St. John Bosco Today • March–May 2014

MARCH-MAY 2014

• ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY | 1

Publisher's Note

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ST.ÊJOHNÊBOSCOÊTODAYÊ|THE SALESIAN FAMILY MAGAZINE | March - May 2014 | Volume 43 • Number 4

Att the vanguard A of the New Evangelization

PHILIPPINES

4

COVER STORY WITNESSES OF THE GOSPEL

I

John XXIII and John Paul II: Popes of The New Evangelization Fr. Randy Figuracion, SDB

FEATURES

IN THE SERVICE OF THE CHURCH

The St. John Paul II catechetics and youth ministry conferences: A response to New Evangelization 16

SALESIAN JOY AND OPTIMISM

EVANGELII GAUDIUM A hymn to christian joy

By Fr. Renato De Guzman, SDB

Random reflections on Pope Francis’ 7 first apostolic exhortation

By Fr. Salvatore Putzu, SDB GOOD NEWS LIVED AND SHARED

SERVING THE POOR AND MARGINALIZED YOUTH

TVET centers: Casting off into the deep 18

By Fr. Vester Casaclang ,SDB

Langit sa Lupa: Answering the call of the New Evangelization 9

ZENIT INTERVIEW

THE NEW EVANGELIZATION A SALESIAN PERSPECTIVE

GREATER THINGS AHEAD

By Imelda Benitez, Salesian Cooperator

Accompaying the young the Salesian way

By Fr. Caesar Dizon, SDB

THE YOUTH AS CHRIST'S WITNESSES

I am Laura

By Past Vicuñan

Recommendations for one's soul

By Cl. Donnie Duchin Duya, SDB EVANGELIZE AND EDUCATE THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA

Social Media inside the home

19

A celebration and thanksgiving 10

12

A golden Jubilee year of Don Bosco Canlubang

By Cl. April Jerome S. Quinto, SDB

20

REGULARS PUBLISHER’S NOTE

SPENDING SUMMER THE BOSCONIAN WAY

Don Bosco's summer break

Salesian Superior: Pope Francis is above all a gift of God

13

At the vanguard of the New Evangelization

By Fr. Bernard P. Nolasco, SDB

2

MESSAGE OF THE RECTOR MAJOR STRENNA 2014

14

By Rolando C. Delos Reyes II, MA Ed, RGC

Don Bosco’s spirituality

3

By Fr. Pascual Chávez Villanueva, SDB FIN-FIS NEWS 22

MagazineÊofÊInformationÊandÊReligiousÊCultureÊofÊtheÊSalesianÊFamilyÊinÊtheÊPhilippines

OwnerÊSalesianÊSocietyÊofÊSt.ÊJohnÊBoscoÊ PrinterÊDonÊBoscoÊPress,ÊInc. EDITORIALÊBOARDÊPublisherÊCommissionÊonÊSocialÊCommunicationÊ|ÊEditorÊFr.ÊBernardÊP.ÊNolasco,Ê SDBÊ|ÊCopyÊEditorÊÊCl.ÊDonnieÊDuchin-Duya,ÊSDBÊ|ÊCoordinatorsÊFr.ÊRandyÊFiguracion,SDBÊFIS;Ê Sr.ÊMariaÊSocorroÊBacani,ÊFMAÊFMAÊ&ÊFMAÊPastÊPupils;ÊSr.ÊSophiaÊAkikoÊOshita,ÊSCGÊSCG;ÊBrendaÊ RamirezÊASC;ÊDr.ÊVictorÊB.ÊEndrigaÊDBAPNF;ÊMariaÊJuniferÊMaligligÊADMA;ÊEvangelineÊDollienteÊFADSÊ|Ê LayoutÊArtistÊEarlyÊMacabales|CirculationÊCommissionÊonÊSocialÊCommunication

n this New Evangelization Era of the Church, the members of the Salesian Family are being urged to be proactively involved. In this issue, therefore, we will try to understand more the meaning of this New Evangelization in the Salesian perspective. The relevance of St. Joseph Cafasso and Blessed Laura Vicuña may help us realize how the spirit of the new evangelization can be applied in Don Bosco’s way.

In line with this thrust on the new evangelization, we highlight on this issue the two vicars of Christ, Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II, who will be canonized on April 27 this year. Their canonization is God’s gifts to the Church which is being led by the Holy Spirit in this era of the new evangelization. We remain faithful to our Salesian vocation through our devotion to the Pope, the third devotion St. John Bosco passed on to us, his beloved children. Our devotion to the Pope goes beyond our admiration of the person. It asks us to see in him the Presence of Christ.Therefore, our total obedience to the Pope’s teachings is an act of faith inasmuch as we believe that the Holy Spirit is at work in him.A Salesian reflection on Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation “Evangelii Gaudium” will surely help us better grow in our devotion to the Pope and be more active disciples of Christ by the way we try to be faithful to our being members of the Salesian Family.

Congratulations to the people behind the annual JPII Catechetical Conference. Now on its 10th year, we see how St. John Bosco continues to be at the service of the Church.

We rejoice as a family for the gift of holiness in the person of the Servant of God, Fr. Carlo Braga, SDB. He was one of the missionary pioneers who established the Salesian presence in our country. We give glory and thanks to God! To those who are inclined towards film making, I encourage you to join the first DB Film Festival. Find out how you can represent your school/parish from the Ad page at the back of this magazine.

Let me close by wishing you all a very fruitful summer break. Remember how St. John Bosco considered vacation as a change of occupation. Values do not rest during vacation.

God bless you all. Happy Summer Break!!!

ForÊsubscriptionÊcontactÊST.ÊJOHNÊBOSCOÊTODAYÊ CommissionÊonÊSocialÊCommunicationÊ 3/F Don Bosco Provincial Office, Don Bosco Compound, C.ÊRocesÊAve.Êcor.ÊA.ÊArnaizÊAve.Ê1264ÊMakatiÊCity,ÊPhilippines Tel (02) 893-8227 loc. 114 • Telefax (02) 892-8174

AnnualÊsubscriptionÊ(4Êissues)ÊP200.00

ÊÊ SendÊyourÊcommentsÊandÊsuggestionsÊtoÊsbulletinph@yahoo.com AllÊrightsÊreservedÊ©Ê2013ÊbyÊSalesianÊSocietyÊofÊSt.ÊJohnÊBosco.

NoÊpartÊofÊthisÊmagazineÊmayÊbeÊreproducedÊwithoutÊpermissionÊfromÊtheÊpublisher.

Yours in Don Bosco, Fr. Bernard P. Nolasco, SDB

STRENNA 2014

Ê

Ê

ByÊFr.ÊPascualÊCh‡vezÊVillanueva,ÊSDB

Don Bosco's

Spirituality “Da mihi animas, cetera tolle.”

Let us draw upon the spiritual experience of Don Bosco, in order to walk in holiness according to our specific vocation “The glory of God and the salvation of souls.”

My dear brothers and sisters in the Salesian family,

S

pirituality is a characteristic ‘feel’ for Christian holiness and is being inclined in that direction; it is a particular way of ordering one’s life for acquiring Christian perfection and being part of a special charism. In other words it is a lived Christianity, a way of acting united with God, and this presumes faith.

Salesian spirituality is made up of various elements: it is a lifestyle, prayer, work, relationships with other people, a community way of life, an educative and pastoral mission based on a pedagogical legacy, an approach to formation, a characteristic set of values and attitudes, a particular focus on the Church and society through specific areas of involvement, an historic inheritance of documents and writings, a characteristic language, a typical series of structures and works, a calendar of festivities and celebrations that are proper to this spirituality ...

The point of departure for Don Bosco’s spirituality was “the glory of God and the salvation of souls”; he formulated this within his overall program of life “da mihi animas, cetera tolle”. The deep roots of this

experience were his union with God, as a theological expression of existence developed through faith, hope and charity, and his spirit of authentic piety.

This experience was then translated into visible activity; faith without works is dead and without faith any works are empty. And finally, as a point of arrival he had holiness: holiness that is within everyone’s reach, depending on their cooperation with grace; and everyone receives the grace for this.

Our spirituality runs the risk of disappearing because times have changed and sometimes we live it only superficially. To bring it back into life we need to start from Don Bosco, his spiritual experience and from the preventive system. Clerics at the time of Don Bosco saw what was wrong, but they did not want to become religious – yet they were captivated by him.Young people need witnesses, as Paul VI wrote.

They need “spiritual people”, people of faith, sensitive to the things of God and ready for religious obedience in seeking what is best. It is not novelty which makes us free, but truth; truth is not fashion, superficiality, improvisation: “the truth will set us free.”

