St. John Bosco Today January-March 2021

St. John Bosco Today | January-March 2021

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Contents St. John Bosco Today

Volume 50 | Issue Number 3 | January-March 2021

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

ABOUT THE COVER eSalesian Presence

The face of Don Bosco for the young of today.

This hand-drawn doodle by Althea Montes (The Inky Hands) beautifully renders the familiar face of the Father, Teacher, and Friend of the Young.

Through the activities and initiatives the Salesian Family started in this pandemic, Don Bosco is ever-present with and for the youth of today.

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 Associate Editor Fr. April Jerome Quinto, SDB Contributing Editor Fr. Angelo Savio Sanchez, SDB Copy Editor Ms. Ma. Cristina Dacillo Coordinators Fr. Keith Amodia, SDB (FIS) Province, Sr. Debbie Ponsaran, FMA, and Ms. Imelda 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 ........................ 4 STRENNA 2021 Don Bosco, A Man Moved by Hope ............... 6 SALESIANITY 101 Fr. Paul Albera, ‘Le Petit Don Bosco’............ 8 FEATURES Not of the World, But for the World ............. 11 CDB: Don Bosco’s Dusty Feet in the World ................................................... 13 eSalesian Assistance amidst the Pandemic.................................... 15 Hearts Open for Tomorrow, Today ............... 17 FMA Mission on Social Media: Being Signs and Expressions of God’s Foreseeing Love Online .................................................. 19 FIN-Salesian Family Joins the 2021 Salesian Spirituality Days ............................................ 21 ADMA Living, Loving, and Serving Like Mary ....................................................... 23

Annual subscription rate (4 issues) Php 300.00

Salesian Family Vocation Festival Goes Online .................................................. 25

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

Coping with the COVID-19 Pandemic ....................................................... 27

/salesian.bulletin Copyright© 2021 by Don Bosco Press, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without permission from the publisher.

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Editor’s Note .................................................. 3

St. John Bosco Today | January-March 2021

IN MEMORIAM Be Faithful to Your Love Br. Nicolas Aguila, SDB .................................. 30

Doing Something I

for God

editor’s note

had a chat with an alumnus recently, and out of nowhere, he shared his realization that he may be sharing his faith with his young kids, but he was feeling the guilt upon recognizing that he’s not doing enough for God. At that point, he teared up.

The pandemic must have put our activities as one Salesian Family to a pause. And like that alumnus, we might have encountered the ‘guilt’ due to the circumstance we are in, that we may not be doing something for God. After all, the common activities we had in the past have all been reduced to mere online gatherings.

Lest this pandemic completely extinguishes the joy and optimism in our hearts, the pages of this issue of The St. John Bosco Today invite us to reminisce the past months and rediscover that we have not quit in defeat.

Through online means, we continued with the gathering of the Salesian Family, not just one, but two! The Salesian Spirituality Days held last January we participated in was an international event that led us to interact with the rest of the 8 000 participants worldwide (p. 21).

Another breathtaking event was the first-ever profession of Volontari con Don Bosco (CDB), which is not just a first in the country– but also in the East Asia-Oceania Region (p. 11)!

The feature articles on how we made our presence felt as Salesian educators and evangelizers opened so many possibilities and fresh perspectives in navigating the digital world (pp. 15-20).

And even the somber feature (p. 30) on the passing on of Br. Nick Aguila, SDB offers a concrete realization of Don Bosco’s promise for his children: Heaven!

I could go on and on, but the point stares us in the face–in those moments when we felt that we’re feeling helpless to do something for Him, in His great love, God has been pulling some strings all along!

The pandemic must have put our activities as one Salesian Family to a pause. And like that alumnus, we might have encountered the ‘guilt’ due to the circumstance we are in, that we may not be doing something for God.

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

St. John Bosco Today | January-March 2021

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THAT HUMAN HEART SO CAPABLE OF VERY

MESSAGE OF THE

RECTOR MAJOR

GREAT THINGS

‘Salesian’ is synonymous with ‘living for others.’ This is how we know our Salesians here. Thus, they are. Thus, they live.

By Fr. Ángel Fernández, SDB

M

y faithful friends, readers of the Salesian Bulletin, the means of family communication and friendship that Don Bosco himself valued so highly, I greet you with all cordiality.

I come to you on this occasion with my heart impressed by what I was able to experience around the time of the great Solemnity of Saint John Bosco. There were many things that impressed me, but today, two testimonies stand out. For the former, I was but a witness of a talk and for the latter but a recipient of a message.

Both of them made me feel that the human heart is very capable of great and beautiful things. Let me share them with you.

The former took place on the night of January 29, 2021, in Valdocco, in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, where I sat in the pews among the people and participated in the prayer vigils leading up to

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St. John Bosco Today | January-March 2021

the Solemnity of our beloved Saint and Father of the Salesian Family. Four young people who had participated in the “Economy of Pope Francis” Meeting in Rome, organized by the Holy See, animated that night’s prayer vigil. These are young entrepreneurs who do not consider commerce to be a way to get rich at the cost of impoverishing others, but who engage in business with a sense of justice and solidarity. Two of these young people gave a witness talk that went far beyond the details of money management. One of them shared with us, with deep emotion, that he lost his father two years ago and how his widowed mother sought a way to give great meaning to her life in memory of her beloved husband: she decided to welcome into her home, together with her children, two immigrant children who are in this country (Italy) alone, without any affective or family ties. This young man shared with us how deeply

impressed he and his siblings were by the decision and courage of their mother to live the Gospel as she believes we need to live it today: in a concrete way, a faith that has faces and names.

The second testimony was that of a young woman entrepreneur who decided to tutor a Senegalese child to help him as he makes his way, grows, works at his education, and prepares himself for life. I was strongly impressed by her because she showed the Gospel come alive and without “artificial sweetness”. Her witness also means that even today we can live like this. Without a doubt so many of you do live like this, each one in his own way, simply and concretely.

ONE OF THOSE “RARE MESSAGES”

When it comes to speaking of the “concrete,” I want to offer you another testimony that confirms what is deeply engraved in my heart. I have said this more than once: in a world like ours, which is undoubtedly very complex and which is beset by so many dark powers and realities, we

... in a world like ours,

which is undoubtedly very complex and which is beset by so many dark powers and realities, we must make known the good that is done.

IMAGE CREDIT : AGENZIA INFO SALESIANA ANS

must make known the good that is done. Don Bosco did this daily and I shall do so here.

Just a few days ago, I received one of those rare messages that bring with them no complaints and do not speak ill of anyone (certainly, you know that complaints are frequent everywhere). Quite the contrary, this message bore the testimony of a young woman who has lived for years in a Salesian environment and which has left its mark on her life for the better. In reading her message, my heart swelled. I told myself that I had to share it with you so you too would hear something good that touches the heart and not does not cause it pain.

This is what the young woman said: “Dear Don Angel: Ever since I found the way to write to you, I have greatly desired to share some things with you. Here, where I live, the Salesians are tremendous: they protect us in grief, shelter the lonely, always find time to listen, and exhort

us to believe, to trust, and to hope against all hope.

They soothe our souls in bitter moments and celebrate our joys as if they were their own. Trust me, Father, I’m not making up stories. My whole life has been “lit up” by the Salesian charism, first, in a small city (where the first Salesian house in the Americas was opened) and now, for these past few years in Rosario, a big and beautiful city. Here, in the House of San José, I work in the school and participate in the parish activities. I have experienced firsthand what I will now share. Our Director, Fr. X, knows each student by name.

He knows how to accompany each one in painful moments.

Many of our children’s lives are marked by stories of dolorous and difficult realities: one has leukemia, some have parents who have died, others live in the midst of domestic violence and many other misfortunes. He knows each of them and embraces them with his heart and his words. Another Salesian brings the Church alive at each Mass. Then there is Don X who, although elderly, mingles among the children, entertaining them with stories of “the old days.” In another Salesian house, with Fr. X, we search tirelessly for the best method to teach the first graders to begin to read and write.

There are so many names I could mention.”

On Saturday, I traveled over 900 miles just to see Padre X, who resides in the Zatti retirement home. I went to see him just to remind him how much he is loved, to give back a little for all his labors for us, and to have lunch with him. Moved deeply by this, he understood that everything had been worth it. So much life put at the service of others!

“Salesian” is synonymous with “living for others.” This is how we know our Salesians here. Thus, they are. Thus, they live. “We are in the world for others,” Fr. X constantly repeats to us, paraphrasing Don Bosco. Yes! That is why there is something special in the air, something invisible in the atmosphere of our school playgrounds. It all has to do with joy, with hope, and with holiness.

Happy Feast of Don Bosco, dear Rector Major. I pray for you and in you for every Salesian who makes us feel that Don Bosco is alive, that he always was and that he continues to be. Happy Feast of Don Bosco and blessings for all.”

There you have this precious testimony full of zest and life. I am keeping her identity anonymous so as not to make her blush but there may be people who think I am making “publicity” when they read this. You know, my friends, that I am not. Why should I not speak, why should I keep silent about life-giving news that tells the truth of those who experience deep in their hearts what they have written to us? In all simplicity, I am saying that the boys at Valdocco knew this same reality because Don Bosco was alive among them. How happy it makes me to know that many of our Houses today have that same “Valdocco flavor”!

I wish you all well! May your hearts also swell and be open to Hope.

