The ending of school terms, the completion of novitiate, and the welcoming of a new group of candidates have caused some major changes in the structure of the East Asian Vicariate. First we welcome two new members to the staff of the Vicariate: Fr. Vinoy Joseph Thottakkara, SDS and Fr. Hermann Preussner, SDS. Fr. Hubert Kranz, SDS is the new Novice Master. Speaking of novice master, Fr. Artur Chrznowski, SDS, ends his lengthy stint in this position, and assumes a role he has filled in the past: formator of the new language students. He will not move since the Loyola house will become the language school. Moving from the New Manila house, Fr. Gregory Coulthard, SDS, will assist Fr. Artur in leading the new students into the labyrinth of English. They expect to welcome towards the end of May twenty eager young men from Viet Nam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The three resident dogs are already sensing the anticipated crowded conditions.
This year's group of novices. Joseph, Florenio, and Paul, were invested by Fr. Chris during the Evening prayers on April 30, made their first profession on May 1, and joined their confreres at New Manila for theology. The seven theologians renewed their vows for one year on the same day. The day before, the new novice master, Fr. Hubert Kranz, SDS, took responsibility of the new group of novices: Marc, Peter, Junrey, Peter, and Paul. This group then began their novitiate in a rented residence in Marikina.
This year's group of fifteen English language students will complete their studies on May 11 and then will go to Talon to begin their philosophy studies.
Fr. Wilson Catabay, SDS, will move from Talon and take up residence in New Manila to be an assistant formator to Fr. Vinoy. Fr. Adam Janus, SDS will finish the term of office of Fr. Hubert as the local superior in Talon. As of this writing the remaining EAV staff members, Fr. Bogdan Cwynar, SDS, Fr. Günther Mayer, SDS, and Fr. Christopher Kowalczyk, SDS, will stay at their present posts, though Fr. Chris is released from offices of the rector of scholastics and formator of the language students.
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