St. John Bosco Today October-December 2020

Preventive System

Lived to the Hilt!

years 50

Salesian Cooperators celebrate of Presence

in the Philippines

St. John Bosco Today | October-December 2020

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Contents St. John Bosco Today

Volume 50 I Number 2 | October-December 2020

A Magazine of Information and Religious Culture of the Salesian Family in the Philippines

ABOUT THE COVER The cover of this SJBT issue features the sculpted image of Mamma Margaret with one of the first Oratory boarding street boys at Valdocco.

This sculpture was blessed on March 7 of this year, and the event served as one of the memorable moments of the General Chapter 28.

Mamma Margaret, now Venerable, is the mother of St. John Bosco, and his first Cooperator. She lived Preventive System to the hilt.

EDITORIAL TEAM Owner Salesian Society of St. John Bosco Printer Don Bosco Press, Inc. Publisher Don Bosco Press, Inc. Editor-in-Chief Fr. Donnie Duchin Duya, SDB Contributing Editors Br. Antonio M. Caspellan, SDB and Cl. John Paolo B. Romero, SDB Copy Editor Ms. Ma. Cristina F. Dacillo Coordinators Fr. Keith J. Amodia, SDB [FIS Province]; Sr. Debbie S. Ponsaran, FMA; and Ms. Imelda D. BenitezDomitita [ASC] Art Director Early Macabales Graphics & Design Studio DBPI-Creative Arts Section Circulation Commission on Social Communication For subscription, please contact Commission on Social Communication 3/F Don Bosco Provincial Office, Don Bosco Compound, C. Roces Ave. cor. A. Arnaiz Ave., Makati City, Philippines Tel (02) 8893-8227 loc. 114 | Telefax (02) 8892-8174

Message of the Rector Major ��������������������������������� 3 Editor’s Note ������������������������������������������������������������ 5 SALESIANITY 101 The Cholera Epidemic in Don Bosco’s Time.......... 6 SALESIAN JUBILARIANS Br. Tony and Br. Tena 60 Years as Salesians of Don Bosco .................... 10 50 Years of God’s Graciousness............................ 12 Fr. Rocky celebrates 50 years of Priesthood and 60 years of Salesian Life................................. 14 FEATURE The Salesian Cooperators in the Philippines........16 ASC Cooperative in the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians...................................... 18 ASC Makati Center Apostolate – TVET Tutorial.... 21 The Salesian Cooperators of Mayapa Center-FIN, Reaching Out to the Peripheries.............................22 The Joy of Salesian Corporate Life ..................... 24 ASC: Mamma Margarets of DBYC Canlubang.......25 SALESIAN FAMILY NEWS

Annual subscription (4 issues) P300.00

Two Filipina Caritas Sisters Make their Perpetual Profession................................................................ 27

Send your comments and suggestions to cscom@one-bosco.org

God Never Left Us!.................................................. 29

/salesian.bulletin Copyright© 2020 by Don Bosco Press, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without permission from the publisher.

IN MEMORIAM Portraits of Fidelity.................................................. 30

The Man of God Who Always Asked Others For Help

MESSAGE OF THE

RECTOR MAJOR

Dear friends and readers of the Salesian Bulletin and, above all, friends of Don Bosco and his charism, I greet you almost at the end of 2020, this year which we have lived through and which we will remember as a hard year, painful in many ways. It is a year that has changed us – without intending to have done so – in our lifestyle, habits, and customs perhaps but, certainly, at least, in the rhythm of our personal, family, and community life.

In this issue of the Salesian Bulletin, you will find the calendar for the new year 2021, one which we hope will come filled with blessings. While thinking about all that a year means, I pondered on something that I keep very much in my heart. I don’t know if it is due to how I was raised or to my own nature but I have engraved into my very being the need to give thanks constantly and to be grateful for the so very many things that I receive in my life as a free gift, having nothing to do with personal merit. I don’t know if others feel this way. Maybe other people consider that everything they have is owed to them, even life itself, but this is not how I feel.

I wish to take advantage of the publication of this issue of the Salesian Bulletin to thank, in the name of Don Bosco, the thousands upon thousands of people who are our benefactors, helping us Salesians in our works around the world.

A few days ago I thought of something very simple that I could do: following the experience of these past six months, I felt that I should make a video message that could be broadcast via the internet to thank the very many people who have responded most generously, as their means allow, to help those most affected by COVID-19. So I did just that – in all simplicity and truth. Afterwards, I received dozens of messages thanking me for this act of transparency in explaining what had been done with those monies and the total amount received. Certainly, it cannot and should not be otherwise.

LIKE DON BOSCO Don Bosco spent his life asking hundreds and hundreds of people for help. He wasn’t asking for himself, but he was asking for his boys. At the same time, he strongly believed in Divine Providence, and for that very reason he went tirelessly knocking from door to door.

He asked for monetary aid and for physical and material help from people to carry out the work entrusted to him. He did not hesitate to ask anyone who could to dedicate some of their time or assets in favor of needy youth. He was helped by lay people, women and men, and by priests, friends of Don Bosco, who St. John Bosco Today | October-December 2020

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collaborated with him in many ways. Above all, he had the very special help of his beloved mother, Mamma Margherita. I think I can truly say, and with historical value, something I love to say: that together they founded the Oratory: to Don Bosco’s creative and apostolic genius was added the maternal delicacy of his mother who gave feminine warmth to that house. She accompanied and encouraged her son through all the difficulties of beginning the Oratory and of working with the boys who knocked on the door of his house. Alongside Margaret was Michael Rua’s mom. (Michael was the first to become a Salesian and was

DON BOSCO, FOUNDER OF THE SALESIAN FAMILY

Don Bosco’s first successor. Others joined him on December 18, 1859, when they, too, pledged to practice the Salesian way of life traced out by Don Bosco.) Then, too, there was also the mother of Archbishop Gastaldi and the father of Dominic Savio who helped out at the Oratory. This group of people, who knew and loved Don Bosco well, gave his work a nuance all its own, one that distinguished it from other institutions of the time. They gave the entire educational environment the imprint of a “family atmosphere”.

With his ability to ask for help, Don Bosco knew right from the start how to count on priests who offered some of their time to the oratories–the work that was taking shape through the industry of Don Bosco, his priests and friends, even a spiritual teacher such as Don Cafasso, the Theologian Borel, and Don Murialdo. Other benefactors

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St. John Bosco Today | October-December 2020

I wish you all well.

Fr. Angel Fernandez Artime, SDB Rector Major

PHOTO CREDIT : AGENZIA INFO SALESIANA ANS

The term “Salesian Family” was officially uttered for the very first time by Pope Pius XI on April 3, 1934, just two days after Don Bosco’s canonization, to the pilgrims who had come to Rome for the occasion: “You represent all those whom you have left behind in the various places from which you have come–all the great Salesian Family.”

and supporters helped to finance the works begun by Don Bosco – in Turin, as well as in various places in Italy, in France, in Spain, and in the missions of Latin America.

Times have changed, but I can assure you that the situations that are experienced today in the world, in the Church, and in the Salesian presences are very similar to those of Don Bosco’s time. When I visited our works among the poorest boys of Latin America, Africa, India, and some nations of Oceania, it seemed to me that I saw situations that were no better than those that Don Bosco had to deal with in Valdocco.

I can assure you that this does not discourage me in the least; rather, it renews in me the conviction that at every moment the Spirit of God raises up millions and millions of people with hearts that want to make this world more and more human. Without a doubt, you and I are in that number.

Thanks for all your hard work. Thank you for believing it is worth it. Thank you for not having allowed yourselves to be engulfed by the “acid reflux” of people who always doubt everything and everyone. And thank you for believing that we can live with hope. This is precisely what I shall propose to our Salesian Family for the new year: in this difficult time of COVID-19, now more than ever, we are moved by hope.

editor’s note The first issue of Vol. 43 of St. John Bosco Today (then called Salesian Bulletin) published in 2013 carries Fr. Drans Nolasco’s “From the Publisher” column, thanking his predecessor Fr. Noel Osial for making sure that the publication is “rich in information, values, and insights” during his stint as Delegate for Social Communication of the FIN Province.

I take the cue from this fine gesture.

On behalf of the members of the Salesian Family and ardent readers of SJBT, I thank Fr. Drans for the tedious job of ensuring that every page of SJBT for the past seven years is a manifestation of the labor of love for St. John Bosco and for the pursuit of writing.