Fr. Ángel Fernández, SDB Rector Major St. John Bosco Today | January-March 2021

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A REFLECTION ON THE STRENNA

Don Bosco, Strenna 2021

a man moved by hope

By Fr. Eli Cruz, SDB

T

he Rector Major’s Strenna “Moved by Hope” is moving enough for further commentary. And so this article simply strikes snippets of the Strenna and the experiences of Don Bosco as a man moved by hope... a man whose access to the future was the hope that – as assured to him in his dream at nine – “in due time you will understand.”

It was on the second day of the celebrations for the consecration of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Rome in 1887, towards the end of his life, when Don Bosco duly understood everything after “62 years of hardships, sacrifices, and struggles have passed by.”

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DON BOSCO AS MYSTIC OF THE SPIRIT: “Amidst life’s toughest challenges, it takes

great faith in God to go through.”

“This harsh reality of pain and sickness the world is going through today seems to drive people more to scandal and protest than to faith; to doubt rather than to trusting abandonment. But just the same, faced with this human cry or along with it there is always, for us believers, God.” (Strenna 2021, no. 3)

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“Gone is the time for the belief that we can do everything with our own resources, on our own, like ‘giants of vanity’ for whom nothing is impossible... The others are ‘me’ declined as ‘we,’ much more dependent on the richness of humanity in its values of beauty and shared life.”(Strenna 2021, no. 5)

strenna 2021 We gaze upon Don Bosco: “My entire life came into being, grew and developed in intimate contact with the supernatural. If the world has been my testing ground, faith has been my response as a believer. I have been accustomed to saying: ‘Amidst life’s toughest challenges, it takes great faith in God to go through.’” (Pascual Chavez, SDB, Getting to Know Don Bosco: His Spirituality, p. 3)

“In all this time, it may seem to many that this discretion of God, who intervenes only with the silent call of his love, is unbearable. And yet this is the authentic reality of God who shows solidarity in accompanying us, making himself close; far from the image of the God of power who intervenes to change things ‘magically’.” (Strenna 2021, no. 3) We hear Don Bosco telling us: “I allowed myself to be guided by a phrase from my mother’s lips: ‘We are in the Lord’s hands, and he is the best of fathers who constantly watches over us for our good and knows what is and what is not best for us.” (Pascual Chavez, SDB, Getting to Know Don Bosco: His Spirituality, p. 4)

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DON BOSCO AS PROPHET OF ENCOUNTER: “I always needed everyone... I lived

asking and thanking.”

“There are certainly many people who, as citizens and from a civilian perspective, with a clear awareness of our humanity and without any faith perspective, are attempting to tackle this situation and this crisis. But among these there is also us... the witness of us who have found the meaning of our lives in the encounter with Christ.” (Strenna 2021, no. 3) We gaze upon Don Bosco: “I was born poor, and yet through my hands have passed incredible sums, to which I never attached my heart. For me being poor means being free... free, not fettered! Poor as I was, I knew and frequented many ‘well off.’ I had a conviction that was not always understood, indeed, raised a hornet’s nest of criticism, tedious and suffocating.” (Pascual Chavez, SDB, Getting to Know Don Bosco: His Pedagogy, p. 25)

“Gone is the time for the belief that we can do everything with our own resources, on our own, like ‘giants of vanity’ for whom nothing is impossible... The others are ‘me’ declined as ‘we,’ much more dependent on the richness of humanity in its values of beauty and shared life.” (Strenna 2021, no. 5)

We hear Don Bosco telling us: “I have written thousands of letters, the majority of them to solicit grants from public bodies and from benefactors. In all, though, there is always a ‘thank you’, a word of sincere gratitude... To thank was always considered a strict duty of justice.” (Pascual Chavez, SDB, Getting to Know Don Bosco: His Pedagogy, p. 26)

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DON BOSCO AS SERVANT-LEADER OF THE YOUNG: “I have struggled for a lifetime to

give back to many young people the joy of living.”

“More than ever, presence and witness are needed –

our presence, and as a testimony, the joy that comes from our faith that hopes... And this especially for the young who we cannot leave on their own – more so now than ever – they are waiting for us with open arms so that we can once again inhabit their lives, with the strength of a love capable of conquering everything, because in all this, only love can triumph!” (Strenna 2021, no. 5) We gaze upon Don Bosco: “We were entering the Industrial Age. I had to adapt to new times, new trends...

I wanted to build a better world by offering many young people a bread earned honestly by a worthy work as free people and not like slaves to be exploited... I had the certainty that ‘he who has God has everything.’” (Pascual Chavez, SDB, Getting to Know Don Bosco: His Pedagogy, p. 31)

“We must once again dream the dream of the young.

We must put ourselves in that situation which enables us to overcome what fear has prevented from becoming reality... Each of our works must allow itself to be flooded by the living, generous and revitalizing heart of each young person who transforms homes with walls of silence into spaces of life of young people. We want that life! That is the life that saves us!” (Strenna 2021, no. 5) We hear Don Bosco telling us: “I have struggled for a lifetime to give back to many young people the joy of living, by clothing them with a dignity too often trampled upon... But despite the inevitable mistakes that always accompany human action, I have been aware of my part.

I opened new ways to educate, love, and serve youth. My dreams have left a mark.” (Pascual Chavez, SDB, Getting to Know Don Bosco: His Pedagogy, pp. 33-34)

TO END

“Christian hope makes faith tenacious, able to withstand the shocks of life... While we recognize our poverty and fragility, God gives us his heart.” (Strenna 2021, no. 6) We hear Don Bosco telling us: “’I can’t carry on.’

Yes, those are my words, and I wrote them in a letter in 1853 addressed to Canon de Gaudenzi, a real friend, the complete priest, later Bishop of Vigevano... Don’t think, however, that I am beaten; just tired... Believe me, however, I wasn’t just playing victim, but just stating the fact, pure and simple.” (Pascual Chavez, SDB, Getting to Know Don Bosco: His Spirituality, pp. 48)

We gaze upon Don Bosco: “Don’t forget that at Valdocco word had got around that the greater were the problems and the heavier the tribulations, the more the Salesians – and first the boys – saw me calmer than usual.

They guessed the conclusion: ‘Don Bosco must be really in difficulties today if he looks so happy and smiling’.” (Pascual Chavez, SDB, Getting to Know Don Bosco: His Spirituality, pp. 49)

“So then, aware of our fragility and how difficult the task is today of educating and forming people, more than ever we need to be sowers of hope, provocateurs of true hope, whisperers of this same hope.” (Strenna 2021, no. 6) St. John Bosco Today | January-March 2021

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FR. PAUL ALBERA, ‘LE PETIT DON BOSCO’

By Fr. Caesar Dizon, SDB Editor’s Note: The Rector Major promulgated the year 2021 dedicated to the memory of Fr. Paolo Albera, commemorating the first centenary of the death of the second successor of Don Bosco.

THE FIRST ENCOUNTER

In Salesian history, the first encounter with Don Bosco of significant Salesian personalities is deemed important enough to be recorded for posterity. We only have to recall his encounter with Bartholomew Garelli, Michael Rua, Michael Magone, and Dominic Savio. This was the story of Don Bosco’s first encounter with Paul Albera. In his own words: Mass was celebrated, many received Holy Communion, and everybody rushed to the courtyard for breakfast. I thought I did not qualify for it, and stood aside waiting to rejoin them on their way back. Don Bosco spotted me.

What’s your name?”

“Paolino “ “Have you had breakfast?”

“No sir, I have not gone to confession or communion.”

“But confession and communion are not necessary to have breakfast.”

“What is necessary?”

“To have appetite.”

He led me to the basket and gave me lots of bread and fruit. I went down with him and played until dusk.

From that moment, and for many years, I did not abandon the Oratory or dear Don Bosco, who did me so much good.

A FAVORITE SON OF DON BOSCO

Young Paolino was a calm, smiling, and diligent boy. The memory of Dominic Savio, who had died the year before he came to Valdocco, encouraged the best boys to follow in his footsteps, including Paolino. He became a friend of Michael Magone, his neighbor in the dormitory. He excelled in school, but also stood out for his piety. One day in 1861, it was he whom Don Bosco chose to pose at his side for the historic photograph that pictures him as a penitent making his confession to Don Bosco.

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St. John Bosco Today | January-March 2021

We have to thank Fr. Ruffino for the story behind that famous photograph. We read this entry in his eponymous chronicle: May 19 [1861]. Today, Pentecost Sunday, Francis Serra, an Oratory boy, took a daguerreotype of Don Bosco — first alone, then in a group with [Louis] Jarach, [Rinaudo]

SALESIANITY 101

PHOTO FROM MUSEO CASA DON BOSCO

Costanza, [Alexander] Fabre, Bracco, and [Paul] Albera, and lastly with over 50 pupils around him. Two days later, he photographed him again in the act of hearing confessions.

The closest penitents were [Joseph] Reano, [Paul] Albera, and [Charles] Viale; many others stood in the background, preparing themselves. Don Bosco had consented only after Serra’s endless entreaties. These photographs, however, were strictly for the Oratory, and Don Bosco forbade the making of other prints.

Don Bosco once wrote Fr. Albera: ‘My health has been deteriorating over some time but now, as I write to you, I feel perfectly healthy. I believe this may be the result of the great pleasure it gives me to be writing to you.’

Fr. Paul Albera, Provincial for the Salesian houses in France, was leaving. He came to say good-bye. Don Bosco, now old and sickly, looked at him affectionately, with tears in his eyes.

“You’re going too. You’re all abandoning me. I know Bonetti will leave tonight. So will Rua. They are leaving me alone.”