It is not novelty which makes us free, but truth; truth is not fashion, superficiality, improvisation: “the truth will set us free.”

MARCH-MAY 2014

• ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY | 3

| WITNESSES OF THE GOSPEL

John XXIII an

Popes o

New Evang I

n recent years the buzzword in Catholic circles is the “New Evangelization.” Even when the cardinals were discerning to choose a new pope, the criteria included, among other things, the capacity to attract people and draw them into a deeper life of faith.

The recent Philippine Conference on New Evangelization (PCNE) from 16-18 October which gathered more than 5,000 participants all over the country and abroad, had its clear intent of “experiencing again the presence of Jesus.” Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, who spearheaded the event, wanted it as a concrete response to the challenge of the worldwide Synod of Bishops in Rome (October 2012) on the theme “New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Faith.” We live in an environment that has slowly grown cold or

hostile to the faith. Thus a gathering like this is an encouragement that the “faith is alive” in the Philippines.

New Evangelization is a call for “revival.” It is an invitation to rekindle the fire in every believers’ heart.

New Evangelization is bringing new life and new excitement in our being Catholics. Pope Francis wanted to put an inspiring “face” to the challenge of

Pope Francis wanted to put an inspiring “face” to the challenge of the New Evangelization.

He has chosen two pontiffs, John XXIII and John Paul II, as icons of our times. the New Evangelization. He has chosen two pontiffs, John XXIII and John Paul II, as icons of our times. They will be canonized as saints on April 27, 2014.

These two towering figures represent the Church’s dream of becoming more holy, relevant, prophetic and missionary.

Both can be a source of “revival” to relaunch the Church to greater apostolic courage of proclaiming the Gospel to the world. The just-concluded Year of Faith was precisely to emphasize on

nd John Paul II:

of the

gelization ByÊFr.ÊRandyÊFiguracion,ÊSDB

their contribution as it coincided with important anniversaries – 50 years of the 2nd Vatican Council and 20 years since the publication of the Catechism.

John XXIII can be credited for this vision of “revival” in the Church.

He was elected pope in 1958 when he was 76 years old. Majority had then the feeling he would simply be a “transitional pope.” But he surprised the world by convoking the 2nd Vatican Council for the purpose of “aggiornamento,” an Italian word literally meaning “bringing up to date.” He said it was time “to open the windows of the Church to let in some fresh air.” He called it a “new Pentecost” in the life of the Church to adapt its organization and teaching to the needs of the modern world, and to have as its more far-reaching goal the unity of all Christians.

As an attentive student of history, he knew that a Council was the instrument for solving problems. Thus he stressed its pastoral intention “not to condemn error but rather to study more deeply the truths of Catholic teachings and to offer those truths to the modern world in a language that would be meaningful and relevant to it.” His great love for Christ made him discern the signs of the times by bringing a new freshness to the Church.

Moreover, his pontificate was characterized by his unique personality. He endeared himself to both catholics and non-catholics by his warmth, humor and easy approachability. He never lost the simplicity and humility of his peasant upbringing doing

We are all invited to watch not from the sidelines but as part of the process of the Christianization of the world. away with meaningless formalities.

Vatican officials and the Italian government would be horrified by his unannounced and un-escorted visits to hospitals, prisons or through the streets of Rome.

John XXIII did not live to see the end of the Council. He was pope only for five years. But its impact upon religious and world history was most significant. Many see it as the most important pontificate since the Middle Ages. Indeed he became a “transitional pope” by inspiring a renewal that inaugurated a new era in the history of

KICKER? || WITNESSES OF THE GOSPEL institution of the Church can avoid this supreme duty: to proclaim Christ to all peoples.”

Hence, he saw the need for a “great re-launching” of evangelization in the present life of the Church. The tone has become urgent and imperative in many parts of the world where people live “as if God did not exist.” He encourages the entire Church to come to embrace this calling and make it a normal part of Catholic life by living the faith with “new ardor, methods and expression.”

The ultimate goal of new evangelization is not “merely passing on doctrine but rather a personal and profound meeting with the Savior.” It means growing up in

gigantic tsunami of cultural revolution rising in the early sixties through a growing secular movement that would wash out a great deal of the Church in Europe changing it into a spiritual wasteland. John Paul II worked hard to re-introduce God in the lives of people and to equip Catholics to effectively re-evangelize the world through a compelling proclamation of Jesus Christ in a language that the world can understand.

In 1983, John Paul II would use the term “New Evangelization” in an address to Latin American bishops. His encyclical “Redemptoris Missio” would bring this term to the attention of the entire Church by describing three varying situations for evangelization: Mission Ad Gentes, Christian communities and New Evangelization.

He declared “the moment has come to commit all of the Church’s energies to a new evangelization and to the mission ad gentes. No believer in Christ, no

Christ and being built up in Him.” When Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington DC was interviewed

by Fox News anchor Bret Baier for an annual lecture hosted by John Caroll Society last September, he claims that he has found hope in “watching the New Evangelization unfold” because he is watching “the Pentecost unfold.”

We are all invited to watch not from the sidelines but as part of the process of the Christianization of the world. Two virtues are needed here.

Patience to keep on hoping and faith in the Holy Spirit who works in the Church. Thus we need to pray to our new patrons that they may give us the needed courage to carry out their unfinished business of New Evangelization today.

6|

ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY

•

MARCH-MAY 2014

John XXIII and John Paul II: Just like Jesus, they went around doing good; proclaiming both in words and deeds, "the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand."

PHOTOS FROM FROM YAHOO YAHOO PHOTOS

the Roman Catholic Church.

The other patron is John Paul II. As a young Archbishop of Krakow in Poland, Karol Wojtyla took part in the 2nd Vatican Council. He made a significant contribution to the documents which would later become the Pastoral Constitution “Gaudium et Spes” – on the Church in the Modern World and to the Dogmatic Constituion “Lumen Gentium.” When he was elected Pope in 1978 he assumed the double name of the two popes of the 2nd Vatican Council to demonstrate that his entire pontificate was dedicated to implement the Council’s directives.

John XXIII already foresaw a

SALESIAN JOY | AND OPTIMISM

Evangelii Gaudium

A hymn to christian joy Random reflections on Pope Francis’ first apostolic exhortation

By Fr. Salvatore Putzu, SDB

Not a few might be surprised at such an insistence on joy by a man who, even as a bishop, has lived for many years in close contact with – and actually deeply immersed in – so many forms of suffering, misery, and deprivation, especially in the shanty towns of Buenos Aires.

W

e had been expecting it since the conclusion of the synod of Bishops on the New Evangelization. When it was finally released on the Solemnity of Christ the King 2013, we were absolutely delighted on account of its inspiring content as a whole on the theme of the “New EVANGELIZATION” in its various aspects, but especially for its emphasis on the theme of “JOY.” The combination of the two words “Evangelium” (Gospel) and “Gaudium” (Joy) is obviously intended to convey a clear message from the very start of this Apostolic Exhortation: The Gospel is a source of joy. (It may be of interest to our readers to know that the noun “Joy” occurs 106 times in the body of the Exhortation,

while the verb “to rejoice” is used 19 times!) Such emphasis proclaims that the Good News of the Gospel is immensely stronger than the bad news oozing out from man’s moral misery. It reassures us that the heavenly Jerusalem which God’s love has prepared for all mankind and for every individual will definitely triumph over all forms of desolation and pain.

This basic “joined theme” of Gospel and joy is sung in so many tunes and with so many musical instruments in Evangelii Gaudium.

Not a few might be surprised at such an insistence on joy by a man who, even as a bishop, has lived for many years in close contact with – and actually deeply immersed in – so many forms of suffering, misery, and deprivation, especially in the shanty towns of Buenos Aires.

Obviously, the “joy” which the

MARCH-MAY 2014

• ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY | 7

| SALESIAN JOY

AND OPTIMISM

Holy Father has in mind is not one sought by those who choose to close their eyes and ears to the sad and even frightening realities of today’s world. Rather, it is the joy of a person and a community of believers who know well the present innumerable cases of injustices, pain, and manmade disasters but refuse to despair and surrender to the many forms of evil that surround them from all sides.

And they refuse to surrender and to give up hoping, not out of pride and arrogance, but because their faith tells them that mankind’s ultimate destiny is in the hands of a loving, caring and omnipotent God. Such strong faith-certitude enables all believers to see beyond the present tragedies and miseries.