This current issue of SJBT was conceptualized, authored, edited, and published during the time of the new normal. Looking back into the process of preparing this issue, I realized that it’s not an easy feat.

Despite the setbacks, we hope to carry on with why St. John Bosco brought this publication into being in the first place--to make our work known as much as possible, and to make it known in its real meaning. It will help us to obtain aid, obtaining the goodwill of people for our institutions (10 August 1877, Don Bosco to Don Barberis).

In the Philippines, the local publication has effectively served as a bridge to link up the various sectors of the Salesian Family scattered all throughout the archipelago for half a century now.

It has chronicled how Don Bosco’s mission to evangelize and educate in this land flourished, thanks to the trailblazing work of the Salesian missionaries, taken up by the first Filipino Salesians, with the sizable support of the members of the Salesian Family.

We hope that SJBT will live on for the next century and beyond.

Fr. Donnie Duchin Duya, SDB Editor-in-Chief

The Cholera Epidemic in

Don Bosco’s Time

By Fr. Caesar Dizon, SDB

THE CHOLERA PANDEMIC1

Seven Cholera Pandemics have been reported. Only the first of the five pandemics took place during the time of Don Bosco.

The First Cholera Pandemic emerged out of the Ganges Delta with an outbreak in Jessore, India, in 1817, stemming from contaminated rice. The disease quickly spread throughout most of India, modern-day Myanmar, 1 From the History Channel and Wikipedia

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St. John Bosco Today | October-December 2020

and modern-day Sri Lanka by traveling along trade routes established by Europeans.

The Second Cholera Pandemic began around 1829.

Like the one that came before it, the Second Pandemic is thought to have originated in India and spread along trade and military routes to Eastern and Central Asia and the Middle East. The disease subsequently spread throughout Europe and the Americas.

The Third Cholera Pandemic, stretching 1852–1859, was the deadliest. It devastated Asia, Europe, North America, and Africa, killing 23,000 people in Great Britain alone in 1854.

It was this Third Pandemic that Don Bosco predicted would strike Turin.

The Fourth and Fifth Cholera Pandemics—occurring 1863–1875 and 1881–1896, respectively—were overall less

CREDIT : IMAGE FROM NEWS.SALESIANS.ORG.AU

Cholera is an infectious disease that causes severe watery diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and even death if untreated. It is caused by eating food or drinking water contaminated with a bacterium called Vibrio cholerae.

SALESIANITY 101 virulent than previous pandemics. In the Fourth Pandemic in 1867, Italy lost 113,000 lives.

THE CHOLERA EPIDEMIC IN TURIN

According to Father Rua, Don Bosco had predicted to the Oratory boys in May 1854 that a disastrous outbreak of cholera (Third Pandemic) would strike Turin. But he assured them that they would be spared if they followed his advice: “Avoid sin, wear the medal of the Blessed Virgin which I will bless and give to each of you, recite daily the Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, and prayer to St. Aloysius, and say: ‘From every evil, deliver us, 0 Lord.’ “ The cholera began in India and spread rapidly to Europe.

It reached Italy, first ravaging Liguria and Piedmont. Then it broke out in Genoa in July, felling 3,000 victims in just two months.

When the first cases were reported in Turin on July 25, the Health Department contacted the vicar general to solicit the cooperation of the clergy. The response was immediate and generous: Camillians, Capuchins, Dominicans, and Oblates of Mary volunteered to assist the victims.

The cholera symptoms were frightening—vomiting, persistent diarrhea, convulsions of the limbs, sunken eyes.

The victims already looked like cadavers even before they died. Some victims survived only a few hours. Others did not last beyond twenty-four hours. Later fatalities reached 60 per cent. As a result businesses closed. There was a mass flight from infected areas. Even relatives abandoned victims.

At times, undertakers had to break into homes to take away rotting corpses.

DON BOSCO’S FAITH RESPONSE TO THE CHOLERA EPIDEMIC

Valdocco, where the Oratory was located, was the hardest hit district of Turin. In the Oratory neighborhood, many families were not only decimated but completely wiped out. Charles Tomatis, who responded to Don Bosco’s call to help the cholera victims, reported that from the houses around the Oratory, more than forty people died in a very short period of time.

When Don Bosco realized that the epidemic had struck the area, he took all possible precautions. He had the whole house thoroughly cleaned, furnished additional rooms, and reduced the number of beds in each dormitory. He gave the boys better food, thus incurring rather heavy expenses. A reliable witness also reported that Don Bosco kneeling at the altar prayed thus, “My God, strike the shepherd, but spare the tender flock!”

In one Goodnight, Don Bosco spoke to his boys, “I earnestly urge all of you to make a good confession and Communion tomorrow so that I may offer all of you together to Mary and implore her to save and protect you as her beloved children. Will you do that?” “Yes, yes,” they replied in unison. Don Bosco paused slightly and added: “Sin is undoubtedly the cause of death. If you will all put yourselves in the state of grace and not commit mortal sin, I promise that not one of you will be stricken. But should anyone persist in his hostility to God, and, worse still, dare to offend Him grievously, from that moment on I can no longer vouch for him or for anyone else in this house.”

Don Bosco spoke to his boys, “I earnestly urge all of you to make a good confession and Communion tomorrow so that I may offer all of you together to Mary and implore her to save and protect you as her beloved children.

St. John Bosco Today | October-December 2020

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DON BOSCO AND HIS BOYS: FRONTLINERS IN ASSISTING CHOLERA VICTIMS

The Oratory did not only provide medical help. Though bereft of material things, it also looked after the material needs of the sick. It reached a point where Mama Margaret had to give away her own clothing and even sacred vestments such as altar cloth, and alb.

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St. John Bosco Today | October-December 2020

For his part, Don Bosco did not isolate himself at the Oratory.

As soon as he learned that the epidemic had reared its ugly head in the neighborhood, he sought to assist the victims.

Mamma Margaret, who sometimes was overly concerned for her son’s safety (cf. story of Grigio), now told him that it was his duty to go to their aid, even at the risk of infection.

In this, he was not alone, however. He was assisted by Father Victor Alasonatti and other priests of the festive oratories.

Meanwhile, to meet the emergency, the civil authorities were rapidly setting up temporary medical facilities for those who could not be cared for in their own homes.

Opening such facilities was easy, but it was difficult to staff them and to provide nurses for patients in their own homes.

People were terrified of infection, and they refused to put their lives at risk in the service of others—at times, even of their relatives.

Aware of this, Don Bosco assembled his boys one day and described to them the pitiful state of many cholera victims and how some died for want of care. He concluded by inviting them to join him in this work of mercy. There and then, 14 boys volunteered; a few days later, another thirty put their names in the roster of volunteers. They came from the Company (Sodality) of St. Aloysius and from the boarders of the “Annex House.” John Cagliero, the future missionary, was among them.

How about Dominic Savio? Dominic entered the Oratory in the autumn of 1854. He would have wanted to volunteer to minister to the sick. But by then the cholera epidemic was already subsiding and volunteers were no longer needed.

But even if volunteers were still in demand, he would probably not have been allowed as he was then already a sickly, delicate, small child of 12. In this connection, however, we find an interesting incident reported by Fr. Lemoyne.

He wrote about Dominic discovering a woman stricken with cholera in a nearby tenement. How he knew about the woman remained a mystery.

Don Bosco divided the boys into four groups. One group was assigned to the temporary medical facilities, another to private homes, and a third to search for unknown victims.

The last group were on standby to handle emergencies.

As soon as the word spread that the Oratory boys had volunteered to assist the sick, and that they were doing such an extraordinary job, there was a demand for their services. The demand grew so much that within a week, scheduling became impossible. The boys themselves had barely any time to eat and on occasion even had to eat while on the move. In the beginning, to protect themselves, the boys would take along a small flask of vinegar, and on returning would disinfect themselves. But after a while, even this became impossible to do. They ended up placing themselves in the hands of Divine Providence.

During this time, the Oratory did not only provide medical help. Though bereft of material things, it also looked after the material needs of the sick. It reached a point where Mama Margaret had to give away her own clothing and even sacred vestments such as altar cloth, and alb.

SALESIANITY 101 Because of the fear of infection, another problem arose—the opposition of those who lived close to the emergency medical stations. For good reason, people did not like the idea of having them in their neighborhoods.

And they employed means, fair and foul, to shut down these medical stations. Two boys of the Oratory had a first-hand experience of this. They had left the station after dark and were walking down a slope toward the Oratory. Suddenly the air was filled with shouts and catcalls, intermingled with cries of “Get them! Get them!” A barrage of stones, which were very plentiful in that area, rained down upon them.