Silent tears flowed from his eyes. Nearing the end of his life, Don Bosco felt loneliness enveloping him. Fr. Albera let himself be overcome by emotion too. But Don Bosco composed himself: “I’m not scolding you, you know. You are doing your duty. But I’m a poor old man… I’ll pray for you, God be with you.”

On January 29, the doctors found Don Bosco near the end.

One of them, perhaps in an effort to encourage him, said: “Take heart, tomorrow things may improve...”

Don Bosco replied “Tomorrow?... Tomorrow?... I am going on a long journey...”

In the first night hours he shouted: “Paolino, Paolino, where are you? Why don’t you come?” Fr. Paul Albera, who was in France as Provincial, had not arrived yet.

Don Bosco had favored sons. Paul Albera was one of them.

But he did not cling to them. He allowed them independence.

He sent them off to spread their wings. He sent John Cagliero to South America and Paul Albera to France.

And if Don Bosco loved Paolino very dearly, Paolino returned that love. The affection was mutual.

Because Don Bosco had been in the Salesian house at Marseilles for almost two weeks, everyone felt that Don Bosco was now part of the house and that he would never again leave it. But then the painful truth came to light when they saw the preparations for his departure. A veil of sadness fell upon both Salesians and students.

Toward eleven o’clock, he blessed the Salesians who had gathered together in his room, and then he uttered these words as a souvenir, “Remember that you are all brothers.”

He blessed the youngsters as they knelt in the playground.

And Fr. Albera? He was crying like a child.

DON ALBERA IN THE DREAM OF WHEEL OF ETERNITY

Don Bosco shared this dream with the boys and Salesians of Valdocco: Far off, black columns of smoke were rising to the sky.

Some boys had gathered cockle and were burning it outside the field. This symbolized those who would remove the bad from the good as directors of our future houses. Among them

I saw Francis Cerruti, John Baptist Tamietti, Dominic Belmonte, and Paul Albera.

All the above scenes kept unfolding simultaneously.

I saw some boys in that crowd hold lighted lanterns, though it was broad daylight. Evidently they were destined to be beacons, giving good example to other workers in the Lord’s vineyard. Among them was Paul Albera, who, besides carrying a lamp, also played the guitar. This means that not only will he guide priests, but he will also encourage them to persevere. It suggested, too, some high post in the Church.

HE IS MY SECOND

Philip Rinaldi, who was 22 at that time, had been invited and was sitting with other guests a little way from Don Bosco. With them was Bishop Ferre of Casale. The conversation turned to Father Albera and his initial problems with Archbishop Riccardi. The Archbishop had done his utmost to draw him away from Don Bosco after high school and join the diocese. Bishop Ferrre asked whether Father Albera had won out. “Certainly!”

Don Bosco replied. “He is my second....” Abruptly he St. John Bosco Today | January-March 2021

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brushed his hand over his forehead as if trying to arrange his thoughts. None of the guests at the table noticed the significance of his words nor of his gesture. But Philip Rinaldi began to wonder: “Fr. Albera was not the second person to enter the Congregation, nor was he second in position or even a member of the superior chapter, and he was not the Congregation’s second director. Could Don Bosco mean that he would be second in the line of succession?”

Thirty-three years later, and Fr. Rinaldi was prefect general. On February 27, 1910, realizing that Fr. Rua’s condition had become critical, he wrote his never-revealed secret on a sheet of paper and sealed it in an envelope. On it he wrote: “To be opened after the election held after our beloved Fr. Rua’s death. Philip Rinaldi.” He gave the envelope to Fr. Lemoyne, secretary of the superior chapter, without a word about its contents.

When Fr. Rua died, many confreres had expected Fr. Philip Rinaldi to be chosen to succeed him. But Fr. Rinaldi himself had no such expectations (or worries)—and we know why. When Don Rua’s successor had been elected, Fr. Rinaldi went to the Fr. Lemoyne’s office, broke open the envelope and read what he had written to everyone who was present.

“Fr. Albera…will be my second.”

22 Salesians to publicly profess their vows on May 14, 1862. He was ordained a priest in 1868 (delayed due to the persistent opposition of Archbishop Riccardi).

In 1881, Don Bosco sent him as Provincial to France, where the people affectionately called him le petit Don Bosco. In 1892, he returned to Turin to take up the role of “Catechist General” – in charge of formation. He conducted extraordinary visitations as Fr. Rua’s extraordinary representative to the provinces of France, Spain (5 months!), Belgium and then to South America from 1900 to 1903. In 1905, he accompanied Fr. Rua on his trip to the Holy Land. He was elected to succeed Fr. Rua as Rector Major of the Congregation in 1910, and remained in office until his death on October 29, 1921

RECTOR MAJOR (1910-1921)

As Rector Major, he dedicated himself to the spiritual formation of the members of the Salesian Society. And given his familiarity with many spiritual writers, particularly Saint Francis de Sales, Fr. Albera wrote circular letters that may be likened to mini treatises.

It was his wish that our educational work go beyond our schools and training centers. He brought together Congresses of Past Pupils and Cooperators for the purpose of forging fraternal

Fr. Rinaldi went to the Fr. Lemoyne’s office, broke open the envelope and read what he had written to everyone who was present.“ Fr. Albera…will be my second.”

Looking back at his election as Rector Major Don Albera wrote : “I remember now how it was now the memorable morning of August 16, 1910, when I saw myself, unworthy as I was, raised to such a sublime office, such a grave responsibility. I remember the emotion, or rather the consternation felt at the time; the anxieties, the fears, the tears shed that day at the tomb of D. Bosco, the ardent prayers that I addressed to this good Father of ours so that he might come to my aid; and how, in the end, I induced myself to accept the charge, albeit with great repugnance, and only so as not to contradict the divine appointment... Then, all the marvels that God was pleased to work over these years, making use of my poor person, parade before my memory.”

THE BIRTH AND GROWTH OF THE SALESIAN CONGREGATION

Under Mary’s guidance, Don Bosco set about the task of founding a religious congregation. His own boys were the best material: little Michael Rua, who idolized him; tough John Cagliero; hardworking John Francesia; self-willed Paul Albera, and several others. They would be the pioneers in this experiment of a new kind of religious congregation.

Following the founding meeting of the Salesian Society (December 18, 1859), new members were admitted to the Society. Among them was the fifteen-year-old Paul Albera.

(He had entered the Oratory in the fall of 1858.) He donned the clerical habit in 1861. He was among the first group of

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bonds which would augment the fruits of the education received and which would facilitate mutual assistance; of diffusing the Christian spirit throughout family, society, and especially amongst young people; and finally, of promoting and put in place initiatives aimed at supporting the many works of assistance that have come into existence in the name of Don Bosco.

His greatest trial, however, was the First World War (19141918). A direct consequence of this tragic event was the impossibility of holding a General Chapter during this time.

Fr. Albera recommended to those in charge to assist confreres in the military both morally and materially. He insisted on maintaining the existing works, and intervened personally on behalf of refugees and war orphans. He wrote a monthly circular letter to Salesians who were called to arms. And over and above that, he and the members of the Superior Chapter answered letters written by the confreres holed up in the trenches.

HIS DEATH

Exhausted by his many journeys as Rector Major in visiting the houses and strengthening the confreres and Salesian Cooperators, Fr. Albera passed the last years of his life in precarious health.

After writing the beautiful letter announcing the “Salesian” year (3rd centenary of the death of St. Francis de Sales), Fr. Paul Albera passed away on October 29, 1921, leaving the celebration of the jubilee year he had promulgated up to his successor, Fr. Philip Rinaldi.

After his death, he was interred at Valsalice, alongside Don Bosco and Father Rua.

FEATURE

NOT OF THE WORLD, but FOR THE WORLD By a Volunteer of Don Bosco

M

y simple childhood dream was to serve at the altar wearing a cassock–nothing more, nothing less.

However, all these years, this simple dream has brought to a journey of life that I would never imagine. The invitation of my classmates to join the Rondalla Club of Don Bosco Youth Center in our parish paved the way for me to fulfill my dream.

After a year or two, I had the chance to move to the Knights of the Altar (KOA). By that time, the name Don Bosco was new to me. My membership in two groups that I joined in the youth center was the start of my journey of knowing Don Bosco, not only as a place to gather young people but a Saint whom I can look up to.

LIVING THE SALESIAN SPIRITUALITY

Through the help of our Ates and Kuyas, our leaders in the youth groups, I got to know about Don Bosco through our catechisms, formations, and other activities in the youth center. The presence of the Salesians, the priests, and most especially the students of theology who had their apostolate in the youth center, helped me to know more about Don Bosco through their way of life.

They talked to us, played games, and join our activities just like our Ates and Kuyas. I was really fascinated by how they live their lives as priests and brothers. Being an altar server at that time, I slowly got attracted to the “things of the Church,” and desired to enter the priesthood. I joined an overnight vocation talk to help me more to listen to His call.

My parish priest had arranged a vocation camp for me and even paid for the registration. But I didn’t join since I was anxious back then about what would happen to me in the camp. I just felt then that I was not ready yet to enter the seminary. Years passed, and the thought of entering the seminary has been extinguished in my mind and heart.

My involvement in the youth ministry work led me to know more people and had the chance to live out the spirituality of St. John Bosco which was cultivated in me from my encounters with Salesian priests and brothers, youth leaders, and youth ministers.

In one of the youth gatherings in 2009, I got struck by the sharing of Fr. Bobby Roxas, SDB about the different

members of the Salesian Family. It was the first time I heard about the CDB or Volontari con Don Bosco (Volunteers with Don Bosco).