8|

ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY

•

It enables them to see even the greatest tragedies and sufferings from the perspective of Christ’s resurrection and its power to renew the world by conquering pain and death. This faith, rooted in God’s love for us, grounds our hope that the Lord, in His Wisdom and Power, will

Had Don Bosco been elected Pope, he would have written an encyclical or an apostolic exhortation very similar in content as this one that the Holy Father has recently donated to us and, indeed, to all mankind.

MARCH-MAY 2014

find a way to make goodness triumph over evil, justice over injustice, love over hatred, and life over death.

Much more could be said along this line of thought. An attentive reading of the Holy Father’s Apostolic Exhortation will prove extremely enriching and heartening. It offers a splendid elaboration of the fundamental theme announced in its title. In this short article, suffice it to have just mentioned some of the fundamental reasons that justify the heart-warming invitation to rejoice.

This invitation should find a special resonance in all the members of the Salesian Family. For JOY and the love for THE GOSPEL are, in fact, very much a trademark of our spirituality and educational system.

JOY and the GOSPEL are foundation stones of Don Bosco’s CREED. “Rejoice in the Lord!” was one of his mottoes. It was one of the things he wanted most for his young people and his Salesian priests, lay Brothers and Sisters.

What comes to mind now, aside from the innumerable utterances of our Holy Founder to this effect is the content of the Second Reading of Don Bosco’s Feast Day – St. Paul’s invitation, “Rejoice in the Lord always.

I shall say it again: Rejoice!” (See Phil 4:4 but also the complete passage, which so beautifully summarizes the so-called “Salesian and Christian Humanism.”)

A somehow naughty thought comes to my mind as I bring to a close these few random considerations on “Evangelii Gaudium”: had Don Bosco been elected Pope, he would have written an encyclical or an apostolic exhortation very similar in content as this one that the Holy Father has recently donated to us and, indeed, to all mankind. A further reason for all of us, then, to treasure Evangelii Gaudium, study it thoroughly, and live out its basic message to proclaim the Gospel with unwavering optimism and holy joy.

Langit sa Lupa:

THE GOOD NEWS | LIVED AND SHARED

AnsweringÊtheÊcallÊÊofÊthe NewÊÊEvangelization

T

here is much to say about New Evangelization (NE).

But more than just a talk of the town, NE is both a challenge and a call to take and answer for.

When a direct invitation from the owner of Inquirer Radio, Mr. Paul Prieto came to the Salesians in August 2010 to handle a semi-religious program in a newly established commercial radio AM band network DZIQ 990 with simultaneous internet live streaming broadcast over www.dziq.am, then head of Salesian Social Communication, Rev Fr. Noel Osial, SDB immediately accepted it. This author was attending a development conference in Ortigas when Fr Osial called and rushly excused her from the conference for a quick meeting in a nearby mall to discuss how to start it. The first step was identifying people who would be part of the team followed by a brainstorming meeting in the Social Communication Commission. By September of 2010 the title Langit sa Lupa (LsL) was coined, the one-hour and 15 minutes program concept was finalized and accepted by the DZIQ management, and the team to alternately anchor the program was formed: Fr Osial, Fr Sylvester Casaclang, Meldy Benitez,Teresa Tunay, Maven Ventura, and Bro Donnie Duchin. On October 9, 2010, the first episode of LsL was heard on air as part of the maiden broadcast of Inquirer Radio DZIQ 990.

To date, LsL is running its 4th year on air with listeners belonging to all social classes and varying age ranges.

A religious program in a commercial radio station – why not?

Whilst known religious stations have captured the so called churched or evangelized people, the LsL thought it is the opportunity to reach out to people who are tuned in to commercial ones like DZIQ. What makes the

LsL tick and relevant at this age of new evangelization? There is effort in the program format to talk about circumstances of daily life with social status, profession, education background, and regardless of any recurring disaster, socio and political events as a practical way to listen and live the Good News of the Lord. The program makes relevant reference to the Sunday Gospel as a guide to the listeners.The discussions are geared in the light of faith and therefore bringing hope to a seemingly hopeless situation of a person, the country, and world.

The first time listeners who discover the program usually express their delight on discovering and say they will regularly tune in every Sunday.The callers and SMS senders (texters) of DZIQ’s Langit sa Lupa radio program comment that it is inspiring, enlightening, consoling, informing, interacting and fun to listen to the program.Those who listen and watch online via live streaming www.dziq.am say they are happy to see the anchors online. On a lighter side, listeners are just happy to request and hear greetings. But more

Had God not spoken through the prophets, through His Son Jesus, and through witnesses of modern times, there is no good news to speak about.

ByÊImeldaÊBenitez,ÊSalesianÊCooperator

importantly, LsL becomes a venue for prayer requests and intentions as well.

This is a manifestation that the program can be an instrument for the listeners to experience the grace of faith in the power of prayer which is the way to communicate with God. One time, Jun of Malabon, a regular listener and caller emotionally called thanking the program on air about an answered prayer. Because after so many years of living alone as a stroke patient, he is finally reconciled with his estranged son.

Violy Espina and her 15 years old son Jude of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan are regular listeners of LsL. She is not a member of any church or parish organization but just happened to become aware of the program when she saw an LsL poster in a neighbor’s store.

“Maganda makinig sa mga paliwanag sa program na Langit sa Lupa, natutuwa ako kay Jude kapag magkasabay kami nakikinig, at sinasabi nya, ‘ganon pala yon Ma, ... totoo pala yon’. Ibig sabihin talagang napapaisip siya at may tumitimo sa kanya.

Malaking tulong sa ‘kin bilang magulang na naggagabay sa teenager na anak, lalo na nasa ibang bansa ang Papa nya.” Violy is referring to one episode when the anchors discussed about parents and children relationship in the context of the bible passage about the prodigal son.

As LsL anchors Fr.Vester Casaclang, SDB and Meldy Benitez shared to the participants of New Media Stream Workshop on the Voice of God during the 1st Philippine Conference on New Evangelization held on October 2013 at University of Sto.Tomas, “there is good news because God has spoken.” Had God not spoken through the prophets, through His Son Jesus, and through witnesses of modern times, there is no good news to speak about.

Indeed, true to its closing spiel “Ang langit mong inaasam, nasa kamay mo na!”

Note: Langit sa Lupa is aired every Sunday 6:00 to 7:30pm over DZIQ 990 khz AM Radyo Inquirer with present anchors Fr. Bernard Nolasco, SDB, Fr. Sylvester Casaclang, SDB, Meldy Benitez,Teresa Tunay, Cl. Donnie Duchin Duya, SDB and Cl. Jomar Castillo, SDB. MARCH-MAY 2014

• ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY | 9

Accompanying

young the

the

DON BOSCO’S EXPERIENCE

The documents for his Beatification and Canonization call Fr. Cafasso “the co-founder, father and first collaborator of the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales.”

They also assert that “without Fr. Cafasso Don Bosco’s work could not have come into being.”

For instance, when a church (St. Francis de Sales) and a larger house were needed at the Oratory of Valdocco in 1852, Fr. Cafasso provided the needed funds. Fr. Bargetto, an associate administrator at the Pastoral Institute, testified: “I myself was

10 |

ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY

•

It was as spiritual director and guide that Fr. Cafasso has left a lasting imprint on Don Bosco’s life and as a consequence, in the Salesian Congregation as well.

MARCH-MAY 2014

young people in the city prisons, Don Bosco formed a plan “with his (Don Cafasso’s) enlightened advice.” And it was as spiritual director and guide that Fr. Cafasso has left a lasting imprint on Don Bosco’s life and as a consequence, in the Salesian Congregation as well.

Don Bosco had made Fr. Cafasso’s acquaintance many years before. At that time, Fr. Cafasso was in his second year of philosophical studies while he was only twelve years old. Don Bosco recalled that it was “the second Sunday of October, 1827, and the people of Murialdo were celebrating their patronal feast, the Motherhood of Mary. One person I noticed was taking no part in the festivities. He was a slightly-built, bright-eyed cleric, kindly and pure in appearance. He was leaning against the church door.”

John approached him and they had a chat. What impressed John were these words of then cleric Cafasso: “My dear friend, the entertainments of a priest are church ceremonies. The more devoutly they are celebrated, the more successful they are. Our pastimes are the practices of religion. These are ever new and therefore should be diligently attended. I’m only waiting for the

PHOTO CREDIT: FR. BERNARD NOLASCO, SDB

ST. JOSEPH CAFASSO AND ST. JOHN BOSCO

instructed by Fr. Cafasso to turn over to Don Bosco the 40,000 lire needed for the house, as contracted.”

