of the Loyola Community.

Fr Bambang Sipayung (IDO/JRS) arrived on October 10 together with Fr Bernard Arputhasamy (Director JRS/AP). They have begun work on setting up the JRS operation in East Timor.

Travels

• Fr Edu Ratu Dopo (IDO) accompanied one Colegio de Sao Jose (CSJ) teacher and two CSJ students for a one-week visit to sister school Xavier College in Melbourne, October 16-24. Fr Edu will also take the months of November, December and January to visit other Jesuit schools in the Assistancy to help prepare for the new CSJ. Fr Quyen Vu will be Acting Headmaster during his absence.
• Fr Quyen will pay a visit to Australia from October 31-November 19.
• Fr Ruedi Hofmann has been invited to take part in the Partner-Meeting on the Churches’ Commitment to Civil Peace Service in Cologne, Germany, November 26-30. He will take the occasion to do other business in Europe and to visit his family. He will be away November 12 – December 7.
• Sch Plinio Martins will pay a visit to East Timor December 5 – 31 to make arrangements for the Magis2008 activities that will take place in East Timor in July next year.

Please remember in your masses and prayers Julianna, aged 52, Fr. Edu’s eldest sibling. She died early in the morning of October 12 from complications from diabetes. Requiescat in pace!