However, it was only in a youth gathering in 2015 when I became serious with my discernment on my vocation. In one of the sessions, I was struck with this question, “What vocation do you think God is calling you?” But felt that God is calling me to single blessedness. The thought of being single for the rest of my life did not end there. The idea of becoming part of the CDB was revived in my heart.

So, I made some research on the internet if the group is still existing. Most of my search on the internet would lead me to VDB or the Volunteers of Don Bosco, a female counterpart of the CDB. Luckily, I saw a document of the CDB on the internet and to my surprise, it was Fr. Eli Cruz, SDB – then provincial superior of the FIN province, who authored it. CDB is present in the Philippines! I read through the document and got more interested in the way of life of the CDBs. St. John Bosco Today | January-March 2021

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VOLONTARI CON DON BOSCO (CDB)

CDBs are secular laymen who chose to live a life of consecration to God. The name of the group was drawn from the words of Cardinal John Cagliero “Monk or no monk, I stay Con Don Bosco.” They live with their families and have their own jobs as ordinary lay men, in other words, they are fully inserted in the secular world.

But what sets them apart from the other lay persons? It is their consecration to God that makes the difference. They profess the vows of the Evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience, imbued by the Salesian charism. They keep a certain “reserve” with regard to their membership in the Institute so as they can effectively live out their vocation and guarantee their complete engagement with the world.

As a consecrated secular layman, they live their consecration through work, in their professional lives, and in ordinary circumstances of life. As professed Salesians, they have a preferential love for the young.

I asked Fr. Bobby again how I can get to know more about the CDB and he told me that Fr. Eli is taking charge of the group and by that time, there were already four young men who were discerning this kind of vocation.

Having heard of this news, I spent time praying and discern for God’s call. Is it a sign of God to pursue my vocation as a CDB? Do I really want to live a consecrated secular life in the style of St. John Bosco? My answer is certainly “yes” because my whole life was nourished by the teachings of St. John Bosco. But to live a consecrated secular life is different for it is a radical choice.

Days and months of prayer and discernment were spent as I prepared myself for this decision. On the celebration of the 200th birthday of St. John Bosco, I presented a special gift to him, I finally decided to choose the CDB vocation as my

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St. John Bosco Today | January-March 2021

gratitude to the saint whose life has been an inspiration to me.

I went to Canlubang and talked to Fr. Eli about my desire for the CDB vocation. After few months, I had the chance to join the regular meetings of the group together with the other young men who aspire to become CDBs. I wrote my letter of application for the discernment period on the eve of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and got the news that I was accepted on the Feast of St. Joseph the following year. It was the official start of my process of becoming part of the Institute.

We spent almost a year for the discernment period with our monthly formation and meeting with Fr. Eli. We got to know more about ourselves and the CDB. After the discernment period, we spent another three years for the initial formation to know more about the vocation of the CDB. It is like spending your years of formation “outside the seminary.”

Towards the end of our last year of formation, we were asked to write down our letter of application for our first profession; I really spent the time praying for it. The news from the CDB Central Council on the approval of our application gave joy to my heart but a bit of sadness had sunk within me.

COVID-19 pandemic had affected a lot of lives. We are not sure if the first profession will happen because of the situation.

A few months after, the Central Council gave us the green light to have the profession on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. We were happy then but anxious about the internal and external preparations. But more than these, is the life after the profession since we will be the first members of the CDB in the FIN province and in the East-Asia-Oceania region. Questions like who will guide us and tell us what to do and how to’s of a CDB surface again in our minds. A message from a CDB brother during my preparation has assured me of the life I am about to take. He said, “you are actually living out your life as a CDB by being involved in the youth ministry. This time, during your profession, you are making it official in front of the altar of the Lord. What will make the difference now is that you will consecrate your life to God and profess the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. You will still live a secular layman but will live in a more profound way because you are also as a consecrated Salesian.” These words had struck me and guided my way towards our profession.

On December 8, 2020 – together with a fellow CDB aspirant, we said our “yes” to consecrate our life to God. We had our first profession of vows in the Institute of the Volunteers with Don Bosco (CDB).

Looking back on my journey in my CDB vocation, I can say that it was full of grace as I also describe the day of our profession. The Lord has prepared me for this day through the different events of my life. Young people and youth ministers may also share the same journey that I had. We just need to listen to our hearts. The Lord is speaking to us in the different youth ministry activities we are enjoying at. We just need to hear Him clearly most especially in our prayer moments in the youth activities. Maybe someday you may respond to His call to become Christ’s salt of the earth and Don Bosco’s dusty feet in the world and join us as we live our life as a Salesian consecrated secular layman: in the world, not of the world, but for the world.

FEATURE

CDB: DON BOSCO’S DUSTY FEET IN THE WORLD

By Fr. Eli Cruz, SDB

Following the words of Cardinal John Cagliero from which the Volunteers with Don Bosco draw its name, CDB: “Monk or no monk, I stay con Don Bosco.”

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he 8th of December 2020 – at the Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians in Canlubang, Laguna – saw the First Profession to the Secular Consecrated Salesian life of two of the four aspirants at present of the Volunteers with Don Bosco (CDB) in the Philippines North Province and in the East Asia-Oceania Region.

Taking inspiration and strength from the “yes” pronounced by Mary to the will of God, may these men truly become Christ’s salt of the earth and Don Bosco’s dusty feet in the world, following the words of Cardinal John Cagliero from which the Volunteers with Don Bosco draw its name, CDB: “Monk or no monk, I stay Con Don Bosco.”

The Mass Celebrant was Rev. Fr. Gerry Martin, SDB, Provincial Superior of the Salesians of Don Bosco North Province, who received the first profession on behalf of Mr. Gaetano Cavallaro, Responsabile Mondiale of the CDB.

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St. John Bosco Today | January-March 2021

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PHOTO BY JOSE ARAGONES FROM PEXELS

What inspired the foundation of the CDB in the Philippines-North Province?

1.1 The FIN Provincial Chapter 2013, while it “sees the urgent need to work with young workers or professionals… also “recognizes that it is at a loss as to the new models of apostolic interventions.”

The CDBs respond to this urgent need.

1.2 For the bicentenary of the birth of Don Bosco in 2015: What can give more lasting significance – and not just postcards of happy memories – is the re-birthing in the Province of the avant-garde idea of Don Bosco about the ‘Extern Salesian’ which he presented in Article 16 of the 1860 Constitutions of the Congregation.

1.3 In the year of consecrated life in 2015: The Salesian Family has a unique vocation to offer through the professed CDBs who “by vocational choice live as laymen in the world… to enliven reality from within…” (CDB Constitutions, 6).

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What were learned from interactions with the first CDB candidates?

1.1 There are male past pupils and lay mission partners that are waiting to offer their lives in the Salesian consecrated life while living in the world and with their families. They did not know such a vocation was possible before.

1.2 The first aspirants received a Salesian education in their younger years, which speaks of the lasting influence of the SDBs on their spirituality and sense of mission. But they want this expressed in their own fields of secular work.

1.3 The SDB must learn to adapt to their own secular life, for example, work schedule, corporate values, and secular mindsets, in terms of times and topics of formation. And so the SDB becomes both a spiritual and a cultural animator.

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What contribution can the CDB contribute to the charismatic wealth of the Salesian Family?

1.1 An enrichment of the Salesian vocation by going back to Don Bosco’s vision of extern consecrated lay Salesians.

1.2 Reaching out to young professionals and young workers directly like “field hospitals in the midst of battle” that the confined life of the SDBs restricts.

1.3 Witness to an evangelical life lived in the world with the Salesian spirit.

ERRATUM On page 27, October-December 2020 issue of the St. John Bosco Today, we mistakenly referred to Sr. Clara and Sr. Lucia as the first Filipina Caritas Sisters of Jesus (CSG) to profess. Sr. Wency Dagun of the Japan Province holds that distinction. She made her first profession in Dec. 8, 2010 in Tokyo, Japan. On the other hand, Srs. Clara and Lucia are the first Filipina Caritas Sisters of the Seoul Province.

We regret the error.

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St. John Bosco Today | January-March 2021

To begin

formation

– besides the necessary requirements contained in Canon Law no. 721 – the CDB Institute also requires the following conditions. The candidate should:  normally not be older than 38 years old;  be celibate;  possess the physical health needed to participate in the life of the Institute;  possess psychological and affective maturity appropriate to one’s age and life situation;  be open to increasing his cultural background,  abilities and professional skills;  have a clear understanding of the meaning of a secular Salesian consecration;  demonstrate a desire to grow in their spiritual, professional, and cultural life;  be economically independent; have time for prayer and formation and for local and Institute gatherings.

Possible exceptions to the above mentioned criteria may be granted by the Moderator General after having listened to the opinion of his Council.

FEATURE

eSalesian

Assistance amidst

the Pandemic

By Mr. Diego Leandro Contreras

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outh centers, schools, chapels – young people had been literally everywhere before the onslaught of COVID-19.

Unfortunately, the usual activities that connected the Salesians and youth have been compromised due to the restrictions on social gatherings. In response to this, there were groups of Salesian priests, clerics, and brothers who initiated various online programs, including VocTok: Usapang Bokasyon at Buhay-buhay, D’Word, SWalk, and Koyang TV. These programs have been their means to be present online, hence the term “e-Salesian Assistance.”