When he died, Don Bosco wrote “A Eulogy of the Boys of the Oratory of Saint Francis de Sales for Their Outstanding Benefactor, Father Joseph Cafasso” as a testimony to their indebtedness to him.

However, while it is true that Fr. Cafasso was an outstanding benefactor of Don Bosco, it is also true that he was Don Bosco’s mentor and spiritual director. In the Memoirs of the Oratory Don Bosco writes “Father Cafasso, who had been my guide for the past six years, was also my spiritual director.

First thing, he began to take me to visit the prisons.” Shocked at the sight of

PHOTOS OF FR.JOSEPH CAFASSO AND DON BOSCO ARE FROM SDB.ORG. WEBSITE

When I speak of Don Bosco’s experience of accompaniment, I do not refer to how Don Bosco accompanied the young people he came in contact with. His way of accompanying young people is vividly portrayed in the lives of Dominic Savio, Michael Magone and Francis Besucco. Instead, in this article I will speak of the accompaniment Don Bosco experienced with St. Joseph Cafasso. From his personal experience I will tease out implications for spiritual directors and young people.

S

a

S

THE NEW EVANGELIZATION | A SALESIAN PERSPECTIVE

alesian way ByÊFr.ÊCaesarÊDizon,ÊSDB

church to open so I can go in.”

Don Bosco received ordinary spiritual direction from Fr. Cafasso on a weekly basis through the sacrament of confession in the Church of St. Francis.

How Fr. Cafasso gave spiritual direction to Don Bosco in the confessional box of St. Francis we will never know. But we are fortunate to be able to catch a glimpse of how he helped Don Bosco discern God’s specific call for him as a priest.

“Forget about becoming a religious. Continue to work for your boys. This and none other is God’s will for you.”

Meanwhile Don Bosco entertained the idea of joining a religious congregation, the Oblates of the Virgin Mary with the foreign missions in view. Fr. Cafasso repeatedly advised him from doing so. And in June 1844 he suggested Don Bosco to make the spiritual retreat at St. Ignatius Retreat House to help him discern his vocation.

After the retreat Don Bosco told Fr. Cafasso that he was packing his bags

and leaving the Pastoral Institute to become a religious. Fr. Cafasso replied: “Forget about becoming a religious.

Continue to work for your boys. This and none other is God’s will for you.”

The significance of Fr. Cafasso’s role as Don Bosco’s spiritual director and guide cannot be underestimated.

Fr. Arthur Lenti observes among other things that under Father Cafasso’s guidance, Don Bosco achieved vocational maturity through apprenticeship in various ministries, leading to the discovery of a certain category of young people to whom he felt personally called. More importantly, under Father Cafasso’s direction he made a definitive option for the young.

Salesian accompaniment is about presence and personal relationship.

For parents, spiritual directors and those caring for young people, accompaniment is both a privilege and a great responsibility. We are like a mother bird teaching its young how to fly. Then one day it is able to spread its wings and fly—thanks to you. Filled with pride and joy, you would tell yourself: It was worth all the effort.

Indeed, it was all worth it.

Salesian

UNDERSTANDING OF ACCOMPANIMENT

A

ccompaniment is even more important within the Salesian educational system, which is based on the presence of the educator among the young and on a personal relationship based on them knowing each other, on understanding and on trust.

When we speak about accompaniment, we are not referring only to a one-to-one dialogue, but to a whole variety of personal relationships which help the young person to assimilate the values and experiences lived personally, to relate the general suggestions to his own concrete situation, to clarify and deepen motivations and criteria.

MARCH-MAY 2014

(From the Rector Major’s Strenna of 2011)

• ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY | 11

| KICKER? | THE YOUTH AS byÊRolandoÊC.ÊdelosÊReyesÊII,ÊMAÊEd.ÊRGC CHRIST'S WITNESSES

Laura

I am

ByÊPastÊVicu–an

Bl. Laura Vicunaʼs influence in the youth of todayʼs New Evangelization

I

grew up as an unwanted child.

My mom did not finish her college studies at a private school because she learned she was pregnant of me. All her misfortunes were blamed on me.

She never had a luck of finding a man who would love her and me from the two others relationships she had, with whom I have a brother and sister. Her last partner abused me. I was placed at the Laura Vicuña Center of the Salesian Sisters after I, at age 13, overdosed myself with sleeping pills prescribed by my doctor.

My journey with Blessed Laura Vicuña began. Hopeless, faithless and homeless, that is how I felt when the cruelty of the world came along my way. Life was so useless and meaningless as I encountered trials and obstacles. But the sun continues to shine brightly even at the darkest part of my world. I found a home at Laura Vicuña Center who sheltered me from harm.

If an author said that he left a footprint in the sand with God, I walked along holding the hands of Laura towards God’s will for me. Laura led me to God. In what way? She helped me understand how to take things that happened, what’s happening and may happen with my life. At first I really don’t have any idea about saints and our Blessed Mother Mary. I grew up in a different religious denomination and they don’t believe in saints.

As time passed by, the story of Blessed Laura Vicuña captured my heart as I see my own story in hers.

I feel so blessed to have known her through the Salesian Sisters where I stayed for about five years. Laura brought me back to God’s side through the Sisters and the formation I received and shared life with them and

I walked along holding the hands of Laura towards God’s will for me.

12 |

ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY

•

MARCH-MAY 2014

other Salesian young people. The song from the musical play “Laura” entitled “The Girl You Want Me To Be” became the theme song of my life particularly this strophe: “Someday when pain comes knocking at my door and life becomes more weary as never before, through life’s darkness I still choose to smile for I know in silence will I suffer awhile.” These words carved within my heart and soul. Like Laura, I believe life is full of mysteries and challenges but if you put God first and let Him lead your way, you will gently smile and in silence.

He will make things possible even the impossible for you.

It’s not easy to ignore the seemingly beautiful yet dangerous influences surrounding me at this moment of my life but the lessons of life that Laura taught me are my strongest shields to rebuke temptation.

I am now a past Vicuñan and I am 18 years of age. Even if I no longer stay with the Sisters, I’m still actively involved as a child advocate at the Laura Vicuña’s Child Protection Clinic on Wheels. It’s not easy to ignore the seemingly beautiful yet dangerous influences surrounding me at this moment of my life but the lessons of life that Laura taught me are my strongest shields to rebuke temptation.

I am Laura. A million thanks to Blessed Laura Vicuña! I salute her!

SPENDING SUMMER I THE BOSCONIAN WAY

DON BOSCO'S RecommendationsÊforÊone'sÊsoul ÊCl.ÊDonnieÊDuchinÊDuya,ÊSDB

D

PHOTOS COURTESY COURTESY OF OF CL. CL. DONNIE DONNIE DUCHIN DUCHIN DUYA, DUYA, SDB SDB PHOTOS

on Bosco did not like the concept of vacation at all.

One may risk rushing to this conclusion, since after all, the current 19-volume work about his life is filled with unmistakable suspicion toward vacation. John Lemoyne, one of his biographers even attests that Don Bosco “felt uneasy when the boys left the Oratory even if only for a short time, and he did his utmost to keep them with him during the summer vacation” (Vol IV, p. 233). Fr. Lemoyne also gives the reason why: “Because he was concerned about their spiritual

summer break is not a vacation but only a change of occupation. welfare, fearing that their wings might turn into horns.”

Don Bosco’s constant refrain “we only have one soul; if we save it, everything else will be saved, too” is in consonant with his motto of “give me souls, take away the rest.”

Fr. Francis Cerruti, a boy who grew up in the care of Don Bosco, is convinced that this alone is proof enough “of Don Bosco’s

By

anxiety for the spiritual and physical welfare of his boys” (Vol V, p. 482).

Years ago, during my stint as a trainee in Don Bosco Seminary, the spiritual moderator of our seminarians, Fr. Joe Fernandez, SDB asked me to synthesize some valuable inputs of Don Bosco for them who would be home for summer vacation.

Here are some of Don Bosco’s tips which “will make for a true and, more importantly, a sinless vacation” then and are even applicable now (Culled from XIII, pp. 335-345). ●Ê TheÊwordÊvacation,ÊfromÊtheÊLatinÊverbÊvacareÊmeansÊÒtoÊbeÊbusy,ÊtoÊbeÊoccupied.ÓÊ YouÊmayÊnotÊbeÊoccupiedÊwithÊschool,ÊbutÊyouÊshouldÊcontinueÊtoÊbeÊoccupiedÊwithÊ work,ÊstudyÊorÊprayer.Ê ● Keep yourselves always busy and live in Godʼs presence. Donʼt waste your time at home,Êand,ÊwhateverÊyouÊmayÊdo,ÊalwaysÊrememberÊthatÊOurÊLordÊseesÊyou.Ê While home with your family, help your dad and mom, give them some help: clean the house, set the table, maintain your garden… keep yourself forever busy!

