SALESIANBULLETIN
From the Editor
Message fromtheRectorMajor Fr.FabioAttard,SDB
HowDonBoscoLivedontheEucharist
Fr RobertPaulA Zarate,SDB TenTruthsabouttheEucharist Willy&IsayArcilla
TheEucharistinanAgeofMisinformation MaritessRanoRedona
ASCSta.MesaBeginsJubileeYearinFaithandService OwenJ Bandilla
WhenFaithFalters JemaicaR Bercarsi
TheEucharisticLifeofFr MiguelGonzález,SDB
Ms.GeneHidalgo
ItWasJustBreadUntilItBrokeMe IreneSy
BeforetheTabernacle Mrs.SusanLiwanag
FivePracticalWaystheEucharistcanStrengthen theFamilyToday
GratefulfortheGiftofFidelity
Sr VirgieLimbauan,FMA
CalandaganIsland:WherePilgrimsofHopeLive Fr.DransNolasco,SDB
NewsSection
CelineAcosta,SusanL Liwanag,Fr DonnieDuchinDuya,SDB
ObituarySection
Editorial Team
Director-in-Chief Fr.FabioAttard,SDB
Editor-in-Chief Fr.PaulAldrinDungca,SDB
Lay-out Dunx
ManagingEditor Ms.SusanLiwanag
Copy Editor Mrs.AnitaMaullion
Circulation Ms.Ma.NicoleEspanillo
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One Sunday after Mass, Miguel didn’t say much. Just lingered Then softly, almost breaking, “I don’t know, Father… everything feels loud but empty. I just wanted silence. Ijustwantedto knowifHe’sreallythere.”
That longing for stillness, for meaning, for Presence is what brings this Bulletin back into your hands. After years of flickering screens, we return to paper. To something you can hold. Because the Presence of God is not just an idea it’s real It’s felt And nowhere more profoundly than in the Eucharist
This issue isn’t just a magazine. It’s an encounter. A sign. A whisper in the noise that says: He is here.
For 2025–2026, we walk with Don Bosco through his three great loves: theEucharist, Mama Mary, and the Holy Father. We begin with the Eucharist where restless hearts are quieted, broken ones are healed, and God makes Himself near
To every Miguel out there, aching for something more This is your sign. Not of our return, but of His. Let us find Him together.
Fr. Paul Dungca, SDB
About the Cover
Copyright©2025bySalesiansofDonBosco(FIN)
Nopartofthismagazinemay bereproducedwithoutexpresspermissionfrom thepublisher.
In a world that scrolls endlessly, moves anxiously, and aches silently, the Eucharist remains still. Real. Alive.
This cover captures the quiet thunder of the Mass the moment when bread becomes Body, when the eternal pierces the present. Behind the priest’s lifted hands is a world blurred by motion and disconnection figures in the background that could be anyone, anywhere, moving but not meeting, existing but not truly seen
Photo taken by Mr. John Villafania
Ed i g s
Weaknesses
Fr. Fabio Attard, SDB
In the last chapter of the Gospel of John, chapter 21, we find Jesus' encounter with Peter We read a dialogue that is built on three questions and then ends with a mandate (Jn 21:15-23). I would like to comment on this encounter which casts a particular light on our very mission as evangelizers and educators. It is a passage that presents a fundamental moment in Peter's life and also in the mission of the nascent Church For us who are engaged in the Salesian mission, it is also rich in educational and pastoral meaning.
After the resurrection, Jesus appears to the disciples on the Sea of Galilee and, after sharing a meal with them, turns to Simon Peter with three successive questions which touch directly on His relationship with Peter: "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" In the first two questions, what Jesus asks for is a demanding love that does not count the cost. This question, asked twice to Peter, is demanding and challenging He is aware of his weakness caused by his betrayal Forthis reason,hisanswerbothtimesis,indeed,one thattestifiestolove,buttoalovethatismore human,thatisfragile. In the face of these two answers, Jesus still entrusts him with the care of His flock.
And his answer to the third question is a testimony of how his heart, even if wounded, wants to be placed entirely in the hands of Jesus...