Last September 8, 2020, on the Feast of the Nativity of Mary, the Vocation Team of the Salesians of Don Bosco - Philippine North Province (SDB-FIN) launched the first episode of VocTok: Usapang Bokasyon at Buhay-buhay or simply dubbed as “VocTok.” VocTok is an online vocation talk show aimed at featuring the stories of various guests from different vocations and professions. In its first season in 2020, comprising a total of 16 episodes, the show was able to feature Salesians, doctors, nuns, couples, a writer,

seminarians, ex-seminarians, a teacher, and a celebrity.

On top of featuring the stories of amazing persons, VocTok envisions to challenge its viewers, especially the young people, to be salts and light of the world in whatever vocation they are being called for. Hosted by the Vocation Director of SDB-FIN Fr. Jayson B. David, SDB, this program continues to air every Saturday at 6:00 PM via the Facebook Page of Salesian Vocation – FIN. For some, it has been a Saturday habit to watch D’Word right after watching VocTok. D’Word is also an online livestream program that specifically aims to expose God’s word and relate it to the life of young people.

This online broadcast is mainly hosted by Cl. Paul Aldrin Dungca, SDB, Cl. Jojo Valenzuela, SDB, Sr. Janis Mia Aguirre, FMA, Ferl Angelene Larrosa, and John Paul Almerez and aims to prepare the young people for the Sunday Eucharist and provide a safe and light place for the discussion of life and spirituality. Since their first airing last September 2020, D’Word continues to livestream through their Facebook Page every Saturday from 8:30 to 9:30 PM. St. John Bosco Today | January-March 2021

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Even with the pandemic, Salesian assistance has never been a thing of the past. Young people are not gone, but they must be met in the right places where they are present.

In addition to the roster of online programs broadcasted live via Facebook, Koyang TV airs every Friday with a Formation session and every Saturday with a Catechesis. It aims to provide an online oratory where young people, especially Bosconians, can hang-out and spend time through fun activities and substantial formation. This livestream is hosted by Cl. John Paolo Romero, SDB and Br. Daniel Drew Matias, SDB who are dubbed as the show’s “Koyangs,” a Kapampangan term for an older brother or kuya.

Furthermore, on the Feast day of Bl. Laura Vicuña last January 22, 2021, the first episode of SWalk was premiered.

Its name was lifted from “Salesian Walk”, with emphasis to how it motivates Salesian Assistance, a tradition that is ordinarily seen from Salesian Educators and is expected by Salesian youth during breaks in school days. This initiative, led by Cl. Joel Granada, SDB, targets to provide Bosconians a break from their online schoolwork as they engage in casual and youthful

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discussions brought by the program. Through a distinct, respectful, and youthful language that is patterned after the language of the young today, SWalk presents an interactive and responsive environment that encourages participation from its viewers. Salesian schools and common places for Bosconians and the young are being featured with a five-minute reflection segment on the Salesian Youth Spirituality and the value of hope. Every episode is broadcasted live via Facebook every Saturday from 4:00 to 5:00 PM. It captures Bosconians as its primary audience, and eventually, the young in general.

Even with the pandemic, Salesian assistance has never been a thing of the past. Young people are not gone, but they must be met in the right places where they are present. Like the four aforementioned online programs of the Salesians, the youth could be encountered in the social media through appropriate ways that never fail to bring them substantial content/ knowledge (reason), spiritual guidance (religion), and humane and youthful atmosphere (loving kindness).

Amidst the enduring pandemic, e-Salesian Assistance has made way so that accompaniment may always perdure albeit remotely. These various social media programs are among the Salesians’ way of refusing to lose by default against the perils of idleness due to the situation of the world today.

FEATURE

Hearts open

for tomorrow, today

A

By Fr. Keith Amodia, SDB

re you sure it won’t pick up the sounds from the church services?” we asked as Mr. Niño James Bañares was setting up the condenser microphone. We were in a room in a building adjacent to the church and we could hear the celebration of the Mass through the concrete walls. Mr. Bañares is setting up the recording equipment as we entered the room. We were here to record a new arrangement of a song.

He was confident that the isolation pads around the condenser microphone would block out the noise.

Mr. Bañares, or Sir Niño, is part of the Salesian Music Ministry (SMM). Just as the pandemic began last year, they have started to acquire recording equipment so they could set up a “mobile studio”–a music studio you could just unpack and set up anywhere. It had been the dream to record songs and produce music videos at the service of Salesian music, and now it is slowly coming true.

“Open our Hearts,” a song originally composed by Fr. Fidel Orendain, SDB and Mr. Jude Gitamondoc for the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of Don Bosco Labangon was chosen by the SMM as the theme song for facing the pandemic. “We want to reinterpret this song as an invitation for us to keep opening our hearts in the midst of the pandemic and in front of the 500 YOC,” Fr. Randy Figuracion explained to the other Salesians as they took their places in recording their parts. Not only were we fighting a pandemic, we are also pushing for renewal in the quincentennial celebration of Christianity in the Philippines.

The song, however, is just part of the series of productions in the pipeline of SMM. The group has been churning out music, new and old, in musical notations, albums, or in concerts. Last November 2019, they began to produce covers of Salesian songs that they have been posting on YouTube. “Open our Hearts” is the fourth in the playlist.

Their YouTube Channel does not focus only on music.

SMM was established to promote creative works of the Salesians and the Salesian Family. On the channel are also short catechism videos produced for the parishioners of the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes. The videos feature Fr. Randy as the parish priest explaining Catholic St. John Bosco Today | January-March 2021

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practices and beliefs like the devotion to the Holy Mass, communion of saints, and devotion to our Lady. These have been produced monthly since last year.

“Salesian Music Ministry is our attempt to bring into mainstream or popularize our Salesian songs,” Fr. Randy explained in an interview. “It began in 2015, when we celebrated the 200th anniversary of St. John Bosco’s birth. We wanted to preserve the songs and preserve it for posterity.”

The SMM promotes songs composed by Salesians and Salesian Family in the likes Bishop Patricio Buzon of Bacolod, Fr. Armand Robleza, Fr. Roneldo Vilbar, Michael Lapid, and also of newer composers in Lourdes Parish and the FIS province. “We didn’t just want to promote the songs but also be ambassadors of the music,” Fr. Randy continued. “So we organized the Pagdayeg Music Ministry as the choir arm of SMM.” Together with the Praise Strings, the instrumental arm, the SMM has two arms lifting Salesian music and culture.

Recognized by the FIS Province as one of its provincial services, the SMM has gone from producing music books and albums, to staging concerts and organizing music seminars.

It has the three-fold aim of preserving, promoting, and educating. Proceeds from its concerts and activities have not only benefited the Boys’ Homes in the province but also has funded scholarships among the choir and musicians. Weekly training and practices gather its young members to hone their skills and talents for music and for life.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought challenges. A concert organized months before had to concede to social restrictions. It became virtual. The live performance in the parish was live streamed on YouTube and Facebook. Now without tickets, free access to the stream has shown a new type of support: online donations through GCash and

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St. John Bosco Today | January-March 2021

Salesian Music Ministry is our attempt to bring into mainstream or popularize our Salesian songs,” Fr. Randy explained in an interview. “It began in 2015, when we celebrated the 200th anniversary of St. John Bosco’s birth.

We wanted to preserve the songs and preserve it for posterity.

Facebook stars. The musical concert of November 2019 did well that SMM pushed through with its Christmas Concert and the recent Marian Concert in honor of Our Lady of Lourdes which were held successfully.

SMM’s foray in using social media is not limited to music.

Together with the scriptwriting of Fr. Abundio Bacatan and the artistic skills of Fr. Honesto Geronimo, SMM has also produced a series of catechetical web comics online. Dubbed “John P. Astilan,” the comic strip comedically presents the life of John, an altar server or KOA, in order to explain certain aspects of the faith. His middle initial and last name when combined is actually a Cebuano interjection expressing and stressing emotion, “pastilan!”

Other Salesians have also brought their ministries online.

For two years already, Fr. Honesto, or Fr. Nioret, as he is fondly called, has been posting weekly Sunday reflections on the Province website. Fr. Mel Racelis and Fr. Joriz Calsa regularly share their reflections through their Facebook posts. In order to reach students stuck at home, the Evangelium classes of the Center for Lay Adults and Youth have used Zoom video conferencing. This year, the Social Communications started the year-long series of monthly online Salesianity webinars for the Salesian Family in preparation for the 400th death anniversary of St. Francis of Sales. The Salesian Youth Movement-FIS has also partnered with MariaTV in organizing an online talk show for and with young people. SMM joins these initiatives for more Salesian engagement online.

“We will record your parts here then master the whole track in my computer at home,” Sir Niño explained to us.

“With this new music video, we do hope to continue churning out new content for our channel. In a month’s time we will produce a short film on the devotion to our Blessed Mother.

So be sure to subscribe.” And we did wrap up the recording of Open our Hearts–our hopeful anthem that despite the pandemic and in front of the quincentenary celebration, St. John Bosco continues to live on among Salesians online.

FEATURE

FMA Mission onBeingSocial Media: signs and expressions of god’s foreseeing love online

A

By Sr. Princess Mae Ortiz, FMA

lmost a year after the whole world started experiencing the Covid-19 pandemic, it is not anymore a question of “what we have missed” or how “paralyzed” we have become from the start until this very moment. It is now a question of “how we are able to make use of what we have” in order to continue our mission.