Play games with your family: cards, chess, any game you find relaxing.

Sleep also a little longer but avoid the “noonday devil.” (Ps 90, 6) Be moderate in eating, don’t overeat.

As long as there are books to read, read!

Read to learn, not just for pleasure. Read useful books.

Endeavor to live as good Christians, as you do here at the Oratory: Serve Holy Mass every morning. If you can’t, attend Mass devoutly.

To receive Jesus in better disposition, spend some time in meditation.

Avoid bad books and bad companions.

Avoid laziness and idleness. Remember: Idleness is the workshop of the devil.

It is St. John Bosco’s inspired wisdom that makes us realize that summer break is not a vacation but only a change of occupation. Let us make the most of every opportunity to develop our God-given talents and potentials especially during this summer break. Let’s enjoy having clean fun.

Just a change of occupation: the young people of Calauan undergo catechism class and visual arts enrichment program during the summer break.

MARCH-MAY 2014

• ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY | 13

| KICKER? AND EDUCATE | EVANGELIZE THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA

Social Media insi FAMILY CONNECTED

acebook, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsAp, Tumblr – these are just some of the social media sites and applications that are available today. Both young and old, every member of the family seems to be hooked up with one or more of these – to connect with old friends from years past, to discover new friends with the same likes and the same following, or to share one’s pictures and views with the public eyes of the netizens. How can we integrate the use of social media with enriching family life? How can we evangelize and educate our family members through social media?

14 |

ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY

•

God designed the family to be complete – father, mother, and children.

And He desires that they live and share their lives together. Yet due to man’s circumstances brought about by a fast-paced world, today we have to deal with family members living apart because of work, with single parenthood, with children drawn into network gaming and connecting.

With social media, a family under these situations may form a group where they could invite other family members to join. Through this group, members can stay connected with one another, update each other’s life situations, share views and opinions about social or political issues, and even develop a chain of prayer warriors for a family member that is in need.

Writing articles for the family’s blog, or chatting or using webcams or

MARCH-MAY 2014

Skype to have up-to-date conversations with family members, or capturing moments together, are just some of the things that families can do through social media. This virtual connection can never replace face-to-face, personal connection which is essential to be periodically kept by the family, but this connection may save the ties that bind members of the family together.

The use of computers and other gadgets that access the internet must be kept within the common areas of the house.

BOUNDARIES DEFINED

To maintain order and maximize the benefits of the social media, certain boundaries must be kept. These boundaries can only work in family cultures and structures that promote openness and honesty among each other – it cannot thrive in secrecy.

The use of computers and other gadgets that access the internet must be kept within the common areas of the house, to ensure that both parents and children can see the sites that they visit and explore, developing a sense of accountability with one another.

For parents, it would be helpful

ide the home to download and implement applications such as K-9 (http://www1. k9webprotection.com/) and Covenant Eyes (http://www.covenanteyes.com/) on all gadgets that use the internet so as to filter the sites that their children (and at times, even spouses) are allowed to visit. These applications may either outright prevent websites of a particular nature from being opened, or send an email to parents (or wife/ husband) or other accountability guardians reporting all the websites that a particular user has opened at a particular date and time. The strongest reason for internet accountability is pornography. Family members who are addicted to pornography online have a greater propensity to live a hidden life, slowly breaking off from family bonds. It would be best to develop a culture within the family where we could share our deepest struggles without shame.

GOSPEL SHARED

Sharing not only our happy thoughts but even our deepest

struggles in the light of gospel values would be the original design of God for family. What a gift would it be if we would have daily reminders and/ or bits of inspirations from members of our family as we go through our daily tasks! What a gift would it be if our children and our teenagers thrown by our society into more confusing sophisticated yet shallow lifestyles would find direction and guidance from trusted adults and peers within the extended family bonds! In the family blog or Facebook group, there could be a question box where inquisitive members can drop in some questions about the faith, about friendships or courtships, about love and relationships, or just about anything that bothers them in life – and well informed adults could give them some answers, or refer them to websites that could answer their questions. Daily posts about the reading for the day, or about the life of the saint celebrated that day, or liturgical practices or matters of the faith that are often questioned – these may be posted and

ByÊÊRolandoÊC.ÊdelosÊReyesÊII,ÊMAÊEd.ÊRGC

discussed among family members.

In whatever way, the principal goal is to make Christ as the center of family life, even in the virtual set-up of the social media.

“No foul word should ever cross your lips; let your words be for the improvement of others, as occasion offers, and do good to your listeners” Ephesians 4:29 At the end of the day, the use of social media by family members is not to police every post and every activity that a member does – but to communicate to each other that one is not alone in this journey of life.

The principal goal is to make Christ as the center of family life, even in the virtual set-up of the social media.

A thousand or more friends on Facebook or followers in Twitter, it does not change the fact that each of us is a member of a family – and though we may un-friend or un-follow them because of some misunderstanding, they would remain our family forever. May we use social media wisely to connect with them and share with them the simple truth that God is love.

The family that twits, chats, shares, likes, blogs together in Christ, stays together.

MARCH-MAY 2014

• ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY | 15

| KICKER? | IN THE SERVICE

byÊRolandoÊC.ÊdelosÊReyesÊII,ÊMAÊEd.ÊRGC

OF THE CHURCH

St. Jo

The catechetics ministry co

A response to the N

I

16 |

ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY

•

are given in the main conferences. To make the conference a truly ecclesial service, bishops who are considered as first catechist in their dioceses are invited to preside over the Eucharistic celebration. It is worth mentioning that His Eminence Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales, now retired, has been present yearly except in one.

The participants come from various dioceses and religious congregations; some foreign delegates have also attended the JPII Conference. They have been appreciative of the three days

At its 10th year, St. John Paul II Catechetics & Youth Ministry Conference is among the answers of the Salesian FIN Province to the challenges of the new evangelization of study, prayer, and fellowship with their co-ministers and co-evangelizers.

Following are some of their comments gathered at the end of the conference: “It has awakened me and challenged me to become a more creative agent of evangelization.” “(I am) Affirmed, empowered because I have now a deeper knowledge

MARCH-MAY 2014

and understanding of Catholic social teachings and the Social Analysis process.

Salute to our facilitator! More power to JP II!” “Enlightened my mission as a minister and provided me a different perspective in looking at servant leaders in the Filipino context.”

“It has taught me to integrate the Word of God with the new media culture and it has inspired me a lot to be more optimistic despite the challenge/new face of youth nowadays.”

“It has given me an idea on how to respond to the call of the New Evangelization.”

Looking at the journey that the JPII Conference has taken, a strong conviction prevails among those who initiated this pastoral service – soon to be canonized Pope John Paul II has been with this conference since its start, and since his death, he has been present from its planning to its organization, and finally in its celebration. The conference began with him as a Pope who passed away, then grew with a Pope who was beatified, and this year, on the date of the conference, it will have him as the Pope who will have been just proclaimed a saint.

At its 10th year, St. John Paul II Catechetics & Youth Ministry Conference is among the answers of the Salesian FIN Province to the challenges

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JPII

n the summer of 2003, a 3-day conference for catechists and youth ministers was in its final preparations, when news of Pope John Paul II’s death echoed around the world. Since the conference aimed at offering those involved in catechesis and youth ministry formative experience so that they will grow in their love and effectiveness in guiding the youth, whom the late pope loved, in their journey of faith, the organizers thought of giving him a meaningful tribute, one that would keep him alive in the hearts of many.

Hence, the first conference was called “1st John Paul II Catechetics & Youth Ministry Conference.” The Salesians in the Philippine North Province and their collaborators who initiated this conference and kept it going for 9 years envision a pastoral service for the Church in the Philippines in response to the call of the Church for new evangelization.

The yearly conference has developed themes drawn from a framework for a basic formation of pastoral ministers or evangelizers. This consists of three dimensions: knowledge of faith, methods and skills development, human formation and spirituality of the catechists, youth ministers and pastoral workers. To give the conference a specific slant for the year, particular themes on contemporary issues that are global and universal in perspective

ohn PaulÊII

and youth onferences:

New Evangelization ByÊFr.ÊRenatoÊDeÊGuzman,ÊSDB

of the new evangelization. One with Pope John Paul II’s vision of the new evangelization, JPII conference has been and is filled with new fervor, celebrated with new spirit, and organized with new methods.