It is the third question that puts Peter in crisis because Jesus asks Peter precisely for the commitment to that love of which he is capable: human love with its weaknesses, fragility, and limitations. We can say that Jesus calls Peter to a "high" love, but he does not want to put him in a situation of impossibility, of being discouraged. Peter, for his part, realizes both the fact that his love is weak and the fact that Jesus does everything He can to help him not to give up He wants to be sincere and stay close to Jesus And his answer to the third question is a testimony of how his heart, even if wounded, wants to be placed entirely in the hands of Jesus: "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love You." (v. 17)
ANSPhoto
Thus, we discover that this is not only a threefold dialogue that recalls and surmounts Peter's threefold denial before the Passion Here we have an example of a dialogue that marks a path based on that true love which fosters reconciliation and encourages growth and responsibility with regard to oneself and others. We catch a glimpse of how this dialogue between Jesus and Peter is a model of spiritual and human education
Here are some observations that are useful to us who accompany children and young people in their growth and maturation:
True love is based on that trust that never fails
After the betrayal, Jesus not only forgives Peter, but goes further: He entrusts him with an even greater responsibility This represents an extraordinary educational lesson for us: the trust given is a renewed confirmation of the respect we have for the person. Itisalovethatconfers bothdignityandresponsibility. Jesus does not limit himself to forgiving, but gives Peter back his mission, enriched by a new understanding.
Evil committed must never have the last word. The last word must be had only by love, the Charity of the Good Shepherd
This means having correct patience and respect for the right moment Experience teaches us time and again that evil committed only needs to be met with affection, patience, and compassion, especially where children and young people are concerned. Don Bosco comments on this very well when he speaks of the Preventive System The moment when children and young people feel they are surrounded by a mature and adult love, which facilitates and does not condemn, which listens and does not command, propels that hidden but everpresent point of goodness towards the good. It is a spring that sets in motion surprises of goodness that often have been either forgotten or overwhelmed by negative experiences lived and/or suffered
How urgent it is today that our children and young people find healthy and mature, patient and far-sighted adults, parents, and educators! Authentic are those paths that respect the uniqueness of the person with his weaknesses but also with his potential. We are true benefactors when we can see time as a space for gradual and consistent growth It is an attitude that avoids proposing or, even worse, imposing standardized models that put people into boxes
Peter's betrayal foretold by Jesus is not followed by the commonplace reaction of "I told you so!" Jesus "sees" betrayal but He also "sees" beyond. Jesus'love isalovethatknowshumanweakness buthasthestrengthtostiruptheseed ofgoodnesswithinthewounded heart- and this seed never disappears Here we see how Jesus finds what Don Bosco called “the point of goodness in the heart of every boy” and does everything possible to make it emerge.
Towards the end of the encounter between Jesus and Peter, there is a detail about which I would like to make a comment. Peter asks Jesus about John, "And him?" Jesus cuts it short, as we say today: "If I want him to stay until I come, what does it matter to you?"
It is a very curt answer, and one that is a good lesson for Peter In a nutshell, Jesus invites Peter to focus on his own growth without asking curious and useless questions about others. And this "dry" answer remains for us. The risk of making comparisons and being in competition with others is detrimental The true educational path is personal, not competitive Diverting one's attention from oneself to look at others diverts attention from one's own journey
Trueeducationisalovingrelationshipthatfostersgrowth.In ChristianandSalesiantradition,itisapersonaljourneyof discipleshipbuiltonlove,trust,andfreedom.
TheRisenJesusasksPeterthreetimes,“Doyouloveme?” John21:15–17
How Don Bosco Lived on the Eucharist
Fr. Robert Paul A. Zarate, SDB
Running on Grace
You’ve probably heard it before: “Bestillandknow thatIamGod.” But what if holiness also looks like a man who just can’t sit still?
Ven Fulton Sheen swore by a daily Holy Hour in front of the Blessed Sacrament even when traveling, even in the middle of the night, even if it meant knocking on a stranger-priest’s rectory just to keep the church open. And he’s not alone. In seminaries and formation houses around the world, priests and consecrated men continue to rediscover the raw, transforming power of just being with Jesus
And yet, ask any Salesian: thirty minutes of meditation can feel like a war.
Schedules flash like lightning Tasks pile up The next class, the next meeting, the kid who needs help, the phone that won’t stop buzzing Thirty minutes fly by, and sometimes, honestly, it feels like nothing “happened.” So what now? Does that mean the devotion wasn’t real?
That’s the mystery. He couldn’t keep still because love like that doesn’t sit idle. Love like that bends the laws of time and sleep Love like that stays up all night with God and then goes running at dawn for the souls of the young.
So what does Eucharistic devotion look like for a Salesian today?