They were saved by their quick feet and the timely arrival of two guards. Nevertheless, this hostility did not deter Don Bosco and his boys from continuing their work of mercy.

DON BOSCO AND THE ORPHANS OF THE CHOLERA EPIDEMIC

John Baptist Anfossi attests: It was heartwarming to see with what great tact and kindness he managed to persuade the dying to receive the sacraments and how he allayed their fears for their children who were about to be orphaned.

One day I saw him return to the Oratory with sixteen orphan boys in tow. They all stayed at the Oratory as students or trainees, according to their capabilities.

Peter Enria (orphaned at 13 years due to the cholera epidemic) recalled: The priest stood before me and asked my name and where I lived. My stammering answers must have betrayed my nervous excitement, so he continued to speak to me softly and gently.

“My name is Peter Joseph Enria,” I said.

“Would you like to come with me?” he asked. “I know we can be friends--not only now, but even when we’re in heaven together.”

I did not hesitate a moment. “Yes,” I said. “I would like to go with you very much.”

“And this little fellow holding your hand,” he continued, “is he your brother?” “Yes, sir,” I answered. “Fine, tell him to come along too.” Then he smiled and walked on.

A few days after his visit to our shelter, some of us were brought to the Oratory of Saint Francis of Sales, and I was in that number.

Don Bosco and his mother were awaiting us at the Oratory entrance, and from that moment on, we were shown nothing but loving kindness.

Peter Enria became a Salesian Brother. He was truly a multi-talented person: an able musician, a sought-after entertainer; he was often asked to perform numerous tasks from being a cook to artist to teacher. But it was as Don Bosco’s nurse, that he would demonstrate his greatest talent ministering to the sick with tender compassion and skill.

He cared for Don Bosco around the clock during the Saint’s last illness. When death came for Don Bosco, it was he that, although in deep grief, would not allow anyone to view the lifeless body of his beloved Don Bosco until he had carefully washed and shaved him.

In the Fourth Pandemic (1863–1875) Don Bosco continued to remember the plight of orphans. In a letter of

August 9, 1865 to Minister of Interior Lanza, he offered to take in some 100 cholera orphans.

AFTERMATH

The cholera epidemic did leave something good for the Oratory. The mayor’s open praise earned him a good reputation with the authorities. The heroic assistance of his boys to the victims was widely publicized which further won the appreciation of the public.

Years later, Don Bosco was trying to advertise his History of Italy. He sent a certain Niccolo Tommaseo a complimentary copy with a note asking him to mention the book in the teachers’ journal L’Istitutore. He had been impressed with Don Bosco’s charity during the cholera epidemic of 1854—which was perhaps one reason why he obliged and wrote a short, moderate review.

But the most incredible—and we might even say miraculous—thing was that none of the boys died of the cholera.

Don Bosco and his mother were awaiting us at the Oratory entrance, and from that moment on, we were shown nothing but loving kindness.

St. John Bosco Today | October-December 2020

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Br. Tony an 60 Years as Sales

By FIS Social Communication of patient endurance and plain unadulterated experience.

We are blessed to be able to hear from them some highlights of their religious life.

Br. Lamberto Tena, SDB

“O

ur perseverance is founded entirely on the fidelity of God who loved us first, and is nourished by the grace of His consecration. It is sustained too by love for the young to whom we are sent, and is expressed in gratitude to the Lord for the gifts that Salesian life offers us.” – Article 195, SDB Constitutions Any milestone in one’s life or career deserves to be celebrated as it does not come by ever so often. A Salesian profession that has reached a certain summit of fidelity greatly deserves all forms of praise and acknowledgement as it is a testimony to the true calling of Religious Vocation.

The Salesians of Don Bosco in the Province of Philippines South (FIS) celebrated this year a milestone by two of its faithful sons–Br. Lamberto Tena, SDB, and Br. Antonio Hopida, SDB, who, on the 18th of May 2020, marked the 60th anniversary of Religious Profession.

Sixty years of perseverance does not come without its ups and downs, yet our two faithful Salesian Brothers have endured up to now the challenges that have been given to them by Divine Providence. Their lives are a treasure trove of wisdom that can only be achieved through the purifying fire

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Who inspired you to become a Salesian? How did that person inspire you?

Br. Antonio Hopida (Br. Tony): The first thing that inspired me to become a Salesian were the Salesians themselves. The Salesian community in Victorias (in Negros Occidental) when I entered, I saw them very close together. They were so good among themselves.

They were Germans, Dutch, Italians, but I saw them living so harmoniously like a real family.

Actually, I was afraid to study in Don Bosco. I was forced by my father to study in Don Bosco. I was crying that my brother had to pull me to school the first day.

But when we arrived at the school, everything changed.

I saw the Salesians, the fathers and brothers, they were with the boys playing. They were not so strict after all. Later, when I frequented the school, I came to know some of them especially my instructor in the workshop, Br. Nardin, who was so nice. He was one of the those who also inspired me.

But generally it’s the way the Salesians lived their lives motivated me. Always happy together, and always with the boys.

Br. Lamberto Tena (Br. Tena): When I entered the aspirantate, there were a number of Salesian brothers who work in the technical shop. Because of their spirituality and care for us, I was inspired by them to be a Salesian Brother. It was Br. Bragion that inspired me to become a Salesian brother. Eventually, we worked together to run the school. He was the technical director, and I was the principal of the school.

Why did you choose to become a lay brother?

Br. Tony: When I entered the aspirantate, I thought that I was meant for the priesthood. That was the idea before; that when someone enters the seminary, one becomes a priest. That was in my mind also, and that’s what my parents thought as well. Then, when I was already a professed Salesians, I

nd Br. Tena ians of Don Bosco was discerning about my vocation. But I felt that God was not calling me to be a priest. I was invested as a cleric, but after my practical training when I was about to be sent for theology, we had our perpetual vows, it was then that I decided to be a Salesian Brother. I thought to myself, “I can also be a Salesian even if I am not a priest.”

jubilarian

Br. Antonio Hopida, SDB

Br. Tena: I was inspired by the Carmelite brothers who cared for me and gave a good example during my high school years, as the school was run by the Carmelite priests and brothers.

Br. Vincent Sheerer organized the altar boys. We became close because I was the head of the altar boys.

How did people react, especially your family, when they learned that you will not become a priest, but a lay brother?

Br. Tony: They were surprised. They said “how come?” They always said “mag-Brother ka lang?” (you’ll just be a Brother?) as if it’s an uncompleted business, that when you become a brother, you have to go further to become a priest. That was the reaction of my family. But eventually, they accepted it.

Br. Tena: My family was very supportive of my decision to be a Salesian Brother yet there were people who reacted why I did not choose the priesthood. My response to them was, “I’m called to serve God and this calling is to be like the other Salesian Brothers whom I met.”

What is the most memorable & beautiful experience you had that stood out throughout your religious life?

Br. Tony: I cannot pinpoint because all throughout my younger days as a Salesian when I was assigned in Makati, I enjoyed my life there. When I was asked to transfer to Cebu Boys Town, it was considered to be a very tough place to be assigned in.

But there, I also enjoyed. Although when I arrived in Cebu, the greetings I got from one of the students was, “dili ka taga diri, pa uli” (you are not from here, go home). That was a very tough welcome for me. But eventually, I made friend with that boy. When he graduated, we became good friends.

Br. Tena: When they started the first Salesian Brothers’ Congress, I met many Salesian Brothers from different Asian countries, sharing their unique experiences in their responsibilities and experiences in the community to where they were assigned.

That was the time my vocation was strengthened.

On the contrary, what is the most difficult experience you had? How did that experience form you?

Br. Tony: I also can’t find any specific one. When you enjoy your life, everything is nice. I enjoyed my life being a Salesian. And when I have problems, I go to the Rector. I confide to him my problems and I always believe that he can help me.

Br. Tena: When I was given a task as an assistant principal and then, I eventually became a principal, which I felt incapable, because of my lack of experience. Yet, I did my best to do my responsibilities, until I was awarded as an outstanding principal of Negros Occidental, twice–1981 and 1983.