JP II Conference affirms one of the proposals of the Synod on New Evangelization, Proposition No. 45. “The Role of the Lay Faithful in the New Evangelization.”

The Salesians in the Philippine North Province and their collaborators who initiated this conference and kept it going for 9 years envision a pastoral service for the Church in the Philippines in response to the call of the Church for new evangelization.

The Church values the gifts that the Spirit is making (giving) to every baptized for the construction of the body, and should provide adequate encouragement and training to foster their apostolic zeal in the transmission of faith.

No other than Pope Francis in his “Evangelii Gaudium” (The Joy of the Gospel) mentioned the challenge for the lay faithful to be properly formed in the context of evangelization.

“The formation of the laity and evangelization of professional and intellectual life represent a significant pastoral challenge. JPII Conference continues to face this pastoral challenge of formation of the laity, specifically those involved in catechesis and youth ministry.”

JPII Catechetics and Youth Ministry Conferences: in the service of the Church, for the Church, with the Church.

MARCH-MAY 2014

• ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY | 17

| KICKER?THE POOR | SERVING AND MARGINALIZED YOUTH

byÊRolandoÊC.ÊdelosÊReyesÊII,ÊMAÊEd.ÊRGC

T VET CastingÊoffÊintoÊtheÊdeep

Centers: CastingÊoffÊintoÊtheÊdeep ByÊFr.ÊVesterÊCasaclang,ÊSDB

A

18 |

ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY

•

work with government and industries to Champion the vocational tracks for grades 11 and 12. This is coupled with provisions for Alternative Learning Systems and projections for programs that consider those who would not be selected for grades 11 and 12. Responding to the demands of some sectors of the industry they are also open to offering NCIII and NCIV training leading to a Technician Diploma Course as referenced from the Philippine Qualification Framework.

While continually working with TESDA for the upgrade and certification of our Instructors and students, the

The Don Bosco TVET Centers toil to turn the marginalized into agents of development and positive societal change. centers have begun to align their training operations with international standards by seeking accreditation from the Colombo Plan Staff College which is an Inter-governmental International Organization for human resources development in Asia and the Pacific Region. CPSC is the only regional institution established specifically to enhance the quality of TVET. The Don Bosco TVET centers have also realized from the start that there are a lot of people who share their cause and appreciate the significance of their initiatives. They cannot and probably should not work in isolation, they have always believed in networking

MARCH-MAY 2014

and lately they have published a consolidated directory cum portfolio representing all the 19 Don Bosco TVET centers in the Philippines. This Directory also presents their industry partners. Beyond this Directory however are innumerable meetings that have been organized by the ODEA with TESDA, CHED DepED, DOLE, Industries and other Stakeholders both local and foreign.

In the midst of all these ‘upheavals’ in the socio-economic-educational environment the Centers had to assure themselves that they have not strayed from producing Good Christians and Honest Citizens. To this end the Spiritual Moderators of the Centers have set on an ambitious task of rethinking their Pastoral Programs from the CL curriculum, to the religious experience, to the integration of values in the technical subjects, equipping our trainees with moral-spiritual skills of choice, conviction and the Salesian Youth Spirituality. They are asking how (in spite of the short training period) can their trainees experience God by creating a climate of a home that welcomes, a parish that evangelizes, a school that prepares for life and a playground where they can find the true joy with true friends.

But where’s the money they need to put where their mouth is? The last time I checked (February 20, 2014) they were discussing how to finance, realize and sustain all of these initiatives. This is the part where reality really bites and where fire consumes fuel. But it is also the part where our faith in men and women of good will is truly tested and our trust in God is witnessed.

PHOTO CREDIT: RAYMOND MAMARIL PHOTO CREDIT: RAYMOND MAMARIL

s the national government tries to address the rising unemployment in the country, the Stakeholders of all the Don Bosco FIN TVET centers, through the hospices of the ODEA, were meeting to make sure that they are better geared to fielding in quality skilled citizens that respond to the needs of the industrial and service sectors. Even if these centers aggregately churn out thousands of graduates annually, they know that to remain relevant they should not give in to complacency. But of course, for these centers, it is not just about job matching.

Different researches have shown that those most at risk of delinquency involvement are those who do not have a sense of connectedness with their society, community, Church and those who do not have positive emotional attachments with their families. Those who are unable to participate in their social environment are pushed out and marginalized. The Don Bosco TVET Centers toil to turn the marginalized into agents of development and positive societal change. And they are dead serious about this in spite of the fact that they are now forging into new ‘territories’ they have not ventured into before.

The winds of change have brought in educational reforms bannered as K to 12. In this regard, the TVET centers, and in fact the FIN province in general, has committed to take a proactive stance and not a wait and see attitude. These Centers are positioning themselves to

ZENIT INTERVIEW I

F

Salesian Superior:

Pope

rancis

is above all a gift of God

ZENIT: What is the situation of the Congregation in the world? Is it still growing?

Z

ENIT interviewed the Rector Major of the Salesians, Father Pascual Chávez, who commented on Pope Francis’ Salesian background and made a small evaluation of his own two six-year mandates as Superior General of the Salesians. We offer our readers his considerations as well as one of the answers of the Superior and of Monsignor Mario Toso, secretary of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.

FATHER CHÁVEZ: We have grown because now we are in 132 countries, although in Europe there is a decrease because of a problem of the society: there are no children for families, there are no children for the Church, there is a profound demographic problem which has its repercussion in social life, and from that point of view there is a contraction. Instead, the great vocational flowering today is to be found in Asia. In India alone we have 2,600 vocations, and we have Provinces, such as Vietnam, with more than 350.

In Latin America, instead, I am more preoccupied by the situation, because it is identifying more with the European model, even more than with the North American model, and although the seminaries are full, this is not true of the Houses of Religious, and there is something here that we must study.

ZENIT: After two six-year mandates as Superior of the Salesians, what evaluation can you make?

ZENIT: And now, with a Pope like Francis, who is also somewhat Salesian?

FATHER CHÁVEZ: I always say that I was given a lovely task, that of embodying Don Bosco, which implies a great dignity because he is a very fascinating figure. It’s enough to give a biography of him to a young man to see how he is delighted with his likeableness and his very natural way of being, almost congenital in his relation with the boys. However, at the same time it is a great responsibility to be able to hand over the Congregation in a good state of health after 12 years. And I hope to be able to do this.

FATHER CHÁVEZ: The Pope is Latin American; he knows everything well.

About his being somewhat of a Salesian, it is said that he is a Pope who has a Franciscan name, a habit like the Dominicans (because it is all white) and he is a Jesuit, and although we don’t dare to say he is Salesian, he himself has said that he was greatly influenced by us.

During the conference, ZENIT asked Father Pascual if it is just a coincidence to have a Pope like Francis on the second centenary of Don Bosco’s birth. The Rector Major

pointed out that “the 200 years of Don Bosco’s birth coincide happily with this pontificate. As you know, Francis was a pupil of ours. What is interesting is that he wasn’t only a pupil. His parents lived on the road that leads to Baldocco, near Turin. Then, when they emigrated to Argentina they arrived at a center of ours -- Mary Help of Christians -- in the neighborhood of Almagro, where a Salesian founded the San Lorenzo de Almagro Club, and he was there not only with the school of Bernal.”

“It is a happy coincidence,” said Father Pascual, “but above all he has come to give a breath of fresh air, not only to the Church but also to society.

Because his is a new vision of the world, in which we must see the many elements of good that there are to put them in synergy to resolve the world’s problems, in order not to have only a myopic vision of some problems of a dogmatic or pastoral nature.

“Like Don Bosco who said that one must begin with the satisfaction of essential needs -- of food and housing. It is no use to talk to them about God when they have empty stomachs, because it is also cynical to say that God is Father when things are this way. He has come to change the concept of Church, which he presented not as a transatlantic ship but as a fishermen’s boat in which there is a very warm welcome. It is a new way of understanding the exercise of priority.

“And that is why I say that he is a gift, not only for the Church but also for society. It makes sense that he is now one of the leaders. Even the Rolling Stones have put him on their cover. It is a happy coincidence but above all it is a gift of God.”

MARCH-MAY 2014

• ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY | 19

| GREATER THINGS AHEAD

A Celebration and Th

The Golden Jubilee Year of Don Bosco Canlubang

“W

environment and social responsibility.

More than 50 native tree seedlings were planted within the campus and 50 more were brought and planted at a reforestation site atop Mt. Manabu at Sto. Tomas, Batangas.