It’s more than silence it’s consistency It’s going to Confession regularly, to offer or receive the Eucharist with a clean heart. It’s giving the Holy Mass the dignity it deserves: in the way we sing, dress, kneel, listen, respond, and adore. It’s treating the chapel not like a room, but like a throne room It’s knowing that Jesus is there and acting like it
Don Bosco would smile Because he lived this tension every single day
He was nearly denied sainthood not for a scandal or heresy but because he never stopped moving. He barely slept. He was constantly working, teaching, walking, praying, laughing, organizing, building And yet, ask anyone who truly knew him: Don Bosco burned with Eucharistic love
But most of all, it’s carrying the young in our hearts before the Blessed Sacrament. Every restless teen, every confused student, every fragile dream they’re all there in our silence And when we rise from our prayer, we rise for them
Because until they too kneel before Jesus with awe and affection…
We Can’t Keep Still
In an age marked by confusion, division, and the relentless spread of misinformation, the search for truth has never been more urgent The rise of fake news, the toxicity of cancel culture, and a pervasive throwaway mentality have frayed the fabric of society, eroding trust and obscuring what is truly good and beautiful. As Pope Francis warns, “The tragedy of disinformation is that it discredits others, presenting them as enemies, to the point of demonizing them and fomenting conflict.”
In such a fractured world, many wander spiritually homeless longing for something real, lasting, and true Amid this noise and instability, the Eucharist quietly but powerfully stands as a radiant, unwavering center: the Real Presence of Christ, the Word made Flesh, the Truth made visible and touchable.
As the Church celebrates the 2025 Jubilee Year with the theme Pilgrims of Hope, we are invited to rediscover the Eucharist as our compass in the chaos a sacred sign that truth is not relative, but revealed in a Person Jesus does not merely teach truth; He is the Truth And in the Eucharist, He remains with us, anchoring our hearts and ill i i h
Hope in a World of
The world is weary Wars rage, economies tremble, and families fracture. Many young people feel unmoored, their dreams dimmed by anxiety and a sense of purposelessness Pope Francis, in Laudato Si’, decries a culture that treats people as disposable, where the vulnerable are often left behind.
Uncertainty
In this landscape of uncertainty, the Eucharist emerges as a beacon of steadfast hope. Here, Christ fulfills His promise: “I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Mt 28:20) At every altar, in every Mass, Christ walks beside us not as an idea, but as a living presence who strengthens, heals, and transforms.
The Eucharist does not promise to erase our struggles, but it does promise that we are not alone. And that makes all the difference.
Maritess Rano Redona
TheEucharist, however,tellsa differentstory. IneveryMass, wemeetaGod whodoesnot cancelsinners butredeems them.We encounterthe Onewhodoes notdiscardthe weakbut embracesthem.
Searching for Truth and Meaning
In today’s digital wilderness, truth is under siege Algorithms reward outrage, and facts drown in a flood of opinion. Pope Francis laments this erosion of reality, describing fake news as the fruit of “intolerant and hypersensitive attitudes” that fuel arrogance and hatred (World Communications Day, 2018).
The Eucharist in a Cancel
and Throwaway Culture
Cancel culture thrives on condemnation, often silencing instead of seeking understanding. It creates a climate where grace is scarce and judgment swift. Likewise, the throwaway culture devalues life from the unborn and the elderly to the marginalized and poor treating people as burdens instead of blessings (Fratelli Tutti, 2020, no. 18).
The Eucharist, however, tells a different story In every Mass, we meet a God who does not cancel sinners but redeems them. We encounter the One who does not discard the weak but embraces them Jesus offers Himself not to the perfect, but to the broken, hungry, and searching.
To live Eucharistically is to reject disposability and embrace mercy It is to see in every person especially the least a reflection of the One we adore on the altar.
Against this distortion, the Eucharis a defiant act of clarity To kneel befor the Host is to affirm that truth is not invented but revealed “I am the Way the Truth, and the Life,” says Jesus (J 14:6). When we receive the Eucharist we proclaim that Truth is not abstrac it is personal, and it has a name
This Jubilee Year calls us to be witnesses of that truth, not only by what we believe but by how we live.
Living the Eucharist: The Story of the Sampaguita Boys
In Sta Rosa, Laguna, a quiet Eucharistic miracle unfolded In 2016, Fr. Bobby Roxas, SDB, and the Salesian Cooperators began welcoming young flower vendors known as the Sampaguita boys into the parish oratory What began with catechesis and meals grew into a th community.Under F Bati, SDB, Sunday M AM became the beat of this oratory Yout various barangays to singing in the choir, meals, learning the f playing together. Ev brothers from Semin Don Bosco joined in the young with joy a witness
This was not just an It was Eucharistic liv where worship led to communion, and co led to transformatio the Cooperators no l the initiative, its spi endures: young peop to Jesus through love friendship, and the B Sacrament.