To be continued on page 13

St. John Bosco Today | October-December 2020

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50 Years of God’s

Graciousness

By Fr. Bob Zarate, SDB

A

pril 13, 2020. We almost forgot that it was Fr. Demet’s birthday! The Covid-19 quarantine was in its first month and no one -- not even the birthday celebrant, himself! – ever thought of a grand celebration. He, himself, was deep in study, researching on how to produce a highly functioning ventilator for Covid-19 patients. Fr. Demet just turned 76. But like any other day for him, it was not a day for himself, but a day for others!

Fifty years ago, on November 28, 1970, Fr. Demetrio Carmona, SDB, was ordained by St. Paul VI himself, who was on a Pastoral Visit to the Philippines. The Luneta Park Sacerdotal Ordinations of around 290 candidates to the priesthood (from different dioceses and religious congregations), was perhaps, the longest ordination ceremony the Philippines ever had. It was a grand spectacle.

But Fr. Demet (as he is fondly called) stays quiet about that.

He may have the memory of getting out through Gate 1, slipping through the ranks of student activists surrounding Don Bosco Mandaluyong. He may have the memory of taking jeepney rides that day as a deacon and coming back as a newly-ordained priest. And yes, Fr. Demet stays quiet about that. That is what we have come to know about who Fr. Demet is.

But for Susano Balcera Carmona and Orlina Sun Malunes, their first born of a brood of three boys and five girls was more than just the quiet child. Born in Taloc, Bago City in Negros Occidental, Demetrio was named after his grandfather. The quiet child grew up to become one of the early batches of Filipino Salesians of Don Bosco.

Fr. Demet entered Don Bosco Technical Institute in Victorias, Negros Occidental, for his high school. The school is still situated within the grounds of one of the earliest modern sugar mills in the Philippines, the Victorias Milling Company. He got into Don Bosco through the invitation of Fr. Jose Bosch, SDB, the first Salesian he encountered in his life. The late 50’s saw the rapid growth of technical education in Victorias, which gave the ground for the high regard of the Philippines for the “Don Bosco” brand. Moreover, the Salesian style of education impressed the young Demetrio so much, not only because they had technical subjects, but also because everybody was on the move. “We could not even sit down, even in the gym,” he recalled. He was

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further impressed by the aspirants (the high school minor seminarians), who were winning sports tournaments and academic contests. It was already in March of young Demetrio’s second year in high school when he also entered the minor seminary. From that time, he officially became an aspirant. In the aspirantate, Fr. Demet remembers that even if studies were taken very seriously, they also took great care that they were faithful and good in sports and hiking.

On May 24, 1962, the Feast of Mary Help of Christians, Fr. Demet (who just turned 18 a month and a half before) made his First Profession as a Salesian of Don Bosco before Rev. Fr. Carlo Braga, SDB, after a year of novitiate in Muntinlupa.

Afterwards, he headed for Hong Kong to study Philosophy with other young Salesian clerics from East Asia. As a young Salesian, Fr. Demet was sent to Don Bosco Mandaluyong and Don Bosco Academy in Bacolor, Pampanga for Practical Training. Then, he advanced into his Theological Studies in Messina, Italy.

In all his 50 years of priesthood, Fr. Demet has only been assigned in four places: Don Bosco Technical Institute in Victorias, Negros Occidental, Don Bosco Academy in Bacolor, Pampanga, Salesiana Publishers in Makati, and mostly in Don Bosco Technical College, Mandaluyong. All these years, he has devoted his Salesian priestly life for education, with a special touch on technology. He has always been adept in technological trends even at his age of 76! In fact, he led the new program in Don Bosco Mandaluyong to introduce the Aircraft Maintenance Technology (AMT) certificate course.

But what is striking is that with electronics, and later on with computer programming, Fr. Demet is into music as his hobby and stress reliever! And when he has to sit in front of the television, he tunes in to sports, history and, of course, science and technology.

In a religious community, the younger confreres get elated at the pleasant human qualities of the older ones, qualities that shine as they mature more and more, not just in age, but also in spirituality. Fr. Demet is one confrere worthy of admiration, first of all because of his continuous scientific research and devotion to natural cures to sicknesses that beset the human body. He believes in the capacity of the human body in having the natural means to cure itself, as long as we eat, exercise, and use that which is processed

jubilarian Br. Tony and Br. Tena ...from page 11)

Was there an instance when you wanted to call it quits?

If yes, what changed your mind?

Br. Tony: One time, I was asked by my brother who has a business here in Cebu, he was convincing me to leave the Congregation so that I could be his partner in business. He told me that the business was doing fine, and he needed somebody to do with the recording and all that. There was a temptation to go out. So, I told the Provincial, Fr. Ferrari, and I told him that I was invited by my brother to work with him as a lay man. The funny thing was, he answered me a very strong answer. He told me, “if you go out from the Congregation, you’ll become a lay man, you will not save your soul.” He told me “you are going to hell.” That was his answer. After that I said “ok, Father, if I’m going to hell I better stay.”

Br. Tena: No, nothing at all.

You just celebrated your 60 years anniversary as a Salesian, what kept you going throughout all these years?

Br. Tony: Community life. When you are happy with your confreres, they become a family to you. It’s a happy life. That always sustains me, living in the community. And of course, prayer life. When you are in the community, you go along together with the community, praying with the community, eating with the community. Being together in the community, with the other Salesians and being faithful in prayer. Those are things that sustained me.

Fr. Demetrio Carmona, SDB

by nature and not of anything synthetically manufactured. He walks the talk with this and is very regular in his exercise regimen. He lets his physical routine complement his fidelity to personal and community prayer, as well as the Sacraments, maintaining its simple, yet, profound devotedness, characteristic of true Salesian piety. And of course, who can ever deny Fr. Demet’s simplicity, humility, and respect to everyone he encounters, his sincerity in Salesian brotherhood and obedience to anyone who becomes his superior.

When asked what in his native land can be used to symbolize himself, Fr. Demet proudly says, “What else but the sugar cane! It is a productive grass!”

Sugarcane is crushed to get its sap, which gives us sugar and sweetens our food. That is Fr. Demet! Fifty years of priesthood was a continuous crushing of his personal pride, so that his Salesian priestly life is sweetened by the very grace of God, brought by the Sacraments he has received all these years. He did not need to declare God’s graciousness through words. We see it all in him!

Br. Tena: The confreres in the community where I was assigned, they set a good example of how it is to become a good and holy Salesian. The understanding of each other’s limitations and flaws, though at times there were ups and downs, I did not give attention to it.

Being faithful to the Lord, doing my religious duties and showing my love to my confreres.

Religious vocation has become very difficult to today’s generation. What advice can you give to young people who are considering the religious life, especially Salesian life?

Br. Tony: I am out of the present generation they called the millennials and others but I guess it’s all the same. We are not here for the material things. Eventually, if you have to think of your life, what are these material things worth to me? It’s something I cannot bring with me in the afterlife. I don’t know if it’s still the thinking of the youth in this generation, with so many distractions, with so many things. I don’t think this thing is in their mind, the next life. Especially when you are young, you don’t think of dying. So that’s it, enjoy the present life, then what? Someday you’ll have to realize that this life is not forever. They have to think of what is next.

Br. Tena: Sanctify yourself deeply to the Lord, always pray to Mary, know more about Don Bosco’s Spirituality.

St. John Bosco Today | October-December 2020

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F

r. Marciano “Rocky” Evangelista, SDB can be described as a spinning top or “trumpo” in Filipino vernacular.

He can make your head spin as you listen to his ideas, philosophies, and stories of his unbounded and extraordinary journey.

This year marks Fr. Rocky’s 50th Anniversary of Priesthood.

He was ordained by Pope St. Paul VI on May 17, 1970 in St. Peter’s Basilica Square. However, this year has taken the world by storm with the globally devastating COVID-19 pandemic. This anniversary would have been a momentous event in Tuloy Foundation that unexpectedly shifted to a virtual celebration on YouTube as a result of the pandemic and the country’s strict community quarantine protocols.

The event initially invited a large number of guests who have had a significant part in Fr. Rocky’s journey, one of whom was Kobe Bryant. Fr. Rocky met Kobe Bryant in 1998 during his first visit to the Philippines where the young rookie visited Tuloy sa Don Bosco in Makati, interacted with children, and even played a 1-on-1 game with Fr. Rocky. His unexpected death earlier this year truly had an impact as he was considered a longtime friend of Tuloy.

Fr. Rocky’s 50th Anniversary Mass was attended by the Tuloy community and the Tuloy children while the rest of the guests watched the online celebration. Fr. Rocky reflected on his humble beginnings, growing in Pampanga with his parents “Tatang” Gregorio, “Ima” Gregoria, and his brothers.

