Update from the Flores Mission, Labuan Bajo (September 2016)

Welcome back to the Labuan Bajo mission. The latest news from the mission in LB comes with mixed blessings. Unfortunately, we say good bye to our mission Superior, Br Emmanuel Kagaba who has contributed so much in building this very successful mission in Flores over the last six years. Over this period, the brothers of Labuan Bajo have been instrumental in making this mission the success that it is. A monastery, an apostolate for disabled children, many MOP vocations, a very successful children’s English program, and serving the many people of the town with their corporal and spiritual needs: just to name a few achievements! He will be sadly missed, but Br Nerlito will have no problems meeting the challenge as the new Superior, as he has been very competent in providing support for the development of the mission. But there is good news, Brother Emmanuel has commenced studies for the priesthood in the seminary in Toronto, Canada. We wish him all our blessings and every success in his ministering of God’s Word.

To mark his official departure from Labuan Bajo last month, a small celebration was held. This celebration also welcomed a visit by the new Regional Superior from the Philippines, Father Lawrence Mendoza; the Superior of the Cebu mission in the Philippines, Father Rowell Gumalay; and young Brother Guilly, en route to his assignment at the new mission in Maliana (Saburai) in Timor Leste. Take a look at the photos on this post as the young novices welcome them with some traditional Flores dance.

We will check in again soon with an intriguing story from Labuan Bajo.

Till then, blessings to all

Trevor and Tina