TarlacCity In a moving celebration of Don Bosco’s Founder’s Week, the Kerygma Club of Don Bosco Tarlac stepped beyond the campus walls to serve those most in need children in conflict with the law. On January 27, 2025, Bosconian volunteers visited the Lingap Center in San Juan De Mata where they led a catechetical session
What made the event deeply meaningful was not just the planned catechesis, but the conversations that followed Bosconians sat down with the boys, listened to their stories, and shared their own. “Every time I join these kinds of activities, I realize how fulfilling it is,” shared Maliha, a Grade 12 student. “Youreallyfeel thatyou’regivingsomethingbacktoGod.”
Tarlac Braving an early morning call and a minor roadside delay, 39 pilgrims from ASC Makati, led by Fr. Jerry Santos, SDB, journeyed north on April 26, 2025, for a moving Jubilee pilgrimage across seven churches in Tarlac.
From St Catherine of Alexandria Parish to the Santuario de San Nicolas de Tolentino, each stop unfolded in prayer, reflection, and shared laughter often amid unexpected weddings. The group visited sacred sites, venerated relics, and received warm welcomes from locals, all while having their Jubilee passports stamped along the way.
Despite heat, detours, and power interruptions, the spirit of the pilgrimage remained undeterred In every moment from group photos to quiet blessings ASC Makati rediscovered the joy of walking in faith, proving once again that grace travels well when hearts journey together.
Karl Josh M. Guillermo
Vernnie Creencia
ASC Sta. Mesa Begins Jubilee Year in Faith and Service
The Association of Salesian Cooperators – PH Sta. Mesa opened Jubilee Year 2025 with renewed faith, formation, and service, responding to the call to be pilgrims of hope
Spiritual growth continued through Monthly Lectio Divina, the Stations of the Cross, and a Pilgrimage to Jubilee Churches with Mama Margaret’s Club. Ongoing formation sessions helped Observer Cooperators learn more about the Project of Apostolic Life (PAL)
The year began with the ASC FIN Formation Module Writeshop (January 4–5) in Parañaque, followed by participation in key Salesian events: the COLLE Don Bosco Conference (January 11), Salesian Family Spirituality Day (January 18), and ASC Formators’ Formation (February 22). These gatherings strengthened the Cooperators’ mission and deepened their unity with the Salesian Family.
In their outreach, the Center provided weekly catechesis, scholar support, aid for fire victims, and hosted a one-day acupuncture mission in collaboration with La Consolacion College (March 8). The community also honored Sr. Claudia Mae Deyapalan, FMA, during Gratitude Day (February 23)
As Lent approached, the Cooperators prepared for a spiritual retreat (March 29) and the FMA Provincial Gratitude Day (March 30), ready to journey forward with renewed zeal and joyful hope.
Howisyourfaithtoday? Isitadimlighttremblinginstormwinds abatterydrained,questionscirclinglikevultures? Youstareintothevoid,thinkingsilencemightsaveyou, butthoughtsspilllikeloosestrandsyoucannotgather.
Hopestumblesblindfolded, whilefearsharpensitsclawsinyourchest. You’vestoodatcrossroadspavedwithmirrors, eachreflectionareminderofwhat’smissing Maybeyou’renotlost justbeingleddifferently
Noisedrownsthequietyouachefor. Youpanicoverwhatyoucannothold Yetevenhere,Hewalksahead Faithisatreatysignedintrembling, andgrace,thestorm’ssofteye. Stillconfused?Lookagain. Faithisnotlogic itissurrender. Likethebreadandwine,notjustgivenbutreceived Hedoesn’tforcethedooropen Heknocks againandagain untilyoursouldaresto listen.
Jemaica R. Bercarsi
TibiDomine honoretgloria, mihilabor
Early Life and Vocation
“ToYou,Lord,honorandglory;tome,thework.”
This motto encapsulates the life and mission of Fr. Miguel González, SDB, the visionary founder of the Asociación Damas Salesianas (ADS) His unwavering devotion to the Holy Eucharist not only nourished his personal spirituality but also became the cornerstone of the ADS, inspiring countless laywomen to serve the marginalized with compassion and dedication.