He highlighted that although they were poor, they were never hungry or lacked shelter or clothing; his parents were ingenious at raising and feeding six boys.

Fr. Rocky

celebrates 50 years

of Priesthood and 60 years of Salesian Life Fr. Marciano “ Rocky” Evangelista, SDB

jubilarian Being the third child, he was a mischievous child who stayed out playing games on the street and would often miss the 6 o’clock evening prayer and rosary. He says he was too engrossed in street games such as “trumpo,”“fighting spiders,” “marble ball jack,” etc. Much to his dismay, his Ima chose him to be sent to the seminary as she hoped it would transform and discipline him.

Unfortunately, his time in the seminary didn’t last long for he was expelled. Fr. Rocky recalls that his Tatang was upset at that time but refused to give up. He said “When my Tatang saw me at home, he was so angry, not at me but at the Priest who sent me home. So he asked me ‘What do you want to be? What do you want to become?’ I said ‘Tatang, I want to become a very rich engineer.’

The following year, I was sent to Don Bosco Technical Institute in Bacolod Victorias Negros Occidental for high school. There I found myself among Salesian Brothers and Priests who were always with us whether in the chapel praying, in the classroom studying, in the playground playing or outings, enjoying their cheerful disposition and dedication deeply inspired me. And I said, ‘I want to be one of them.’ So I gave up my dream to become a rich engineer.”

Thus, his extraordinary journey as a Salesian Priest began. After high school, Fr. Rocky attended the Salesian Novitiate in Manila for a year followed by college studies in Hong Kong where he majored in Philosophy. From 1963 until 1966, he taught in Don Bosco Academy in Pampanga.

After which, his provincial superior Fr. Luigi Ferrarri, SDB decided to send him to Rome to pursue his master’s degree in Philosophy at the Pontifical University in Rome from 1966 until 1970. At the end of his four years of study abroad, he was ordained by Pope St. Paul VI on May 17, 1970. The rest was history.

Fr. Rocky then dedicated the next part of his life to helping children. In 1993, after a meeting with the Salesian Council, he volunteered to lead their project dedicated solely to helping street children. From then, he started the Tuloy Sa Don Bosco Foundation with only 12 children in a room in Don Bosco Parish Compound in Makati City. He was assisted by a group of young volunteers who were professionals in their fields of expertise. Since the very beginning, Tuloy has been powered by Fr. Rocky’s and volunteers’ passion for excellence and a relentless drive to make a real difference.

Today, Tuloy has built a microcosm of a village on a 4.5-hectare lot in Alabang, Muntinlupa City which was given by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in 1998. The complex includes 10 residential structures: a school and administrative building, technicalvocational skills workshops, culinary arts center, multipurpose complex for sports, recreation, and the performing arts, the Chapel of the Forgiving Lord, an aquaponics garden, and a football field. With the development of the village, Tuloy has been able to reach out to more children at-risk.

Tuloy has also expanded to Angeles City in Pampanga with a 1-hectare property with 22 kids and another satellite center in Soro-soro, Biñan City, Laguna.

In 27 years, Fr. Rocky and his generous benefactors had turned that small room in the Don Bosco Parish compound

into an impressive street children village, helping more than 20,000 street children.

During his 50th anniversary Mass, he began his homily by honoring the Lord for assigning to him an impossible task, to help as many street children as he can.

He reflects on that fateful day and says “I ask for the Lord’s forgiveness for my sins for my failures and my unworthiness but I thank Him for making me His instrument of dedicating my life and service to the disadvantaged especially thousands of poor and abandoned children for the past 27 years.

Notwithstanding my limitations, I can honestly say that we in Tuloy have graduated thousands of them, raising them to become God-fearing and valuable citizens by following the principles of education of my patron saint, Saint John Bosco of Reason, Religion, and Loving Kindness. The Tuloy kids are the greatest gift of God to me because indeed, it is a privilege to serve Him by serving the one so close to His heart; the Least, the Lost, and the Last of the children because I now understand even better what my faith is, what my Christian belief is, what my Christian and Priestly vocation is.”

One word that Fr. Rocky constantly reiterates to the Tuloy kids is ‘Change’, there is always room for change. He likes to coin short phrases or acronyms that are easy to remember such as “Tulong sa iyo, ituloy mo” (The help given to you, you must continue), “Buyout Evil,”“I am better today than yesterday!“ The latter being the answer of all the Tuloy graduates whenever you simply ask them, “How are you today?”

A few years ago, he formed the acronym GODLINESS to symbolize and represent what the kids should become and what life is all about. His thoughts are profound but straightforward and effortless that even the Tuloy children can fully grasp and understand in order to apply to their personal lives.

For 2020, Fr. Rocky embarks on a project of recycling wastewater for productive use in honor of Pope Francis and St. Pope Paul VI. He proclaimed that he fully supports Pope Francis’ call and advocacy for the preservation of Mother Earth. St. Pope Paul VI had likewise expressed his concern for the environment. The environmental challenges the world is currently undergoing must be addressed before it’s too late. He urged his family, friends, and benefactors who were watching his online Mass to direct their efforts to save the environment and find ways to recycle wastewater for multiple uses such as watering plants, cleaning and flushing toilet, and even to the extent of purifying water safe for human consumption. He states “I beseech you all especially those empowered with high authority and you who have huge resources to embark and invest in water management and conservation. Should we not be alarmed or at the very least worried about this phenomenon, God always forgives man but nature does not know how to forgive.”

Fr. Rocky reflects on his 50-year journey as a miracle that continues to bless him every day and considers himself one of the happiest people in the world. Tuloy Foundation is truly a mine of God-experiences that show how God quietly turns every effort, every mistake, every weakness for the good of those who trust in Him.

St. John Bosco Today | October-December 2020

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St. John Bosco Today | October-December 2020

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ASC Cooperative in the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians

By Abby Ignacio

T

o concretize the commitment of the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Parañaque to offer comprehensive and sustainable programs for the youth, the poor, and their families, the Mary Help of Christians Credit Cooperative (MHCCC) was established. Its main objective is to uplift the quality of life of its members. It was providential that some Salesian Cooperators became part of its Management Staff.

The MHCCC started as an extension office of the Vincentian Family Multi-Purpose Cooperative. It was only in April 2010 a cooperative was conceived when Fr. Gerry Battad, SDB as parish priest, came up an idea.

In 2014, when Fr. Ernie Cruz, SDB was assigned as parish priest, the MHCCC was registered with the Cooperative Development Authority.

One of the volunteer Cooperators, Luz Clarin, was appointed by the MHCCC Board of Directors as its general manager. She adhered to the Cooperative principle of service over and above profit, and endeavored to follow the objectives of the Cooperative: To inculcate a culture of thrift and savings consciousness among members as well as to extend credit for productive and providential purposes for the promotion of the members’ economic, social, and educational well-being.

The good governance principles adhered to by the Board of Directors and the prudent management of MHCCC’s financial, human and other resources, guided by the Salesian and Vincentian values contributed to the Cooperative’s success story.

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St. John Bosco Today | October-December 2020

To inculcate a culture of thrift and savings consciousness among members as well as to extend credit for productive and providential purposes for the promotion of the members’ economic, social, and educational well-being.

- The Cooperative’s objective

FEATURE

Members of the MHCCC Board of Directors: Chairperson- Cresencia C. Pagkalinawan, Vice-chair - Demetrio Opinion, Members: Rev. Fr. Ernie Cruz, SDB; Carmen Bernas; Lourdes Azarraga; Andrea Vitangcol; Jayrub Villaluz

Soup kitchen/Food kitchen

General Assembly in 2018 held at the MHC Auditorium

Soup kitchen/Food kitchen

Distribution of laptops

St. John Bosco Today | October-December 2020

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ASC FIN and FIS delegations with ASC World Coordinator Antonio Boccia during the 5th ASC World Congress in Rome in October 2018.

ASC-FIN (front L-R) Adelita Cuaresma, Meldy Benitez-Dometita, Fr. Bobby Roxas, SDB, ASC-FIS (back) Milagros Wurthwirch and Fr. Orly Borres, SDB

Engaging the youth in productive activities is one way of helping them become good Christians and upright citizens.

As of December 31, 2019, its membership grew to 1,512, 80% of whom comes from the developing communities in the parish. Aside from promoting financial stability, as a church-based Cooperative, members are grouped into clusters to form Basic Ecclesial Communities. Attendance to weekly meetings and Sunday Masses are requirements for members to be in good standing.