The TVET hosted a job fair. Around 50 companies participated and opened opportunities to about 1000 job seekers around the province. Students, Salesians and Lay Mission Partners took part in a one-day house build and catechetical instruction at the nearby Gawad-Kalinga Majada-in. Student-leaders with the youth leaders of the GK Majada-in Village formed the GK Youth group to foster a closer bond and partnership with the community and to ensure the continuous formation and assistance of DBC to them.

STEWARDS OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND HERALDS OF SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

A SHOWCASE OF EXCELLENCE

Don Bosco Canlubang continues its commitment to the care for the FEBRUARYÊ1960 DonÊJoseÊYulo,ÊSr.ÊofferedÊtoÊ ServantÊofÊGodÊFr.ÊCarloÊBragaÊ six hectares of land if the SalesiansÊwouldÊagreeÊtoÊtakeÊ overÊtheÊRizalÊInstituteÊHighÊ SchoolÊinsideÊtheÊCanlubangÊ SugarÊEstate.

20 |

AUGUSTÊ1960 TheÊvisitatoreÊhadÊappointedÊ Fr.ÊJohanÊBuchtaÊasÊtheÊ directorÊofÊRizalÊInstitute.

ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY

•

The gates of Don Bosco Canlubang were once again opened to students and educators of various schools around Laguna. The College held the 21ÊSEPTEMBERÊ1960 TheÊRizalÊInstituteÊwasÊcanonicallyÊerectedÊ asÊSaintÊDominicÊSavioÊSchoolÊbyÊtheÊRectorÊ MajorÊthen,ÊFr.ÊZiggiotti.ÊItÊisÊÒanÊoratoryÊ andÊschoolÊforÊtheÊadvantageÊofÊyoungÊboysÊ ofÊtheÊplace,ÊasÊwellÊasÊanÊaspirantateÊforÊ theÊformationÊofÊtheÊyoungÊwhoÊaspireÊforÊ theÊpriesthoodÊinÊtheÊSalesianÊSociety.Ó

MARCH-MAY 2014

first BoscoTech Seminar-Workshop on DBC’s Technical Education Program.

This gave participants a closer look at the long-running Technical Education Courses offered in DBC. For a full-week, exhibits featured the best projects, experiments and theses of DBC students from the Basic Education, College, and TVET departments. Among the technical projects displayed was a mobile application dubbed as “Little John’s Math Adventure.” It is a game running on Android OS that introduces kids to the rudiments of mathematics (Download the game here: http://bit.ly/ littlejohnmath).

THE SPIRIT BEHIND THE CELEBRATION

Among the many exhibits in the campus during this weeklong celebration, the exhibit prepared by our seminarians was the heart of them all.

It presented the spirit that animates the whole celebration by introducing Saint

25ÊJULYÊ1963 The entry of the first batch ofÊnovicesÊtoÊmakeÊtheÊ novitiateÊinÊCanlubang

7ÊAPRILÊ1964 TheÊschoolÊofÊ PhilosophyÊinÊ CanlubangÊforÊtheÊ seminariansÊwasÊ approved.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CL. APRIL JEROME S. QUINTO, SDB PHOTOS COURTESY OF CL. APRIL JEROME S. QUINTO, SDB

e are celebrating not the laying of the cornerstones of this institution. Rather, we are celebrating the person behind all these endeavors. We celebrate Saint John Bosco.”

Those were the parting words of Fr. Favie Faldas, SDB, Rector of Don Bosco College, in his message as the students, lay mission partners, seminarians and Salesians of Don Bosco Canlubang gathered around the statue of Don Bosco to offer a wreath of flowers. This began the week-long closing celebration of Don Bosco Canlubang Golden Jubilee.

Here is a montage of the events that have shaped the fiftieth year of Don Bosco Canlubang:

1965 1965 TheÊChapelÊofÊMaryÊ TheÊChapelÊofÊMaryÊ HelpÊofÊChristiansÊ HelpÊofÊChristiansÊ wasÊbuilt. wasÊbuilt.

“We are celebrating not the laying of the cornerstones of this institution. Rather, we are celebrating the person behind all these endeavors. We celebrate Saint John Bosco.”

hanksgiving ByÊÊCl.ÊAprilÊJeromeÊS.ÊQuinto,ÊSDB John Bosco his dreams, his childhood, his pedagogy. It also presented who are the Salesians of Don Bosco, their missions, their historical journey to the Philippines, and how they began their presence in Canlubang. This exhbit also featured in a very creative way the lives of the three young saints, Bl. Laura Vicuña, Bl. Zeferin Namuncura and Bl. Albert Marvelli.

Beside this Salesian Exhibit, the prenovitiate seminary spearheaded the production and staging of the play titled, ‘Sikleta. It is a creative take on the life and character of Blesssed Albert Marvelli. It was a fitting preparation for the feast of Saint John Bosco. It challenged those who watched to be positive agents of change—to be heroes and saints of today by doing one’s duties extraordinarily well and by being faithful to Christ.

SALAMAT—50 YEARS OF GRATITUDE AND BEYOND

Before the iconic façade of the 4ÊNOVEMBERÊ1967 4ÊNOVEMBERÊ1967 SuperÊTyphoonÊEmmaÊ SuperÊTyphoonÊEmmaÊ destroyedÊtheÊchapel.Ê destroyedÊtheÊchapel.Ê Fr.ÊJohnÊBenna,ÊSDB,Ê Fr.ÊJohnÊBenna,ÊSDB,Ê remembersÊthisÊasÊtheÊ remembersÊthisÊasÊtheÊ sameÊtyphoonÊthatÊhasÊ sameÊtyphoonÊthatÊhasÊ ruinedÊhisÊlibrary. ruinedÊhisÊlibrary.

8ÊNOVEMBERÊ1968 TheÊVeryÊRev.ÊAloysiusÊ Ricerri,ÊSDB,ÊtheÊSuperiorÊ GeneralÊ(RectorÊMajor)ÊofÊ theÊSalesiansÊofÊDonÊBoscoÊ blessedÊtheÊfoundationÊ stoneÊofÊtheÊbuilding.

Diocesan Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, Most Rev. Buenaventura Famadico, DD, Bishop of San Pablo, led the community in a Solemn Thanksgiving Mass. Present were the benefactors of Don Bosco Canlubang that have been very instrumental in the pursuit of its mission. Foremost of these benefactors is the late Jose Yulo Sr. He has donated the land where Don Bosco Canlubang stands. Two of his grandchildren with their families represented him. On his behalf, they received a statue of Saint John Bosco.

What a fitting conclusion to a year of celebration! It was, more than anything else, a year of sincere gratitude. We are and will always be grateful to God, to Canlubang and to our benefactors. Great indeed is God’s Providence. His love, seen throughout those years, is beyond expectations.

Our fitting response is that of gratitude and hope—a concrete act of love and trust. Our only path, then, is towards greater things ahead!

20ÊAPRILÊ1969 ArchbishopÊCarmineÊRocco,ÊDD,Ê JCD,ÊApostolicÊNuncioÊtoÊtheÊ PhilippinesÊandÊTheÊMostÊRev.Ê PedroÊN.ÊBantigue,ÊBSE,ÊDD,ÊFirstÊ BishopÊofÊSanÊPabloÊdedicatedÊitÊ asÊtheÊDiocesanÊShrineÊofÊMaryÊ HelpÊofÊChristians.

1972 TheÊTechnicalÊandÊ VocationalÊEducationÊ andÊTrainingÊCenterÊ wasÊopened.

“Everything fades away, but not our gratitude.We shall always pray that God will abundantly bless those who have been so good to us.”

—Saint John Bosco

by Cl. April Jerome S. Quinto, SDB [@jeromequinto / subtleoasis.org] with reports and photos from Don Bosco Seminary Archives, Cl. James Aro, SDB, Don Bosco College Social Media Team [@dbcanlubang], Lemuel Paule [http://lemueloodle.tumblr.com/ ] and Mr. Paulo Cervantes [@pauNSTP].

1994 TheÊCollegeÊofferedÊ itsÊcoursesÊtoÊnonaspirants.

1998 DonÊBoscoÊ CanlubangÊwelcomedÊ its first batch of high schoolÊstudents

2009 TheÊGradeÊSchoolÊ DepartmentÊwasÊ opened.

[fromÊtheÊbookÊofÊFrÊNestorÊImpelido,ÊSDB,ÊÒSaleesiansÊinÊtheÊPhilippines:ÊEstablishmentÊandÊDevelopmentÊ fromÊDelegationÊtoÊProvinceÊ(1951-1963),ÓÊÊpublishedÊinÊ2007ÊbyÊDonÊBoscoÊPress:ÊMakati.]