Born on April 27, 1927, in León, Spain, Miguel González entered the Salesian Congregation, embracing its charism of serving the young and the poor He was ordained a priest on November 14, 1954, in San Salvador, El Salvador. His early ministry took him to Cuba, where he served until 1961. Following his expulsion from Cuba due to political upheaval, Fr. González relocated to Venezuela, where he would leave an indelible mark on the Church and society
Founding the Asociación Damas Salesianas
In Caracas, Fr. González undertook the monumental task of constructing the National Shrine of St. John Bosco in Altamira. Recognizing the potential of laywomen in evangelization and social outreach, he gathered a group of women committed to social work and spiritual growth On May 13, 1968, coinciding with the feast of Our Lady of Fatima and St. Mary Domenica Mazzarello, the cofoundress of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, the Asociación Damas Salesianas was officially established. This lay association aimed to integrate faith with action, focusing on health, education, and the promotion of women's dignity
The Eucharistic Life of
Fr. Miguel González, SDB
Ms. Gene Hidalgo
Spainin1927
The Eucharist: Heart of His Ministry
For Fr González, the Eucharist was not merely a ritual but the very essence of Christian life He believed that true transformation both personal and societal stemmed from a deep communion with Christ in the Eucharist. This conviction permeated the ADS, where members are encouraged to draw strength from the Eucharist to fuel their service
In his writings, Fr González emphasized that the Eucharist is the 'source and summit' of Christian life, echoing the teachings of the Second Vatican Council. He taught that regular participation in the Eucharist empowers believers to become 'sowers of hope,' bringing Christ's love to the peripheries of society
TemploDonBosco,Altamira Caracas,Venezuela. ItisthecentrallocusoftheADS
A Legacy of Service and Inspiration
Fr. González passed away on March 14, 2014, at the age of 86. His remains rest in the chapel of Mary Help of Christians at the National Shrine of St. John Bosco in Caracas As of 2025, the ADS boasts 115 centers worldwide, including in the Philippines, the United States, and various countries across Latin America, Europe, and Africa
The ADS continues to thrive, guided by the principles instilled by Fr. González: deep Eucharistic devotion, commitment to the marginalized, and the integration of faith and daily life Members undergo rigorous formation, culminating in a Promise a personal commitment to live out their baptismal vows through service, renewed annually.
A Call to Reflect and Act
Fr. González's life challenges us to examine our relationship with the Eucharist. Do we allow it to transform us, compelling us to serve others selflessly? For members of the ADS and the broader Christian community, his example serves as a clarion call to center our lives around the Eucharist, allowing it to inspire concrete acts of love and justice.
In embracing the Eucharist as the heart of our faith, we, like Fr. González, can become instruments of God's grace, bringing hope and healing to a broken world
Inhiswritings, Fr.González emphasizedthat theEucharistis the'sourceand summit'of Christianlife, echoingthe teachingsofthe SecondVatican Council.
ADSinactionaroundtheworld
FIVE PRACTICAL WAYS
the Eucharist can Strengthen the Family Today
Families today are busy, tired, and pulled in different directions. But what if one simple commitment returning to the Eucharist could slowly bring peace, unity, and deeper love into your household?
Here are five practical ways the Eucharist can help:
Go to Sunday Mass Together—Always
Set a rule: no skipping. Attend as a full family every Sunday, even during vacations or sports season Let it be your weekly family tradition like Sunday lunch, but for the soul.
Prepare the night before pick clothes, set alarms, and plan your route Avoid the Sunday rush
Talk About the Mass Over Breakfast or Lunch
After Mass, ask each other simple questions:
“What did you hear in the Gospel?”
“What part of the homily stayed with you?”
Keep it short and casual, but consistent Kids will listen better if they know you'll talk about it after
On the way to church or before entering, take 30 seconds to pray:
“Lord,helpuslistentoYoutoday. Speaktoourhearts.Makeusone familyinYou.”
Pray Before Mass as a Family Practice Small Acts of Service at Home
Write the prayer on a small card and tape it on your car dashboard. Let one family member lead it each week before entering the church this helps everyone feel involved and spiritually prepared.
The Eucharist is Jesus giving Himself to us. Reflect that at home: Let someone else go first. Help clean up. Say sorry.
Create a simple “Service Jar” at home.
Write down small acts of kindness on slips of paper like “Wash the dishes,” “Fold someone ’ s laundry,” or “Write a thank-you note.” Each family member picks one every Sunday after Mass. It’s a fun and quiet way to live out the Eucharist all week.
Invite Someone Lonely to Your Table
Once a month, invite someone who may feel left out an old relative, a neighbor, or a classmate of your child to join your family meal.
Before eating, say grace and offer your meal 'in thanksgiving for the Eucharist and for the gift of others.'
JesusintheEucharist?He’s100%real. Not a vibe Not a symbol That’s literally Him fully present He pulls up at every Mass like, “I got you.”
No filters. No ghosting. Just pure love. No cap He’s been waiting for you all along.
Irene Sy
ItWasJustBread Until It Broke Me
TheEucharistisnotaritual.Itisresistance. Againstdespair.Againstforgetfulness.Against thetemptationtobelieveweareunloved.
There was a time when the Eucharist was just routine I knew the theology, believed in the mystery
“This is my Body, this is my Blood” but it remained something I recited more than received. It was familiar, even comforting, but not personal It played in the background of my faith, never quite reaching the core.