Not to forget the youth of the parish, the Dominic Savio Laboratory Cooperative was organized on May 4, 2019 to serve as a training ground for its members to prepare them for membership in the Guardian Cooperative, the Mary Help of Christians Credit Cooperative. Likewise, it aims to promote Cooperative values, financial discipline, business and leadership skills as well as Filipino social and cultural values. Engaging the youth in productive activities is one way of helping them become good Christians and upright citizens.

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St. John Bosco Today | October-December 2020

Grocery packs for fire victims for 31 families

The extended community quarantine imposed by the government did not deter the management from continuing the operations of the Cooperative in seeing its members. It was business as usual which is twice a week, while observing health and safety practices to avoid the coronavirus transmission. It was at this critical time that the members turned to the Cooperative to make cash withdrawals and apply for loans to help them with their needs until they can get back to work. For its outreach program, a soup/food kitchen was made available for kids, three times a week, in the following developing communities: Malacañang Dulo, Santos Compound, and F. Serrano Creekside.

The Cooperative also distributed rice to the more vulnerable members of the community.

FEATURE

ASC Makati Center

Apostolate – TVET Tutorial

By Candy Gregorio

T

he members of the Association of Salesian Cooperators (ASC) Makati Center volunteered to teach English and Math to Migrant Youth, who are studying at Don Bosco Makati under the TVET Program every 1st and 2nd Sundays of the month.

The first meeting with the students was basically an orientation. We, the volunteers shared the objectives of the tutorial and what could be their expectations from us. On the second meeting we discussed and talked about how we should go about it. First, we noticed that time is too short to teach two subjects. After discussing and brainstorming, it was decided that we will teach the

students for three hours every 1st Sunday for English and every 2nd Sunday for Math.

Seeing that the students are all excited and eager to learn, this motivated the volunteers to proceed with the tutorials despite the lack of volunteer teachers. Aside from teaching or sharing with them about the subject, it was more of sharing of oneself—time, resources, and experiences. We can feel that our mere presence, our being there in their midst, is greatly appreciated and that they are happy when they can also share and interact with us.

After this pandemic, when things get better, we will resume the tutorials with these youth.

Aside from teaching or sharing with them about the subject, it was more of sharing of oneself—time, resources, and experiences.

St. John Bosco Today | October-December 2020

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The Salesian Cooperators

of Mayapa Center-FIN, Reaching Out to the Peripheries

By Lita Cuaresma

T

he Association of Salesian Cooperators (ASC) of Mayapa Center, under the leadership of our the Parish Priest Fr. Dante Valero, SDB, began reaching out to a community of informal settlers in Sitio Maligaya in Mayapa, Calamba City in June 2016. This is in response to Pope Francis’ call to go to the peripheries.

During the month of the Holy Rosary in October, the Cooperators visited different families and prayed the Holy Rosary with them every day. We were able to see the community’s situation, their humble abode, and warm hospitality. We were so happy in bringing the image of Mama Mary to the families with a group of children from the area, who would accompany us every day.

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Now on its 11th year as a center, the ASC-Mayapa Center hopes, by God’s grace, to continue touching people’s lives as in whatever circumstances we are in and as a group working together with the same mission, especially for the young people, the reason for our vocation.

St. John Bosco Today | October-December 2020

FEATURE

We taught them how to pray the rosary and after sometime they were able to pray and sing on their own. We also had the Living Rosary and Rosary Rally at the end of October.

Fr. Dante would celebrate the Holy Mass once a month in the area. There was also gift-giving to the families during Christmas. We also gave school supplies during the opening of classes.

During our encounter with the families in Sitio Maligaya, we learned that some of them have not yet received the Sacraments of Initiation. To prepare them for the Sacraments, we conducted catechesis both for the children and their parents, and submitted the necessary documents to the parish office. On May 4, 2019, a total of 21 parishioners ages 6 months to 26 years old received the Sacrament of Baptism while 11 of them ages 9 to 26 years old had their First Communion.

At the time of the Covid-19 pandemic, we continued reaching out to the community in Sitio Maligaya by giving them rice, canned goods, and noodles.

The Young Salesian Cooperators also had their own outreach activities to their fellow young people in Mabato, a far-flung barangay under the parish.

They played with them and befriended them; because of this, some have joined our group and are now undergoing formation as ASC aspirants with our current Rector, Fr. Toto Cerada, SDB. Fr. Toto has also tasked our Young Salesian Cooperators to share the Salesian spirituality to the youth servants of the different barangay chapels using the modules prepared by our center’s Formation Team.

Years back, together with the young people from the Don Bosco Youth Center of our parish, we helped in painting the houses in a Gawad Kalinga community in Barandal, Calamba. We also visited the aged in Bahay ni Maria, where the nuns take care of the abandoned elderly. We also had an outreach program in a far-flung barangay Movietown, which used to be under our parish before the community was relocated there. We also reached out to the young migrant workers, who are a big sector of our parish these days due to the industrialization of Calamba City and towns nearby. We conducted home visitations to make them feel that the Church cares for them as Don Bosco did to the migrant workers of his time. We also participated in the “Books Across the Seas” book-giving project of ASC-FIN in partnership with the Rotary Club of Makati and we were able to hand over the books to several elementary schools and youth groups in different barangays in Calamba.

Now on its 11th year as a center, the ASC-Mayapa Center hopes, by God’s grace, to continue touching people’s lives as in whatever circumstances we are in and as a group working together with the same mission, especially for the young people, the reason for our vocation.

St. John Bosco Today | October-December 2020

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FEATURE

The Joy of Salesian

Corporate Life

By Avic R. Vera I had my promise as a member of the Association of Salesian Cooperators (ASC) in March 2009 and truly, my life has never been the same again.

Prior to my being a Cooperator, I was an active member of YUPPEACE (Young Upbeat Professionals for Peace). I enjoyed it so much since I was exposed to various youth gatherings, and most of all, I got to know more Salesians as our speakers for our monthly formation.

Listening to them, I have come to know the life story and teachings of our patron, Saint John Bosco.

Our various activities gave me the chance to be with the young people through Don Bosco Calauan children’s and Don Bosco Makati migrants’ catechisms, outreach programs, Babbad immersion in Mambucal, and many other memorable youth gatherings. I just love hearing them calling me Ate Avic.

Joining the Cooperators in 2008 was the fruit of my participation in the World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia. I always believe in the Bible verse, “to whom much is given, much is expected” (Luke 12:48).

During our Aspirantate formation to the ASC, the first thing that struck me most was to become an honest citizen. Receiving a huge salary as an auditor in the biggest telecommunications company in the country, I immediately paid the actual amount of my residence certificate in our Municipal Hall. I have always been an obedient employee, but when I came to know Don Bosco, I became more aggressive, as I did not have any qualms telling my superior to always be fair in giving appraisal report come performance evaluation period.

True enough, my boss gave me what I deserved and she changed a lot for the better. Moreover, my job required me to be strict. I made sure that there were no deviations in the process. But, I did it with mercy and compassion to endure the stressful corporate life.

However, the more I serve, the more crises came into my life. In 2010, I lost my mother; in 2015, my

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St. John Bosco Today | October-December 2020

brother was put to jail; and in 2018, my father passed away. The emotional pain was real in losing my parents and in my brother’s ordeal. Be that as it may, I was dead set to turn these crises to “Christ is.”

I realized I may be an orphan now, but I still have my other family, my Salesian Family who prayed and journeyed with me through my ups and downs. I was blessed to have them all in those trying times. In 2017, I asked my Makati Center to offer prayers, since that time I was about to make the biggest decision of my life: To retire from the company where I worked for 25 years.

Indeed, they prayed for me and eventually made me the local coordinator for three years now.

Aside from our monthly meetings, I also enjoyed our tutorial sessions with the TVET boys and girls, as we teach them Math and English subjects. Truly, being a teacher runs in my blood since I came from a family of educators.

With all the teachings of Don Bosco, the most that I practice daily is the spirit of Joy and Optimism. Many people told me, “Nakakahawa ang aking pagiging joyful and optimistic sa buhay.” Those trying times in my life made me stronger, reminding me that everything happens for a reason. I’ve always believed that God won’t give me what I can’t bear. With this realization, I smile again, still grateful to God for all that I’ve been through. I believe, my being joyful and optimistic in life is my shield to continue in my journey. Peace, contentment, solitude, patience, courage, and creativity--all these things helped me get through my everyday life.