St. John Bosco and St. Mary Mazzarello learned the ways of connecting to the young people. John Bosco learned how to do magic in order to attract them and at times, repeated to them the homilies that he heard from the church. Maria Mazzarello, after losing her strength to work in the vineyard, directed all her effort to learn sewing in order to reach out to

the young girls in Mornese. Surely, if Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello were here with us today, they would have been one of those who first learned how to “navigate” the social media, they would have known the “how’s” in venturing into the not so “new” normal because we all know that this is where the young people are!

Salesian assistance, group and personal accompaniment, are typical expressions of the Preventive System that make us attentive to the Holy Spirit at work in each person. The physical expressions of the present presence during assistance may be limited, but the FMA presence are now where the young people are.

St. John Bosco Today | January-March 2021

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Salesian assistance, group and personal accompaniment, are typical expressions of the Preventive System that make us attentive to the Holy Spirit at work in each person.

spirit of the “Da mihi animas cetera tolle” through online classes despite all odds.

The different FMA Communities provided venues for young women who are in search of their life’s direction with the Online Vocation accompaniment. Recollections are also made possible online!

Thanks to the rapid improvement in technology after the pandemic, the Provincial Educating Community (PEC) Core Group were able to push through with the virtual PEC Congress this year, gathering participants in Zoom and broadcasting it via the Facebook page of the Province and other FMA communities.

The Sisters are also able to participate in and/or host the online activities of the Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines (AMRSP): Healing Rosary for the World on May 6, hosted the Habits Tambayan (vocation promotion) on December 18, and led the online Rosary in honor of St. John Bosco on January 30.

The use of social media, particularly of Facebook paved the way for an easy way to connect to all the members of the different Educating Communities in the Province. Until this day, Facebook features like FB Live, private groups, and messenger rooms have been effective venues where special feast days, Online Rosaries, Eucharistic celebrations and adorations, and deepening on the Word are being held.

After doing a survey among the recipients, I saw that all the FMA Oratory Youth Centers in the Philippines have creatively ventured into Online Oratories specifically designed according to the needs and resources of the oratorians.

Physical activities may have been limited, but the Salesian Youth Groups continue to provide online venues for the young people in our basic education schools and technical vocational institutions where they can share their talents but most of all, provide activities for them which are both formative and youthful. We have courageously opted to continue our educative and evangelizing mission in the

The annual reunions, meetings, and other activities of the different local union of the past pupils association, VIDES Philippines, and the Laura Vicuña Foundation also pushed through thanks to the availability of the social media platforms.

Above all, the different social media platforms facilitated our unprecedented pandemic/natural calamity relief operations in the Province because it is the same pastoral charity that moved us on fire when everything was “normal” and now that everything is done online.

Sure, we can present a lot of dangers that might come about on having too much exposure on the social media, but with discipline, moderation, and time set aside for meditation and prayer, the social media are venues for the good if we use them for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

Virtual realities may be something fleeting, but in our Salesian way, virtual experiences can also be heartwarming, especially because this is our way to reach the hearts of the young people entrusted to our care.

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St. John Bosco Today | January-March 2021

FEATURE

FIN-Salesian Family joins the 2021 Salesian Spirituality Days

By Br. John Joseph Aguila, SDB and Br. Jogar Villanueva, SDB

T

ogether with the other 22 Provinces from the East Asia and Oceania (EAO) Region, the Philippine North (FIN) Province actively participated in the 39th Spirituality Days of Salesian Family from 15-17 January 2021.

St. John Bosco Today | January-March 2021

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TESTIMONIES

OF HOPE “Let us work while it is day. When night comes, the Lord will provide.” (Venerable Ignac Stuchly, SDB)

As the opening salvo, the participants were invited to a virtual tour of the newly opened Don Bosco Museum in Valdocco.

A moving segment of the day was the testimonials of hope by the persecuted Christians from Lahore, Youhanabad, Pakistan. It encouraged everyone to be steadfast in living the Christian faith despite the many challenges. The students of theology at the Seminaryo ng Don Bosco in Parañaque animated the concluding prayer.

Bishop Joseph Prathan, SDB of Thailand delivered the Good Night Talk. He zeroed in on joy as a way to relationship, optimism in difficult times, and hope most especially in depressed areas, and the migrant tribal people.

That same afternoon, the FIN Salesian Family Members were divided into 38 small zoom breakout groups for the first workshop and to share insights on what struck, inspired or challenged them the most from the testimonies they have heard. The responses were collated and submitted to the Provincial Delegate of the Salesian Family for the final collation to be forwarded to the regional coordinator.

At 8 in the evening, the participants gathered online around the Rector Major who at the time was in Sacro Cuore for the presentation of the Strenna 2021: Moved by Hope. A 15-minute video was shown regarding the Strenna, followed by a short commentary by the Rector Major himself stressing that we are in God’s hands and we must trust and hope.

The second day was also filled with excitement. The EAO meeting started with a report given by Mr. Niel Evangelista of the Past Pupils. He shared the top three inspirations and challenges of the Salesian Family which were a fruit of the previous day’s sharing: (1) To listen better to the voice of the young people; (2) Faith and the hope of the persecuted Christians in Pakistan, and (3) The young people are our Hope.

The members of the Salesian Family also reflected on the life of Bishop Giuseppe Cognata, a victim of slander who suffered greatly almost throughout his life.

The regional program was capped off by a moving prayer that was led by the Caritas Sister of Jesus and their mission partners. The Good Night Talk was given by Ms. Phyllis Tang, a lay collaborator in Hong Kong. Her talk centered on how the Salesian Family can animate the young people and how they can benefit from their zeal and love for the work of Don Bosco.

After the regional program, the FIN Salesian Family members proceeded with the breakout groups for the workshop and the sharing of insights on how they can become witnesses of hope. The evening was filled with presentations coming from all over the world with the

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St. John Bosco Today | January-March 2021

...the FIN Salesian Family Members were divided into 38 small zoom breakout groups for the first workshop and to share insights on what struck, inspired or challenged them the most from the testimonies they have heard.

various members of the Salesian Family showcasing their respective charisms and apostolate.

The Eucharistic Celebration capped off the event presided over by the Rector Major himself at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Rome. Prior to the Mass, the copy of the homily of the Rector Major was translated into different languages and circulated to each participant.

Indeed, this event was extraordinary not only because it was done online but because it has achieved its goal of motivating every member of the Salesian Family to be moved by hope.

FEATURE

ADMA living, loving, and serving like Mary

By Ms. Maria Junifer Maliglig, ADMA National Council Officer

T

he year 2020 proved very challenging for the members of the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA).

Living and promoting the devotion to Mary Help of Christians (MHC) through the constant presence of members in their respective parish churches and communities, leading the rosary and spearheading preparations for the monthly floral offering on the 24th and Marian feast days, leading the block rosary where the image of MHC is transferred from one home to another—all these suddenly had to stop because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Realizing that the situation will not soon go back to normal, ADMA chapter officers started to think of ways on how they can meet and pray the rosary and novena together.

Even though digitally challenged, the senior members of the Auxilium Chapter (Parañaque), encouraged each other to activate their social media accounts and install Facebook Messenger and Zoom apps either on their laptops, tablets, or smartphones.

After several months, the core group resumed its meetings online. Little by little, they, too, encouraged their co-senior members to do the same. The group patiently assisted each other in learning how to set-up and navigate through the different functions of the applications. Notably, the stay-at-home rule did not keep them from lovingly reminding each other to pray the rosary and the MHC novena every 15th to 23rd of the month; attend daily Mass online especially every 24th of the month; offer flowers to

Realizing that the situation will not soon go back to normal, ADMA chapter officers started to think of ways on how they can meet and pray the rosary and novena together.

MHC virtually after Mass; pray for each other’s families, for the sick and deceased, and for the social issues faced by our country and the world. Even pictures of their family praying together were shared and this helped uplift one another.

In MHC-Don Bosco Technical Institute Tarlac, members from the Don Bosco Chapter organized a month-long Sermonette and Rosary. For 30 evenings in October, they gathered virtually via Zoom and listened to the sermonette of a designated member or invited guest. This was followed St. John Bosco Today | January-March 2021

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by a sharing which was always filled with gratitude to Our Blessed Mother, whose constant presence is evidently experienced in their family life through her miracles and the answered prayers received through her intercession.

The virtual meeting is always concluded with the rosary, the praying of the Entrustment of the Home to Mary Help of Christians and Oratio Imperata for COVID-19.

On the national level, the annual ADMA Convention held its 38th gathering on October 31, 2020. Approximately, 30 members from different chapters in Metro Manila and Laguna were physically present at the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians. There was the exposition and adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, the formation talk showing the pre-recorded video presentation of Bishop Broderick Pabillo, DD on Pastoral Accompaniment in this Time of Pandemic and Political Crises, and the Eucharistic Celebration presided by Fr. Cris Magbitang, SDB, Rector of the National Shrine and the SDB Delegate to ADMA-FIN. The event was live streamed on the Facebook page of the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians Parish. (https://www.facebook.com/NSMHCParish/ videos/354185915889025)

The national Advent Recollection was held on December 19, 2020 via Zoom. Attended by more or less 35 participants, it was another opportunity for members across different chapters to listen, share, and get in touch with one another.

The experiences shared, the reassurances to stay strong, positive, and healthy spiritually and physically were all heartwarming. Members renewed their ADMA pledge and commitment to imitate Mary’s virtues by prayer and good works and to continue to spread the devotion to Jesus present in the Blessed Sacrament and to Mary Help of Christians.