Then the pandemic hit. Masses went online Churches were locked And in that stillness, something inside me stirred. With the world on pause, the Eucharist stopped being just part of my weekly schedule it became a lifeline A hunger A longing I began to realize how much I needed Him, how much I missed Him.
When I prayed Padre Pio’s “Stay with me, Lord,” I found myself grasping for the unseen And yet, He was still there present in pixelated screens, present in absence, still pouring Himself out. The Eucharist became more than a symbol It became breath for my soul
There were days I missed Mass not out of laziness, but from fatigue, sadness, or disconnect And each time, it felt like something vital had gone missing, like I had forgotten how to breathe. But God never forgot me. He found His way through quiet prayers, community, and unexpected kindness. Through them, I heard Him whisper, “I’m still here ”
My journey with the Eucharist didn’t start in the pandemic. It began much earlier at World Youth Day in 1995. I stood in a crowd when St. John Paul II proclaimed, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you ” I remember trembling not with fear, but recognition That day, I joined YUPPEACE Later, I became a Salesian Cooperator. Sixteen years and countless paths later, the Eucharist has remained my compass and my fire.
I’ve come to see that the Eucharist is not a ritual It is resistance against despair, against forgetfulness, against the lie that we are unloved. It is Christ choosing to become small and breakable so that we might know we’re never beyond His reach. He doesn’t wait for us to be perfect He gives Himself because we’re not And all He asks in return is that we come
BEFORE THE TAB ACLE
Mrs Susan Liwanag
I was born and raised in a Catholic home where prayer, the commandments, and the sacraments were the rhythm of our daily life. God was the center of everything. Looking back, I realize how privileged I was to be grounded in faith from the beginning something that didn’t just shape my upbringing, but became the moral compass of my adulthood
As life unfolded with all its joys, twists, and quiet heartbreaks I found myself returning again and again to the Eucharist. The Blessed Sacrament became my place of refuge Whenever doubts crept in, when trust began to waver, or when life felt too heavy to carry, I would sit silently before the tabernacle It was there that I poured out my frustrations, my fears, and my deep inner wounds. I was often too tired for words. But the Eucharist didn’t need them. I simply came broken and slowly, He began to make me whole again.
BEFORE THE TABERNACLE to make
In 2023, I was hospitalized and underwent several medical procedures For someone who dreads needles ironic, since I’m married to a doctor it should have been terrifying. But I survived it all with peace in my heart It was, to me, nothing short of miraculous
me whole again.
The hardest season came after the death of my husband Suddenly, I was left to carry everything alone work, finances, the future of my family I feared the weight of every tomorrow. And yet, miraculously, when tomorrow came, things would fall into place. Not by chance, but by grace. Time and again, I witnessed miracles quiet ones, hidden in the details. God’s providence met me where I was and carried me forward
Even in small but significant battles, like my insurance claim being initially denied, the Eucharist was my anchor. After being told my policy had been phased out despite continuous payments, I was ready to fight But before going back to the office, I stopped by the church and prayed before the Blessed Sacrament. I walked out feeling a quiet strength. The next day, the same people who had dismissed me were now facilitating my claim without resistance My words had barely left my mouth before the impossible became possible.
Thesemomentshaveshownmethatthe Eucharistisnotjustaritual itis refuge,itispower,itispromise Christ waits for us, not when we have it all together, but precisely when we don’t. And all He asks is that we come.
“The Eucharist is mydaily renewal.”
Each Communion is a personal encounter with Christ’s self-giving love, transforming me to be hope and joy for others Inspired by St Mary Mazzarello, I strive to be “Eucharist” myself— offering my life in humble service Rooted in this sacrament, I walk the Jubilee path with faith, gratitude, and a heart ready to serve
“Despite my flaws, He remains.”
In the Eucharist, Jesus strengthens my spousal bond with Him. His love steadies me daily and calls me back to hope Even when I falter, He whispers, “Begin again ” Every Mass is a gentle reset, a pilgrim’s step toward the Kingdom
“The Eucharist led me to my vocation.”
Since my first Communion, I felt drawn to daily Mass In it, I heard God’s call to become His The Eucharist is my life’s summit where I find the strength to love, forgive, and serve with joy, especially in the mission It opens my eyes to see the good in every person I meet
Grateful for the Gift of Fidelity
On the Feast of Mary Help of Christians, the Diocesan Shrine in Canlubang became a place of grace and gratitude as six FMA Sisters celebrated their religious jubilees. Sr. Janis Mia Aguirre, Sr. Sheila Marie Ducot, Sr. Marilyn Precilla, and Sr. Carminda Castalone marked 25 years, while Sr. Maria Teresa Lorenzo and Sr Rosalia Panganiban celebrated 40 years of consecrated life
In his homily, Archbishop Panfilo encouraged the Jubilarians: “Be always faithful to Christ, to the Church, and to the Congregation.”