I end this article with this beautiful quote, which somehow describes my journey as a Salesian Cooperator: “Life is like a camera. Focus on what is important. Capture the good times. Develop from the negatives, and if things don’t work out, take another shot.”

FEATURE

ASC: Mamma Margarets of DBYC Canlubang

By Mariel P. Quiatchon

Y

oung people need to be heard. They look for attention to be able to show and express their innermost feelings. They search for someone who will lead them in their quest for that precious gem that would give meaning to their lives. And this is Don Bosco’s mission, which we share as members of the Association of Salesian Cooperators (ASC).

‘MAMA MARGARETS’ OF THE YOUTH CENTER

For several years now, we, the ASC in Canlubang, Laguna have been collaborating in the running of the Youth Center with the young Salesians of Don Bosco Postnovitiate.

The ASC primarily plays the role of Mama Margaret in the Sunday youth center, who, like a mother, would assist and support all the young people in all their activities both in spiritual, physical, and financial aspects.

St. John Bosco Today | October-December 2020

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The ASC primarily plays the role of Mama Margaret in the Sunday youth center, who, like a mother, would assist and support all the young people in all their activities both in spiritual, physical, and financial aspects.

We attend to the young people, talk to them about their families, cook for them, sew clothes and costumes for them, and whatnot.

Br. John Paolo Romero who was then one of the young Salesians of the Postnovitiate community, now doing his practical training in Don Bosco-Tarlac, attests to the help of the ASC, “without the help and presence of the Cooperators, the Sunday Oratories would have been incomplete. They attend to the minor needs of the youth, especially of girls, they give good afternoon talks, they facilitate the procurement and distribution of the snacks, they talk to the youth who are not into physical games, they teach catechesis, and name it!”

ASC FOR THE ‘SMOOTH RUNNING OF THE HOUSE’

The Youth Center also encourages the Oratorians to join the following religious and interest groups: Savio Friends Club, Knights of the Altar, Juventus Sodality, Auxilium Sodality, and Federation of Choirs and Musicians.

For Don Bosco, these groups are necessary for the smooth running of the Salesian house. These groups

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St. John Bosco Today | October-December 2020

became the youth’s repository of emotions, interests, talents, skills, and attention; these are also venues for the youth to overcome their fears and doubts of being discriminated against, and to come out of their comfort zones. Aside from the Salesian animators of these groups, a member or two of the ASC are also helping in facilitating and animating the groups as the Nanays and Tatays.

Various social activities, which include the praying of the Holy Rosary, having celebration of the Holy Mass, conducting Youth training seminars, Youth camps, and Family recollections to help them to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the Faith and to develop their relationship with their family at home.

Br. Paolo expressed his delight how he witnessed the members of the ASC work from the planning to the execution, up until the evaluation process. “I am simply in awe on how they dedicated their time and resources for the youth centers, without discounting the fact that they, too, are playing the roles of husbands, wives, parents, and family breadwinners to their homes. They are also professionals, and the only rest day that they have, Sunday, they still set it aside for the Oratory,” he adds. And for him, this involvement and presence in the Youth Center surely did not only help the young people, but also the young Salesians themselves.

Salesian family news

Two Filipina Caritas Sisters Make their

Perpetual Profession

By Sr. Clara (Mary Joy Larawan, SCG) and Sr. Lucia (Jovelyn Apurado, SCG)

Quezon City, May 29, 2020–Last May 29, 2020, our Congregation of Caritas Sisters of Jesus was filled with so much joy and gratitude to God as we made our Perpetual Profession. We are grateful to the Lord who journeyed with us as we steadfastly commit ourselves fully in living the evangelical counsels of obedience, chastity, and poverty. The beginning of our vocation journey started at the Shrine of St. John Bosco Parish in Murcia, Negros Occidental where we first experienced the Salesian spirituality. The ministry of the Salesians to the young which is characterized with joyful holiness and devotion to the Holy Eucharist and Mary Help of Christians inspired us to dedicate our entire life to God.

Our religious vocation was further ignited when we met the vocation promoter of Caritas Sisters of Jesus in our Parish. It was then that we were able to know that there is another women’s religious congregation in the Salesian Family. The Caritas Sisters inspired us by their holy cheerfulness in spreading the merciful love of Jesus through their active charitable works in serving and loving the poorest of the poor. The holy cheerfulness that we had witnessed from the Caritas Sisters and the Salesian Priests are the same, in which we feel at home in their presence.

The charitable and humble service for the poor is the core of the spirit of Caritas Sisters that comes from the merciful love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

(L- R) Sr. Beda, Nov., Sr. Caritas, Sr. Carissima, Sr. Lucia, Fr. Gideon, OAR, Sr. Clara, Sr. Bernard, Sr. Gerino, Sr. Edward

St. John Bosco Today | October-December 2020

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During our formative years, we learned that our vocation as an apostle of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is to love and to embrace the poor. We see it in the daily life of the sisters in reaching out to the poorest of the poor, especially in the Payatas garbage mountain area. This witnessing motivates our determination to offer our lives to God in the Congregation of Caritas Sisters of Jesus. Being the pioneer members from the Philippines, attending our Congregation’s international gatherings held in different countries helps us to experience the spirit of our congregation deeply and widely which strengthens our vocation to be bearers of God’s merciful love.

All of these moved us to prepare ourselves well for the Perpetual Profession in Korea where we lived with more members of the congregation. We treasure and value the sacrificial love within ourselves through our simple yet creative and dynamic way of life in which the Divine Providence is providing us.

Despite this pandemic, we finally professed and we personally experienced the merciful love of Jesus through the visible support and prayers of our family, our congregation, and our community. It is in offering ourselves to God that we feel complete, happy, and holy. To love like Jesus is part of our life-long journey, which we desire to embrace with our whole heart, now and forever as apostles of the merciful love of Jesus.

We believe that our perpetual “Yes” has been truly a grace from the Lord and we are only cooperating in Him. We are also convinced that our Blessed Mother Mary, the Help of all Christians sustains us in our journey. We know that through her motherly love, we will be able to live our consecrated life full of joy, faith, hope, and love. May God continue to send forth the Holy Spirit that we may do what He wills at all times.

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St. John Bosco Today | October-December 2020

We believe that our perpetual “Yes” has been truly a grace from the Lord and we are only cooperating in Him.

Salesian family news

God

Never Left Us!

CREDIT: PHOTOS BY CL. JAMES ARO, SDB

By Br. Ronnel Tiu, SDB

B

r. Ronnel Tiu, SDB delivered this gratitude speech on the occasion of his Perpetual Profession last August 31.

Our highest praises and thanksgiving first and foremost to God, Who has given us this grace of life and vocation. In our recent recollection, one activity we did was finding God’s touch in our vocation experiences. It was a fruitful sharing especially knowing that in our life journey, whether it is a high experience or a sad one, God never left us!

He continued to carry us like the Good Shepherd who never got tired of searching for the lost sheep and then carried it on His shoulders on the way back. That is the symbol reminding us of these vows that we profess—to be like a shepherd who is ready to carry the sheep in his shoulders and even ready to lay his own life for the good of the flock that is entrusted to him.

We also send our deepest gratitude to the many people that helped us to be a better version of ourselves. To each of our parents, our families, where we learned how to be generous and faithful to God. To our relatives, that in one way or another supported us to enhance our vocation. To all the Salesians and our Salesian formators that guided us and journeyed with us to deepen our vocation, especially shown in their good examples and for leading us to see the things that we need to improve. In this regard, our huge thanks to Fr. Ronel and Fr. Mols, our rectors, and Fr. Arnold, our then rector.

To our Provincial Superior Fr. Gerry Martin. To our seminary batchmates since the beginning of our journey in this Salesian Life, that even when we go separated ways, the brotherhood developed remains commendable. To our friends who are always there to support and help us in our

apostolate. To our dear LaMPs who really assisted us in this mission of education and evangelization of young people, especially those in the laundry, kitchen, driving services, and offices.

And to all the young people that continue trusting us especially in terms of helping them to be closer to God through our good examples and allowing us to be part of their spiritual life. Thank you again so much! We are not perfect but we always strive to be the better version of ourselves every day in our lives, not only for us but most especially for you, our dear young people.

It is wonderful to see on this occasion the two forms of Salesian Life: the Clerics and the Salesian Brothers. In the mind of Don Bosco, these two are not about superiority but a complementarity of one Salesian vocation for the Church.