MARCH-MAY 2014

• ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY | 21

7 February 2014, Don Bosco Batulao— Young people from various Salesian houses in the Philippine-North Province (FIN) came together for a pilgrimage accompanying the images and relics of Blessed Laura Vicuña, Blessed Albert Marvelli and Blessed Ceferino Namuncura.

At 8:00 am, Pilgrims from the different Salesian schools, training centers, oratories, seminaries and parishes converged at Don Bosco Canlubang for the send-off liturgy. Fr. Gerardo Martin, SDB, Rector of the Prenovitiate Seminary led the rite. Fr. Gaudencio Carandang, SDB, Delegate on Youth Ministry gave final instructions on convoy en route to Mary Help of Christians Center for Spirituality in Batulao, Nasugbu, Batangas (south of Manila).

Pilgrims arrived at Don Bosco Batulao at 10:00 am. Volunteer facilitators introduced and assisted the pilgrims to the "Camino Walk"--first of a series of key events of the pilgrimage.

With the relics of the three young saints leading the bare-foot pilgrims to the Chapel of the Adolescent Jesus (more commonly known as The Chapel on the

Hill and is a famous chapel for weddings in the Philippines) where they gathered for the Eucharistic Celebration.

The statues and relics of the blesseds were enthroned on the pillars of the chapel. Some students accompanied by a Salesian sister enthroned Bl. Laura Vicuña, while the Postnovice brothers and young professionals mounted Namuncura and Marvelli respectively.

Fr. Eligio Cruz, SDB, FIN Provincial Superior, celebrated the Mass and delivered the homily highlighting the heroism and holiness of the young saints, challenging the pilgrims to imitate them.

Divided into smaller groups, the pilgrims, went to separate venues at 1:30 pm for the Stations of Saints.

They were led through a reflection of the beatitudes--blessed are the meek and humble of heart, blessed are the peacemakers, and blessed are those who mourn.

After which there was the blessing of the Totem Pole / Pillar of the Risen Christ as a landmark for the youth pilgrims. The image on the pillar is an anime version of the risen Christ sculpted on wood. Fr. Eli blessed it. A flash mob dance of the popular song "Firework"

concluded the blessing.

Afterwards, the pilgrims began their walk to the "Mountain of Salvation (a garden dedicated to our blessed lady where she appears to a visionary named Emma)." They carried banners depicting different images of Mary accompanied by statements of devotion.

The scholars of DB Batulao staged a pantomime-dance that dramatically retold the life of Our Blessed Lady.

The pilgrims wrote their prayers and burned incenses for the blessed lady, generally asking her to accompany them in their journey ahead, towards holiness.

Each pilgrim received a scapular and were bestowed the send-off blessing. By groups, they continued the journey back to their settings filled with joy and optimism.

This happened on the First Friday of February, and Memorial of Bl. Pius IX. It is the conclusion of the threemonth-long pilgrimage of the images and relics of the 3 young saints to the Salesian communities of FIN and part of the province's preparation for the bicentenary of the birth of Saint John Bosco.

NATIONALÊSHRINEÊOFÊMARYÊHELPÊOFÊCHRISTIANS,ÊPARA„AQUE The official prayer booklets and devotional resource and guide inÊhonorÊofÊMaryÊHelpÊofÊChristians,ÊbothÊinÊEnglishÊandÊTagalogÊareÊ nowÊavailableÊatÊtheÊMaryÊHelpÊofÊChristiansÊNationalÊShrine,ÊandÊatÊtheÊ DiocesanÊShrineÊofÊMaryÊHelpÊofÊChristiansÊinÊCanlubang,ÊLaguna.ÊAsÊofÊ today, the Pampango version is undergoing final revisions and will soon beÊsubmittedÊtoÊtheÊecclesiasticalÊauthoritiesÊforÊImprimatur.ÊSimilarly,Ê theÊversionsÊinÊWaray,ÊCebuano,Ê&ÊIlonggoÊareÊnowÊbeingÊprepared.ÊWeÊ areÊstillÊawaitingÊvolunteersÊtoÊdoÊtheÊBicolanoÊandÊIlocanoÊversions.

22 |

ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY

•

MARCH-MAY 2014

WeÊcallÊonÊtheÊ14ÊMHCÊParishÊChurchesÊandÊChapels,ÊalongÊwithÊtwoÊseminariesÊ namedÊafterÊMHCÊallÊoverÊtheÊcountryÊtoÊkindlyÊactÊasÊdistributionÊcentersÊforÊtheÊprayerÊ bookletsÊandÊotherÊdevotionalÊmaterials.ÊYouÊmayÊgetÊthemÊinÊbulkÊfromÊusÊatÊcostÊ price. All you need to do is answer for the shipping costs. Please call, fax or email us.

TelephoneÊNumberÊ02-403Ê1680Ê(MondaysÊthroughÊThursdays,Ê9ÊAM-3PMÊonly)Ê orÊwriteÊusÊatÊmhcnsph@gmail.comÊorÊsendÊusÊaÊmessageÊthroughÊthisÊfacebookÊpage.Ê Fax number is 02-824 6700. Ask for Ms. Boots Sison or Ms. Belen Bauza.

General Chapter 27: G Witnesses To The Radical Approach of The Gospel

T

he whole Salesian Congregation will be observing the 27th General Chapter beginning February 22 until April 12 of this year. The highlights of this GC 27 are the following: the Pilgrimage to Turin; the Retreat before the start of the GC; the Deliberations of the topics; and the Election of the Rector Major, the Tenth Successor of Don Bosco, and the new superior council based on the deliberations regarding the structure of the Superior Council.

The theme of GC27 “Witnesses to the radical approach of the Gospel” and the three core topics are: Mystics in the Spirit, Prophets of Fraternity, and Servants of the Young. Each topic will undergo a process of: Listening: presents the situation of the Congregation in its fundamental aspects today, meaning what challenges us most of all and what seems most promising or risky for bearing witness to the radical approach of the Gospel; it highlights what the Congregation perceives and experiences as being the most important, the desires and expectations to be satisfied, questions and provocations requiring a response, commitments that need reinforcing, challenges needing to be faced up to, concerns and risks that have to be borne in mind.

Interpreting: presents the main causes and motivations for what has been revealed at the listening stage. In particular it highlights how we understand situations, signs of the times, sensitivities perceived by the Congregation, the things that question it, and those that seem to be promising or show themselves to be risky.

The way ahead: presents the goal to be achieved and the steps needed to move forward in testimony to the radical approach of the Gospel, giving various individuals tasks to carry out. In particular it highlights the way we need to move forward by way of processes to be put in place or consolidated, mindsets that need changing.

We wish our FIN, FIS, PNG/SI delegates: Fr. Eli Cruz, Fr. Paul Bicomong, Fr. Alex Garces, Fr. George Militante, Fr. Nioret Geronimo, and Fr. Peter Baquero the best as they represent the whole Salesian Family of our respective Provinces and Delegation. Bro. Ramon Callo will join the group as observer.

The Servant of God,

FR.

CARLO BRAGA Pray for us,

A

grand Eucharistic Celebration in honor of St. John Bosco was held at the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Fernando in Pampanga last January 30, 2014 at 10:00 in the morning, with the Opening Session of the Diocesan Inquiry to the Cause of Beatification and Canonization of the Servant of God, Father Carlo Braga, SDB. The Holy Mass was presided by His Excellency Archbishop Paciano B. Aniceto, DD. Concelebrating were the Salesian Cardinal Joseph Zen of China, Salesian Bishops Leo Drona and Patrick Buzon, San Fernando Auxiliary Bishop Pablo David, Provincial Superiors Fr. Eligio Cruz (FIN), Fr. George Militante (FIS), Fr. Lanfranco Fedrigotti (CHN), Salesian Postulator General for the Cause of Canonization for the Cause of Canonization Fr. Pierluigi Cameroni, and around fifty Salesian and non-Salesian priests.

Fr. Nestor Impelido was given by the FIN Province the tasked of seeing to it that all the necessary requirements for the Cause of the Beatification and Canonization of Fr. Braga are met and are fulfilled. The process may take a while depending on the miracles that will be attributed to Fr. Braga’s intercession. Nevertheless, this Archdiocesan Inquiry is already a source of grace to the whole Salesian Family in the Philippines in pursuing a life of holiness after the humble example of Fr. Carlo Braga.

MARCH-MAY 2014

• ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY | 23

24 |

ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY

•

MARCH-MAY 2014