The solemn Mass was presided over by Archbishop Francesco Panfilo, SDB, DD, and concelebrated by Salesian priests, including Don Pascual Chávez, SDB, Rector Major Emeritus, and Fr. Ronilo Javines, SDB, FIN Provincial
The celebration was a beautiful witness to God’s enduring love and the joyful fidelity of these sisters who have given their lives in service to the Church and the young
@Sr Carina Chavez, FMA
@Sr. Alice Fulgencio, FMA
@Sr. Cynthia Calabig, FMA
Sr. Virgie Limbauan, FMA
@Sr. Janis Mia Aguirre, FMA
“TheEucharistisheaventouchingearth”
Each Mass fills me with thanksgiving. In Holy Communion, I receive Jesus, and in return, I bring Him to the young especially the forgotten ones A grateful heart becomes a loving heart In this Jubilee Year, may joy and gratitude overflow in every actoflove
@Sr. Jaina Michaella , FMA
“In Wh this gen Fro cou forg
“BealwaysfaithfultoChrist,tothe Church,andtotheCongregation.”
@Sr. Catherine Urgello, FMA
“God’s love is the windin our sails.”
The Eucharist is my joy, my compass, my fire for mission It nourishes my soul and guides me through storms With Jesus at the helm, I walk with the young toward the fullness of life For this grace, I am eternally grateful.
@Sr. Maria Asela B. Chavez, FMA
“Jesus makes me bread, broken and shared.”
Since childhood, the Eucharist has shaped me In every Mass, I receive mercy and strength, and I am sent to share the same to teach, to love, to form servant leaders among the youth In giving Christ to the poor, I find my deepest joy and greatest hope
Where Pilgrims of Hope Live
Last April 23, 2025 Palm Sunday I left Makati before dawn for a Holy Week mission in Calandagan Island, part of the Apostolic Vicariate of Taytay, Palawan. At 3:30 a.m., Fr. Ike Veloso kindly drove me to the airport After landing in El Nido, I was fetched by Jonathan Corcolla, a devoted lay minister and caretaker of the Nuestra Señora de Anunciación Chapel. Together, we journeyed by land and then by boat to the island. Without a life vest and facing strong waves, I clung tightly to prayer, whispering Hail Marys along the way.
As we neared Calandagan, several boats approached us “It’s your fluvial welcome,” Jonathan said When we docked at 3:15 p.m., I was met with garlands, waving youth, and songs from the chapel choir. I felt like a returning son more than a visitor.
The chapel stood at the island’s heart between the elementary and high school, beside the barangay hall and the cemetery It was impossible not to pass by it Throughout my stay, I saw people pause bowing, making the sign of the cross, and occasionally stepping in for a moment of silent prayer. It humbled me deeply.
My room was beside the sacristy, with the bath behind the chapel. That afternoon, I joined the community for Palm Sunday Mass at the plaza. Everything was prepared meticulously All I had to do was follow their lead After Mass, I shared a meal with the chapel’s active members. Jonathan, along with his wife Daisy and son Kobe, chose to sleep at the chapel during my stay. They, with other church volunteers, took care of my meals and water needs, creating a joyful rhythm of shared stories and simplicity
Electricity ran only from 4 p.m. to midnight. Drinking water came from purified stations, and well water was fetched using carts. And yet, not once did I fall ill God had prepared the place and the people to care for this mission
From Holy Monday to Wednesday, I heard confessions, visited the sick and elderly with catechist Jennifer Ladica, and celebrated a Baccalaureate Mass for graduating students.
Fr. Drans Nolasco, SDB
I walked the island with Jonathan, greeting people starting their day hauling water, drying fish, cleaning yards, sharing morning coffee
The Triduum was an outpouring of grace. From practicing servers and lectors, to preparing the altar of repose, every moment felt holy On Good Friday, the community prayed the Way of the Cross for three hours, circling the whole island The Santo Entierro procession that followed the liturgy was held in solemn silence slow, prayerful, profound.
Holy Saturday brought joy The stage for the Salubong was built by the apostles That night, we celebrated the light and 14 children were baptized. It was a night of new life. The Easter morning Mass was radiant, and afterward, I blessed over 300 boats, motorcycles, houses, and even an elderly man for the sacrament of the sick Later, I joined families for a picnic on Madagsa Beach, ending the day with island children watching the sunset and the joyful “Panolod” a masked dance of resurrection that lasted till dawn.
