St. John Bosco Today September-November 2019

St. John Bosco Today | September-November 2019

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Contents St. John Bosco Today

Volume 49 I Number 2 | September-November 2019

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

Message of the Rector Major ........................... 3 Editor’s Note ..................................................... 5 The Association of Mary, Help of Christians (ADMA) ........................................ 6 Association of Mary, Help of Christians, in the Philippines ............................................. 12

EDITORIAL TEAM Owner Salesian Society of St. John Bosco Printer Don Bosco Press, Inc. Publisher Don Bosco Press, Inc. Editor Fr. Bernard P. Nolasco, SDB Associate Editor Fr. Joel Camaya, SDB Copy Editor Fr. Mario Baclig, SDB Coordinators Fr. Keith Amodia, SDB (FIS) Sr. Rachel Flor, FMA & FMA Past Pupils, Sr. Sophia Akiko Oshita, SCG, Imelda Benitez-Domitita ASC, Dr. Victor B. Endriga DBAPNF, Maria Junifer Maliglig, ADMA, Evangeline Dolliente FADS 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) 893-8227 loc. 114 | Telefax (02) 892-8174 Annual subscription (4 issues) P300.00 Send your comments and suggestions to salesianbulletinphilippines@gmail.com Visit us at www.sdb.org.ph Copyright© 2019 by Don Bosco Press, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without permission from the publisher.

18 April 2019: 150th Anniversary of the Foundation of the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA) .................... 22 Being ADMA…Being Marian for Life ............. 24 Former ADMA Members Who Entered the Religious Life............................................. 26 SALESIAN FAMILY NEWS Fr. Gerardo Martin, SDB 12th Provincial Superior of SDB-FIN ............. 28 Silsilah Experience in Mindanao .................... 30 The Dream For Don Bosco Academy ............ 34 SALESIAN WORLD NEWS “God is the Center of Our Mission” .............. 36

Monsignor Alberto Lorenzelli on His New Mission in Santiago De Chile

Volunteers Of Don Bosco: 8th General Assembly (Ag8) ........................... 37 Gone to the Father........................................... 38

MESSAGE OF THE

RECTOR MAJOR

On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the foundation of the Association of Mary, Help of Christians (ADMA), Fr. ร ngel Fernรกndez Artime, Rector Major, sent his greetings and a message to the ADMA members and to all the members of the Salesian Family last April 14, 2019, Palm Sunday.

He highlighted the value of the Eucharist and of the entrustment to Mary, Help of Christians, in Salesian spirituality.

Significant indeed, for the Rector Major sent this message from the Basilica of the Sacro Cuore in Rome, before the altar of Mary, Help of Christians. It was here that St. John Bosco received confirmation of his mission, carried out under the guidance and protection of Mary.

Moreover, he announced the publication of a letter on the occasion of this anniversary and spoke of the celebration of the VIII International Congress of Mary Help of Christians, to be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from 17 to 10 November this year.

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Here then is the message of our Rector Major.

My Dear Brothers And Sisters In The Salesian Family Throughout The World, Receive my affectionate greetings on this Palm Sunday. I greet you today because in four days’ time, Holy Thursday, a truly special day, we shall celebrate the 150th anniversary of the foundation of what we now call the Association of Mary, Help of Christians. Then, it was called the Archconfraternity of Mary, Help of Christians.

Our beloved father, St. John Bosco, himself declared the foundation of the association in this manner. “In the Church dedicated to Mary, Help of Christians, in Turin and with the authorization of the Reverend Archbishop of Turin, the Association of Mary’s devotees who intend to promote the glories of the divine Mother of the Savior is canonically constituted, to merit her protection in life and in particular, at the moment of death. There are two special means offered: to spread the devotion to the Blessed Virgin and the veneration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.” St. John Bosco communicated this in a document contained in his publication, “Catholic Readings.”

I am happy to share with you this special moment. The text I quoted above are the first words of a letter that I am writing and will make public for the knowledge of the whole Salesian Family. However, today I want to give you my greetings from the altar of Mary, Help of Christians, in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. I like to call this the altar of St. John Bosco’s “tears and sobs” because here was manifested to him in retrospect how his life was accompanied by the Lord who always guided him through the unique and special protection of Mary. “She did everything,” St. John Bosco used to say.

This is an invitation to fulfill what St. John Bosco proposed: Spread the devotion to our Mother Mary, Help of Christians. We are certain that with the Eucharist and with Mary, our Mother, we have the two great pillars that support our life, the Salesian Family, and the Church.

My congratulations for these 150 significant years for the whole Salesian world, for our Salesian Family, and for the 800 juridically constituted groups of our Association.