They are like all the pairs on our bodies that will feel incomplete without the other one. So, dear young people, in serving the Church in the Salesian life, you can become a priest or a brother. Whatever your calling is, always remember that it is God who calls you to be generous, and may you allow Him to work in you. As our vocation promoter always says: “Salesian Life: Hard, Happy, Holy.”

Indeed, it is not easy, but it gives you a joy that can never be bought by money or be replaced by material things. It is a joy that leads you to sanctification.

My novice master always said this and still does: “We remember each other in the breaking of the bread”--- as the Eucharist is the highest form of prayer where we gather and share in the banquet of the Lord.

And so, as we turn a page to a new chapter, please continue to pray for us.

St. John Bosco Today | October-December 2020

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Portraits of

Fidelity Sr. Gloria Vicencio, FMA (1921-2019)

The long life of Sr. Gloria (98 years!) bestows on her two unofficial titles in the Province: she was, for the longest time, the reigning “most senior” among the elderly Sisters of our Province, and the first Filipina FMA to reach almost a century of life! No one has as yet equalled this record.

Gloria, the eighth of ten children (four boys and six girls, the youngest of whom died while still young) of Ananias and Electa Vicencio, was born on June 16, 1921 in Quiapo, Manila. She described her parents as “simple people, who, though they did not have the means to study, were very practical and were thus able to sustain our big family and to enable most of us to attain at least a basic education.” Her father was a hardworking man, and gifted with practical intelligence. He owned a homestead that provided grass fodder for the horses of American soldiers in Camp McKinley. Gloria’s mother was a plain housewife who devoted herself to raising and following up her ten children.

In 1939, after finishing a two-year Elementary Education program at the Philippine Normal College, Gloria, at only 18, began teaching at the Mandaluyong Elementary School, the same public school she herself attended.

In 1949, her sister Paulina sponsored Gloria’s studies for a B.S. degree in Education, which she obtained in 1951, at the Far Eastern University. Through the years, Gloria also took subjects in Mathematics and Physical Education at the University of Santo Tomas, the University of the Philippines, and the National College of Physical Education. Gloria reveled in Math, training herself to solve mathematical problems, to the point of landing the fifth place in a Mathematics competitive examination for the entire Manila area.

Gloria used to attend daily morning Mass at the chapel of the Don Bosco Technical Institute in Mandaluyong. Fr. Patrick Ryan, SDB, who was her spiritual director for two years, and who knew her calibre, invited her and two other experienced teachers to teach catechism to poor elementary-school oratorians on Sundays.

One day in 1955, the Salesians introduced her to the FMA, who had arrived from Hong Kong to start a new presence in the Philippines. Gloria was enthralled by Sr. Catherine Moore, the Provincial, who offered to help her discern her vocation.

Thus, Gloria was sent to Hong Kong to start the first phase of her formation as an aspirant.

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St. John Bosco Today | October-December 2020

Sr. Gloria Vicencio, FMA

After her profession in Hong Kong on August 5, 1958, Sr. Gloria’s first assignment was in Holy Trinity Academy in BalicBalic, Manila, where she taught Religion, Math, and Physical Education, her three fortes.

One notable characteristic of Sr. Gloria was her eye for beauty. She noticed the finer traits of people, their bearing, the way they wear their clothes, shoes, and even their hair. She wanted people—including herself—to look beautiful, as people are meant to do. And she wanted to help—and was indeed able to—those who are not beautiful because of some physical flaws like harelips, cleft palates, blindness, and even the lack of teeth, to become wholesome to look at, if not downright beautiful.

Sr. Gloria’s name became almost synonymous with her so-called “Beautification Project.”

Her last 12 years were lived in Don Bosco School – Manila.

On her 93rd birthday, she made a commitment to be present for morning assistance after Mass–and during volleyball and basketball games. The students remember this old Sister sitting on her wheelchair at the gate, greeting the children as they came in.

Her joie de vivre was contagious. She was the heart of buon appetitos with her famous raps and lyrics sung to the tune of familiar songs that would inevitably leave everyone in stitches and in awe at her creativity. (This is her third unofficial title in our province: Rap Queen par excellence!) She would let herself be dressed up and dolled up, wear hats and tiaras, hold scepters and bells, as long as she could give joy to the community.

In memoriam

Sr. Jesusa Acevedo, FMA

After big and small health crises in these last years, she suddenly grew weaker in the last two weeks, and had to be admitted to the hospital, where she held on, despite pneumonia and a heart attack. In the end, when it was only medication and oxygen support that were sustaining her, she gradually and serenely let go at 1:25 A.M. on December 13, 2019, on the commemoration day of Mother Mazzarello. We want to believe that our Foundress came herself to bring her finally Home.

Ninety-eight years is not enough for us to bask in God’s joy shining through her. She will continue glowing in our lives as an example of growing old graciously and joyfully, being “for others” up to one’s last breath.

Sr. Jesusa Acevedo, FMA (1929-2020) Sr. Jess, as we fondly called her, was the second child and only girl of five children born to Eugenio Acevedo and Salvacion Yulo. Sr. Jess described her family as being “happy, religious, respectful, loving one another.” With them were two of their father’s nephews, whom he had adopted when their own father died. When Jess and her brothers were still young, their mother passed away, and their father married two years after. While Jess’s stepmother proved to be a good housewife, and was very religious, Jess felt it her responsibility to care for her brothers.

At 20, Jess attended a Junior Normal College course that qualified her to work as an elementary school teacher in the

Victorias Milling Company (Vicmico) Elementary school. One day in 1955, the parish priest asked Jess to join a group of parishioners in welcoming a new group of Sisters who were arriving in Vicmico the following day. Since it was a Saturday, Jess acquiesced. The “new Sisters” were the pioneer FMA in the Philippines— Sr. Erminia Borzini, Sr. Josephine Gallo, and Sr. Ligia Borges. As she got to know them, Jess thought of how approachable and friendly they were.

Later on, Sr. Erminia asked Jess to come every Saturday to teach “Ilonggo” to Sr. Josefa Crego so that she could communicate with the oratorians. And every Sunday Jess was asked to fix the library. In this way, Jess was able to observe the Sisters more closely, their joyful, respectful way of dealing with one another, the family spirit reigning among them, their smiles. On February 11, 1958, Jess’s brothers brought her to the convent. With fellow aspirants Aida Polotan and Julia Tabifranca, Jess was sent to Manila in May 1958.

With three other aspirants, Jesusa was next sent to Hong Kong, where she received the postulant’s medal on January 8, 1959. She began the novitiate on August 5 of the same year, under the guidance of Sr. Lina Motter, and made her profession on August 5, 1961. She was able to qualify for a diploma in Catechetics before returning to the Philippines in 1962.

Back in the Philippines, Sr. Jess was almost always entrusted with children in pre-school and in the elementary grades. All through these years, Sr. Jess was an example of simplicity and generous self-giving to everyone. She seemed drawn to the image of Jesus as Shepherd. “The Lord is my Shepherd… I am the Good Shepherd…” Her trust in the caring, protective love of the Shepherd enabled her to face life in loving surrender to God’s will – and with a bit of humor. The Sisters will always remember her giggles and jokes and bloopers, the zest with which she prepared her little gifts for family reunions.

The same “Shepherd spirituality” formed her to be a shepherd of many children, leading them to the pastures of faith and knowledge. In her 58 years as an FMA, who knows how many children she prepared to receive Jesus for the first time in Holy Communion, how many came to know Mary as Little Angels, how many learned the rudiments of reading and writing with her help?

In her years of retirement in DBS since 2015, Sr. Jess continued to be a serene presence in the community. She continued making rosaries and preparing little gifts for the provincials and her community animators for as long as she was able.

Last year, after a surgery necessitated by a fall, Sr. Jess’ health started to decline. Since June 22 this year, she started growing weaker in body, but remained lucid and serene until a few days before her death. As serenely as she had lived, Sr. Jess peacefully surrendered her soul to her Shepherd on July 10, 2020.

One of Sr. Jess’ legacies to us is her example of total obedience to God’s will in all things. We see Sr. Jess’ openness to grace in these lines she quoted for her golden jubilee of religious profession in 2011: “As a paintbrush to an artist, so am I to Christ with each passing day. He continues to make my life a real masterpiece to behold. He is the Divine Painter, I am His paintbrush. My life is the canvas, and His love and will, the portrait…”

St. John Bosco Today | October-December 2020

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n fis news •

Gifted to Give

500th Anniversary of the Arrival of Christianity in the Philippines!