By the end of 2020, the chapters that comprised mostly of senior members, were now able to organize their online Christmas celebrations. Indeed, not even a pandemic could keep these Marian devotees from giving thanks to the Lord and showing appreciation for each other as they prepared to welcome the birth of Jesus in their hearts.

Undeniably, in spite of the unique and seemingly overwhelming time each ADMA member faced last year, holding on to God’s mercy, persevering in faith, hope, and love and trusting evermore in the loving guidance and protection of Our Blessed Mother has prevailed. Mary, Help of Christians, pray for us!

Undeniably, in spite of the unique and seemingly overwhelming time each ADMA member faced last year, holding on to God’s mercy, persevering in faith, hope, and love and trusting evermore in the loving guidance and protection of Our Blessed Mother has prevailed.

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St. John Bosco Today | January-March 2021

FEATURE

Salesian Family Vocation Festival

goes online

T

By Asp. Ryan Paolo Tulaylay

he second Salesian Family Vocation Festival (SVFP) took place online from November 20 to 22, 2020. The event was organized by the Vocation Animators of the FMA and SDB, namely Sr. Ravena Dominguez, FMA from the Province of Saint Mary Domenica Mazzarello and Fr. Jayson David, SDB from the Province of Saint John Bosco – FIN with about 500 participants from the different groups and members of the Salesian Family in the Philippines.

The first SFVF was held at the Don Bosco School in Sta. Mesa, Manila. The online SFVP became an opportune time to reach not just the young people of the FMA and SDB settings but also the others who were invited by their friends and educators to also discern about a possible vocation or calling to the Salesian Family.

The theme of this year’s SFVF is “#FOREVER I’m Staying with Don Bosco” was taken from the decisive words of Don John Cagliero, when he was asked by Don Bosco to join the Salesian congregation: “Monk or no monk,

I’m staying with Don Bosco.” This little John Cagliero later on became a Salesian, the head of the first Salesian missionary expedition to Patagonia in Argentina, the first Salesian bishop, and later the first Salesian cardinal. Like John Cagliero, the members of the Salesian Family were presented as those who found real happiness in serving the Lord through youth ministry.

During the three nights of the online SFVP, three to four groups of the Salesian Family were presented to the online assembly via Zoom. Each group presented a video and a short interview about their mission and their specific identity within the Salesian Family. After the presentation of the groups, the participants were divided into small groups in 59 virtual rooms for their sharing of insights about the groups presented.

During the opening of the SFVP, Fr. Bobby Roxas, SDB, the SDB-FIN Provincial Delegate for the Salesian Family, gave the talk in which he presented an overview of the St. John Bosco Today | January-March 2021

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The theme of this year’s SFVF is “#FOREVER I’m Staying with Don Bosco” was taken from the decisive words of Don John Cagliero, when he was asked

by Don Bosco to join the Salesian congregation: “Monk or no monk, I’m staying with Don Bosco.”

Salesian Family. After his talk, the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB), the female Secular Salesians or the Volunteers of Don Bosco (VDB), and the Association of the Salesian Cooperators (ASC) were presented.

On the second day, the Provincial Coordinator of the Youth Ministry of the FMA, Sr. Debbie Ponsaran, FMA talked about the Strenna of the Rector Major for 2021. She motivated the participants to bring hope to the world through concrete acts of solidarity. After her talk, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA), and the male Secular Salesians or the Volunteers with Don Bosco (CDB) were presented.

On the last day of the SFVP, three other groups were presented: the Past Pupils of the SDB and the FMA, the Sisters of the Charity of Jesus (SCG), and the Asociacion Damas Salesianas (ADS).

The SFVP was concluded with the Solemn Celebration of the Eucharist on the Solemnity of Christ the King which was presided over by the FIN Provincial Superior, Fr. Gerardo Martin, SDB. In his homily, he encouraged the young people to follow the King-Shepherd who calls everyone to loving service. He also emphasized that the

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St. John Bosco Today | January-March 2021

vocation in the Salesian Family means to be transformed as pastors or shepherds for the young.

Before the conclusion of the SFVP, the participants were given time for reflection and see to which group of the Salesian Family group are they attracted to join. The participants then went into their virtual breakout rooms for the last time and shared their experience of the Vocation Festival. It is hoped that the facilitators of the virtual breakout rooms continue to accompany the young people in their groups and help them in their discernment.

FEATURE

Coping with the COVID-19 Pandemic

By FIS Social Communications

T

he first COVID-19 case in the Philippines was confirmed on January 30, 2020, a day before St. John Bosco’s feast day. The days that followed were marked by tension and anxiety as airports, seaports, and borders started to close. The FIS Province emergency response team known as the “Don Bosco Disaster Intervention, Response Emergency Coordinating Team” or DB-DIRECT was activated to coordinate the various initiatives and responses to address the crisis. Headed by Fr. Joriz Calsa, SDB, provincial delegate to the CYM, it is composed of Salesians and lay people from the different provincial commissions.

The FIS Province emergency response team known as the “Don Bosco Disaster Intervention, Response Emergency Coordinating Team” or DB-DIRECT was activated to coordinate the various initiatives and responses to address the crisis.

Friends from the medical industry began asking for help and for prayers. Since there are two Salesian training centers have dressmaking programs, Don Bosco was asked to help produce and provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Alumni and college engineering professors also lent their expertise in designing zero-touch sanitation machines and alcohol dispensers. Hence, the FIS Solidarity COVID-19 response was born.

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Using its network of alumni, benefactors, and friends, the FIS Province was able to work with local government units in addressing the needs of the people and of supporting the frontliners. Local houses started their initiatives. DB-DIRECT coordinated these initiatives for a better utilization and sharing of resources, faster and smoother communications, and a provide an avenue to show solidarity.

The diversity of the works in the various Salesian settings of the FIS Province called for contextualised response to the pandemic. Those working with the urban poor are confronting the crisis in a way somewhat different from those in far-flung settings like Don Bosco Mati or Don Bosco Borongan. The Salesian works with residential services also responded differently in schools and in boys’ homes. Each Salesian house was given support to respond to the needs of the locality. Salesians have tried to be creative in providing solutions and help.

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or used

In the Philippines, the Salesian Bulletin is known

as “St. John Bosco Today,” which is a challenge for the members of the Salesian Family to precisely become a present Don Bosco, who in the midst of the young, educates and evangelizes.

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circulation enables you to contribute to the important work of education and evangelization for the young people.

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St. John Bosco Today | January-March 2021

For your official receipt, please fax the deposit slip with your name to (02) 8813-3768 or mail to St. John Bosco Today, Commission on Social Communication, 3/F Don Bosco Provincial Office, Don Bosco Compound, C. Roces Ave. cor. A. Arnaiz Ave., Makati City, Philippines, or e-mail to cscom@one-bosco.org

FEATURE THE SOCIAL COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE GATHERED THE FOLLOWING DATA ON HOW THE HOUSES COPED WITH THE PANDEMIC: DON BOSCO FORMATION CENTER - LAWAAN The retreat house in Lawaan was opened to provide accommodation to the frontliners in coordination with DOH-Region 7. There were daily online Masses for the Salesian Family and other religious communities in the vicinity. Infrastructure was setup for the online classes of the aspirants. The aspirants assisted in the manufacturing of PPEs initiated by DB Pasil. Vacant lots in the seminary were utilized and planted with vegetable.

DON BOSCO DUMANGAS Farming and Music Classes were conducted for the residents in the boys’ home. Daily Masses were offered by the community. A learning continuity plan was drawn and online enrollment was devised for high school students. The community housed in the hostel a group of frontliners from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) of Dumangas Police. Relief goods were also given to indigent parishioners.

DON BOSCO MATI Food safety and security were ensured through farming together with some students/boarders to help provide financial sustainability and for personal consumption; A learning continuity plan was drawn for the blended learning for senior high school and TVET students. A flexible working hour for employees was implemented.

The basic health standard set by the government was observed by installing disinfection facilities in the parish and training center.

The community offered daily Masses with special intentions.

The community also gave financial support and skills training for stranded students/boarders.

DON BOSCO CALINAN, DAVAO CITY Daily Masses in the parish were offered for the stop of the pandemic, for recovery of the infected, for the peaceful death of the dying, for the protection of the frontliners, for the Pope, and for the Church.

The extension center in Buda had their own initiatives. A portion of the house became a home and shelter for two stranded Vietnamese and Fr. Jose Dwight San Juan, SDB, a Filipino missionary to East Timor who got stranded after his retreat in Malabalay City, Bukidnon.

The staff assisted the stranded individuals in securing necessary clearances and passes. Fr. Franco Uras gave essential goods to the staff and several families. The B’laan student/beneficiaries of the center started a vegetable garden while the staff farmed the other area, planting cash crops and others for food production.

DON BOSCO PASIL Online Masses were held daily with a novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help on Wednesdays and novena to Sto. Niño on Fridays.

There was an online daily recitation of the rosary, and on Fridays, also online adoration. PPEs and face masks were manufactured for the frontliners. Donations and goods were collected from benefactors for the needy parishioners and residents. Before the lockdown, the Blessed Sacrament and the image of Sto. Niño were brought in procession around Pasil. The people were encouraged to do gardening and planting in response to the invitation of Pope Francis.

DON BOSCO DUMAGUETE Online daily Masses and adoration were held. Online classes were set up for students.

DON BOSCO LILOAN Face shields were manufactured. Food was distributed to different Don Bosco houses, parishioners, religious organizations, Don Bosco Lay Mission Partners, Cebu City and Cebu provinces frontliners.