I take this opportunity to remind the whole Salesian Family that, under the guidance of the Association of

Mary, Help of Christians, we shall celebrate at the end of the year the World Marian Congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Here Mary will be proposed as a model of faith for all of you, dear brothers and sisters.

My affectionate greetings, my words of encouragement, and my prayer at the altar of our Mother, Help of Christians, for all of you, and for our congregations, institutes, families, and communities.

Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, SDB Rector Major

The video message of the Rector Major is available online. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=PwfQx6DSxXY

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Dear Readers, We rejoice and give thanks to God as we join all the members of the Association of Mary Help of Christians (Associazione di Maria Ausiliatrice or ADMA) all over the world on their 150th Foundation Anniversary this year 2019.

This September-November 2019 Issue of St. John Bosco Today is especially dedicated to this association which was founded by St. John Bosco himself. Who are they? How did this association begin?

What is their mission in the Salesian Family and in the whole Church? How can someone be a part of this association? All these questions and more can be answered in this special issue. My only wish is that this special issue touch your hearts and allow you to feel the personal invitation of the Lord Jesus to be devoted to his Blessed Mother Mary, the Help of Christians.

This issue also features Fr. Gerardo ‘Gerry’ Martin, SDB, the new Provincial Superior of the Salesian PhilippinesNorth Province (FIN) of St. John Bosco. We wish him all the best as he takes on the responsibility of leading and animating the FIN Province.

Allow me to end this note with the famous saying of St. John Bosco as he encouraged everyone to have great devotion to Mary Help of Christians: “Have devotion to Mary, Help of Christians, and you will see what miracles are.”

EDITOR’S NOTE

Viva, Maria Auxilium Christianorum!

Fr. Bernard P. Nolasco, SDB Editor in Chief

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Association of Mary, Help of Christians (ADMA)

The

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In the Heart and Mind of Don Bosco

FOUNDATION AND HISTORY

St. John Bosco founded the Association of Mary, Help of Christians, and incorporated it in the spirituality and mission of the Salesian congregation through tasks which could be undertaken by ordinary people. In the directives he wrote, St. John Bosco asked the members to “promote devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and to Mary, Help of Christians.”

The Blessed Virgin Mary was with St. John Bosco all throughout his life. The first volume of the Biographical Memoirs narrates the dream at nine and describes how the “Shepherdess” showed the nine-year old Johnny the young to whom his mission would be directed and how it would be carried out. In 1844, he dreams of lambs following him, a courtyard, a church, several lambs transformed into shepherds, a second even bigger church with the words: “Here is my house; from here my glory spreads out.”

The Shepherdess replies to his questions and says: “You will understand when you see.” In 1845, he dreams of many young people, a small church, and then a bigger church.

The Shepherdess advances further and says: “I want God to be honored in a very special way in this place where Avventore and Ottavio were martyred.” On 5 April 1846 St. John Bosco recognizes the Pinardi shed which he had seen many times in his dreams, and he begins to understand. From that day on until 9 June 1868, when the Church of Mary, Help of Christians, was consecrated, he sees his dreams coming true, the house built, and pilgrims arriving. To them he entrusts the task of spreading the glory of Mary, Help of Christians, throughout the world.

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St. John Bosco wanted the Association to grow and spread devotion to Mary, Mother of the Church and Help of Christians.

MAIN FEATURE | THE HISTORY OF ADMA St. John Bosco wanted the Association to grow and spread devotion to Mary, Mother of the Church and Help of Christians. Thus, he made the several requests to the competent ecclesiastical authorities:

2 MARCH 1869

11 MARCH 1870

St. John Bosco wrote a petition to Pius IX, asking for indulgences to favor the formation of the Association of Devotees of Mary, Help of Christians.

On 16 March 1869, he obtained the “special indulgences” for ten years for the members of the Association, as was customary in those times.

Pius IX extended the special indulgences granted in the previous year to perpetuity.

18 APRIL 1869

5 APRIL 1870

The association was recognized by Monsignor Alessandro O. Riccardi, Archbishop of Turin, and the Association was canonically established at the Sanctuary of Mary, Help of Christians, in Valdocco, Italy.

At the same time, the booklet, “Association of the Devotees of Mary, Help of Christians” was published.

Pius IX raised the status of the association and granted the right to include existing associations of the same name and with similar aims.

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The members form part of the Salesian Family through the Salesian devotion to the Help of Christians in the manner established by St. John Bosco himself.

2 MARCH 1877 Pius IX granted the right to aggregate other associations with the same name and purpose established in all the dioceses of Piedmont (Italy).