On Easter Monday, we climbed a mountain at dawn Though the path was steep and rocky, the sunrise was worth every step After breakfast and farewells, I left Calandagan by boat, blessed by the people and their living faith.
Theirhopeisnotempty—itis rootedinGod’sgoodness.
During my stay, I met people who were truly pilgrims of hope In confessions, in their stories of surviving storms, hunger, and hardship, I saw grace. Many have endured the harsh Amihan, typhoons, and economic struggles but always with eyes lifted to God. I met students who finished college against the odds, and now serve the Church that once carried them
Calandagan may be small, but it is full of light. Their hope is not empty it is rooted in God’s goodness. In this Jubilee Year of Hope, I was blessed to walk among them
To Bishop Broderick Pabillo, thank you for welcoming my volunteer mission. To Fr. Booby Roxas, thank you for sending me. To the Calandagan community, thank you for letting me belong And to God, praise and glory forever Nothing happens by chance everything is grace
GivingtheBodyofChristtothosewhocannolongergotothechapel.
AssistingthechapelyouthchoirinsingingtheTantumErgo
Daing,oneoftheisland's mainproducts
January 19–22, 2025
April 9, 2025
ZepherinCampGathers YouthSeekingGod'sCall
Forty-three young people from Salesian settings across Luzon gathered for the *Zepherin Vocation Camp*, a four-day experience of discernment, fraternity, and faith, journeying together in search of God’s call
The camp began with visits to various Salesian apostolates, offering participants a glimpse into the breadth of the Salesian mission. In Calatagan, the succeeding days were filled with guided reflections, engaging activities, and silent moments under open skies providing the space and companionship essential for vocational clarity.
True to the spirit of Blessed Zepherin Namuncurá, the camp invited the youth to listen deeply, reflect honestly, and walk courageously toward a future aligned with God’s will.
Makati With hearts full of joy and purpose, 36 Salesian Cooperators from across the North and South Provinces gathered on April 9, 2025, at the Zatti Hall of Don Bosco Makati to begin preparations for the 150th anniversary of the Association of Salesian Cooperators, to be celebrated globally on May 9, 2026.
Led by Fr. Bobby Roxas, SDB, Sr. Merl Meneses, FMA, Ms Yolly Ortiz, and moderator Reden Salonga, the assembly focused on essentials forming committees and aligning with the World Council’s theme: “A Dream, A Promise, The Future”, with its call to remember, renew, and relaunch.
Each group shared concrete action plans, confident that the road ahead is one of collaboration and spirit-filled creativity. With no excess baggage and a clear focus, the Cooperators committed themselves to make the celebration deeply meaningful.
The day ended in prayer and renewed excitement With God at the center, the ASC moves forward united, hopeful, and ready to make history together.
Celine Acosta
Susan L. Liwanag
JubileeNotes:A RecollectioninSong
Amid intense summer heat, ASC-Tarlac opened their hearts and homes to their brothers and sisters from ASC-Makati, who chose Tarlac as their Jubilee pilgrimage site for Lent
In true Salesian spirit, the welcome was more than logistical it was filled with intentional acts of love. Parish visits were carefully selected, meals were homecooked, and schedules were adjusted with graciousness “Do your ordinary duties extraordinarily well,” said Don Bosco and ASC-Tarlac did just that.
From patiently waiting for delayed arrivals to crafting meaningful encounters at every stop, the day was marked by warmth, storytelling, and a deep sense of unity. What began as a simple reception became a renewed encounter of shared mission.
Church musicians gathered for *Krus ng Ating Kaligtasan: A Jubilee Lenten Recollection and Choral Meditations*, a 90-minute spiritual encounter designed to guide hearts toward the Paschal Triduum of the Holy Year 2025
Held in the sacred space of the Abbey, the event featured reflections by Fr. Donnie Duchin Duya, SDB, and contemplative Tagalog choral meditations by the Benedict XVI Choir and Church Ensemble, structured around the rhythm of *Lectio Divina* Participants were led not only to listen but to pray with the music.
The recollection also marked the launch of *MgaAwitingPansambaparasaTatlong ArawnaPagdiriwangsaPagpapakasakitat Pagkabuhay*, a new liturgical songbook composed by Maestro Ferdinand Bautista disciple of the late Dom Benildus Maramba, OSB. Published by Word and Life, Inc., the collection invites choirs to enter more deeply into the spirit of the Sacred Triduum
Susan L. Liwanag
Fr. Donnie Duchin Duya, SDB