Financial assistance was given to the staff and the workers.

DON BOSCO TECHNICAL INSTITUTE – VICTORIAS AND ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER PARISH Daily online Masses were held. Online enrollment and classes were set up as well as training for teachers for the new normal. Food packs and relief goods were distributed in far-flung barangays in the parish.

Transportation services were also shared with government workers in their work in the barangays.

DON BOSCO TECHNICAL COLLEGE – PUNTA PRINCESA A learning continuity plan was set up to ensure that classes continue during the pandemic. Teachers and staff were given financial and material assistance. Work schedules were adjusted, and many were allowed to work from home. Working with DPWH-Region 7, beds were produced in the shops for the isolation centers in Metro Cebu.

The carpentry produced comfort crosses for patients at the request of the Archbishop. The college department produced touch-free alcohol dispensing machines and spraying sanitation machines for public markets in the vicinity. Online Masses and religious activities were organized to keep the faith alive during the pandemic. The school also used the opportunity to do preventive maintenance, upgrade, and construct new facilities.

ARCHDIOCESAN SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES Daily Masses, mid-day adoration, and evening rosary were live streamed through their official Facebook page. The parish launched the 555 challenge, a fund drive wherein people will be able to share their blessings, say for instance, 5 kilos of rice, 5 canned goods, and 5 packs of noodles. The gathered donations together with other goods donated to the parish were distributed as food assistance to the less fortunate parishioners and families of the nearby barangays. Because of the pandemic, the weekly feeding program was converted to a mobile feeding program.

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PHOTO BY ANNA SHVETS FROM PEXELS

DON BOSCO MAMBUCAL Fr. Bong Borgueta, rector and parish priest, ensured that the faith of the parishioners is sustained and nourished through the continued celebration of the Holy Masses, praying of the holy rosary broadcasted through radio, and the bringing of the Blessed Sacrament around Mambucal. Parishioners were encouraged to pray the rosary and to strengthen their Marian devotion. Fr. Bong also visited the chapels for adoration/benediction and faith sharing.

People were updated regarding COVID-19. The parish implemented a flexible working hour for the staff and discussed with them some coping measures with their families. They were encouraged to plant vegetable for sustainability and were give financial assistance.

Through some generous benefactors they were able to distribute food packs to the parishioners who are needy. Youth leaders were reach out to other youth through texting and group chats encouraging them to do some creative intervention like engaging

in new hobbies, household chores, and learning new skills. Digital Pastoral Care was done through information dissemination on Basic Health Measure and Standards via texts, social media, and chat groups. Parishioners were informed about live stream Masses so they could participate. Parishioners were encouraged to send in their intentions and prayer requests.

Be tofaithful your

Love (Narrator's Note: Our community in Don Bosco Tarlac had the unique privilege of taking care of Brother Nicolas Aguila, SDB from his days of sickness with cancer until he breathed his last. He was a man of very few words, most of those were even silly jokes. But the life he lived was an eloquent witness to his God-given vocation as a Salesian brother. Allow me to be the mouthpiece of our dear Brother Nick. His exact words are in quotations.

The following are from the stories he told me, from the stories and homilies said during his wake, and from what is recorded in our archives. May these help us appreciate him, his life, and his death.)

By Br. Nicolas Aguila SDB

“I

as narrated by one of his pongklong, Fr. April Jerome Quinto, SDB

am a Salesian. I am Br. Nick Aguila. I am a Salesian Brother. I help in the education of the young as the in-charge of the Don Bosco Youth Center (DBYC).”

November 21, 2020. I did not anymore see the sunrise on this blessed day. It was a Saturday, the day of our Blessed Mother. In fact, it was the memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary—a great day indeed! Mary lifted me up from my bed of pain and suffering. She took my hand and led me to see Her Son, Jesus Christ.

It was hard to leave the place where I spent the last 20 years of my life. OhI The plants, who would water them? But it was harder to part with the boys and girls whom I cared for dearly, and my dear confreres whom I loved deeply. I was willing to endure more pain if it will only ease the pain of those poor youth. I was willing to suffer more if it will lead more young people to know Christ and inspire more individuals to help them. But I had to go. Relieved from my earthly suffering, I was called to respond to my ultimate vocation which is to be with God… and enjoy the promise of Don Bosco.

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I left with much joy in my heart. My confreres assured me that they will take care of the boys and girls… that they would be OK. In the past days, I had a chance to be with my family. I got to see all my brothers, some of my nephews and nieces. Many of my beloved students came to greet me too. “I have no bad memories” of my students, only good and happy ones. My fellow Salesians visited me, too. They still laugh at my silly jokes and crazy antics. Some tricked me and made me dance, that made me forget the pain away even for a while! My friends and colleagues extended their joyful smiles and warm hugs and kisses. They helped ease my burden and agony. Nurses and volunteer DBYC alumni took care of me round-the-clock. I am happy and content.

In my last days, I received messages and even gifts from around the country and abroad. They were from the boys I taught when I was assigned in the Salesian schools in Cebu, Bacolor, Mandaluyong, and Tarlac. Some of them were part of the volleyball teams I coached. Most were just

In memoriam ‘pongklongs’ and ‘mokongs’… Ah! Members of the DBYC! I love them dearly.

Teaching was my life. In 2019, after I was told I have cancer, I asked the doctor if I can still teach. She tearfully said yes. I was overjoyed to know that I could still teach!

But as time went by, my sickness, the treatment I had to undergo and check-ups made it impossible for me to be in class. My declining health condition made me a different “teacher.” Not anymore in the classroom, but in my dayto-day encounters with people. My life took on a new significance.

I am familiar with trials and difficulties in life. One shook me and led me out of religious life for some time for a period of discernment. Another had embedded a seed of anger in my gut. My experiences made me appreciate my vocation and taught me to get down on my knees and draw closer to God and to Mama Mary.

When I made my first profession in Canlubang on 1 April 1976, I took the vows as a cleric, not as a lay brother.

In 1979, I began my practical training. The first four years of which were in Cebu. Afterwards, I spent two years in Bacolor, Pampanga. From April 1985 to January 1988,

benefactors have made our work for the youth possible— most of them would not even want to be recognized.

They always welcomed our DBYC scholars’ carolling and presentations. I assure them of my prayers and have offered a great deal of my pain for their intentions.

These last few days, three things never left me: pain, prayer, and presence.

The PAIN that I have in my gut was so great. Even the best painkiller could not help ease the pain. I believe that the anger I harboured from days past manifested itself in this pain. That’s why, “huwag magtanim ng galit.” Forgive. Let go of anger.

PRAYER. When I had no more classes to attend to and my medicines made me feel wobbly and weak, I turn to God in prayer. I had more time to pray and be with God either in the chapel or in my room. My pain was also prayer. I offered it as a sacrifice and my participation in the suffering of Christ.

PRESENCE. I never wanted to inconvenience anyone. I endured the pain as much as I could. I went to the comfort room on my own. I tried to do things on my own so that others would not be bothered. For this reason, I initially did

I am familiar with trials and difficulties in life. One shook me and led me out of religious life for some time for a period of discernment. Another had embedded a seed of anger in my gut.

My experiences made me appreciate my vocation and taught me to get down on my knees and draw closer to God and to Mama Mary.

I underwent a period of discernment outside the realms of the congregation. During those years, I taught at the Assumption University in San Fernando, Pampanga. As a fruit of my discernment, I requested to be readmitted to the Salesian Congregation. I took the vows as a Salesian Brother in Bacolor on June 15, 1988. I made my perpetual profession at the Mary Help of Christians Chapel in Don Bosco Tarlac on March 19, 1993, Solemnity of Saint Joseph.

I spent most of my Salesian life, a total of 23 years, in Don Bosco Tarlac. The first was from 1991-1994. Afterwards, I spent six years in Don Bosco Mandaluyong and returned to Tarlac in 2000. All those years I was made in-charge of the Youth Center—the joy of my heart! Dear to me was my namesake, San Nicolas de Tolentino, on whose feast day I was born in 1954. He spent his life distributing food to the poor. I, too, had many opportunities to take care of the young. Some of those who needed lodging and food where at first accommodated near the guardhouse of the school’s main gate until I found a better place for them. Oh! How happy am I to see them finish their studies well and succeed in life!

I feel very honored to have this privilege of taking care of our community’s apostolate for the poorest. I am not alone. My community supports me well. Many generous

not want to go back to Tarlac. I did not want to burden my community. But their presence was consoling. They had the opportunity to express how much they also care for me. Every morning my confrere-priest, who was my former grade 5 student, brought me Jesus, the only Food I was able to take. The DBYC alumni who were like my sons took turns accompanying me and assisting the nurse in looking after me. My confreres took every chance when I was awake, to make me laugh, to sing to me, to make me recount beautiful memories. Every night, since the time I was confined to my bed, they prayed the rosary and the Night Prayer with me. And when the time came for me to go to the Father’s house, they were around me, sending me off with reassuring words, with gentle embraces and kisses, with prayers, and with songs. “Cor Jesu Sacratissimum…” was the last song I heard as I took the step into eternity.

On November 28, 2021, Saturday, they laid me to rest in the Salesian Cemetery at Don Bosco Canlubang, where I was also born as a Salesian. My 66-year-journey was definitely a hard life, but it was a happy life, too! And despite my weaknesses and failings, I strived to be holy. If there is one simple message I would like to leave with my confreres, it is this, “Be faithful to your Love.”

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