14 MARCH 1878 During the first audience granted by Leo XIII, St. John Bosco asked that His Eminence Luigi Cardinal Oreglia be appointed Protector of the Salesian Congregation and of the Association of Devotees of Mary, Help of the Christians. On that occasion, he wrote to Fr. Rua in Turin: “The Holy Father appreciates us and wants that he himself be our protector.�

In 1889 Leo XIII authorized the association in all Salesian churches. Five years later, in 1894, this faculty was extended to all Salesian houses. Finally, in 1896, the association was granted the right to include associations attached to diocesan churches.

The decree by the Archbishop of Turin Alessandro O. Riccardi granting the request of St. John Bosco.

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REGULATIONS

Desiring to promote the glory of God and the good of souls, St. John Bosco had been wanting to start a pious group under the name of Association of Devotees of Mary, Help of Christians, in the very church dedicated under this title. His petition to Archbishop Lorenzo Gastaldi included the regulations. These were derived from the regulations of the then well-known Confraternity of Mary founded in Munich (Germany). The petition with the attached regulations was approved on 18 April 1869.

[Printed ed. In associazione dei divoti di maria ausiliatrice canonicamente eretta nella chiesa a lei dedicate in torino, con ragguaglio storico su questo titolo. Torino, tip. Dell’oratorio di s.

Francesco di sales 1869, 96 p. (oe xxi, 386-397).]

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The Association of Mary’s Devotees is established in the church dedicated to Mary, Help of Christians, in Turin and with the authorization of His Grace, the Archbishop of Turin. It proposes to promote the glories of the divine Mother of the Savior to merit her protection in life and especially at the moment of death.

Two special means are proposed: spreading devotion to the Blessed Virgin and veneration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

To this purpose members will act with words, advice, works, and with the authority of promoting decorum and devotion in novenas, feasts, and solemnities which occur in the course of the year in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Blessed Sacrament. Spreading good books, holy pictures, medals, reports, taking part in processions in honor of our Blessed Lady and the Blessed Sacrament, frequent Communion, assisting at Holy Mass, accompanying Viaticum, are what the members propose to promote with every means compatible with their state.

Members will make every effort on their own and with people they employ to prevent blasphemy and any kind of talk against religion, and, as far as is possible, any obstacle hindering the keeping of Sundays holy.

Each member according to advice in catechism classes and from spiritual teachers is warmly encouraged to go to Confession and Communion every fortnight or once a month and attend Mass daily as long as the obligations of their state allow them.

Members will say each day, after their usual morning and evening prayers, and in honor of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, “May the most holy and Blessed Sacrament be praised at every moment,” and in honor of the Blessed Virgin, “Maria, Auxilium Christianorum, ora pro nobis.” For priests, it suffices that they have the intention to pray for all members of this pious Association in their Holy Mass.

These prayers will serve as a bond uniting all members in one heart and soul to give due honor to Jesus in the most holy Eucharist and to his august Mother and share in all the works of piety carried out by each member.

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PERSONAL COMMITMENT OF MEMBERS

July 2003. The New ADMA Regulations. Article 4.

Personal Commitment of Members.

Personal adherence to the Association implies the following commitments, particularly in the family and local environment, and in the areas of work and friendship:

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Due esteem for and participation in the liturgical life, in harmony with the Church of which Mary is the type and figure, and in particular, in the sacraments of the Eucharist and Reconciliation, and in the practice of a personal Christian life; Living and spreading devotion to Mary. Help of Christians, in accordance with St. John Bosco’s spirit, particularly in the Salesian Family; Renewing, strengthening, and living common devotional practices:  Commemoration of the 24th of each month;  Rosary;  Novena in preparation for the feast of Mary, Help of Christians;  Blessing of Mary, Help of Christians;  Pilgrimages to Marian shrines;  Processions;  Collaboration in parish life: liturgy, catechesis, visits to the sick and aged, various services in church.

Imitating Mary by cultivating in one’s own family a Christian environment of welcome and solidarity; Being solicitous in prayer and action for poor youngsters and other persons in need; Praying and supporting lay, religious, and ministerial vocations in the Church and particularly in the Salesian Family; Living every day a spirituality imbued with Gospel attitudes, especially, gratitude to God for the wonders he continually works, and fidelity to him even in times of difficulty and the cross as Mary was.

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SHARING IN THE SPIRITUAL BENEFITS

July 2003. The New ADMA Regulations. Article 5.

Sharing in Spiritual Benefits.

The members share in the indulgences and spiritual benefits granted to the Association and to the Salesian Family. Moreover, they benefit from the prayers and devotions offered in the Basilica of Mary, Help of Christians, in Turin and in the churches where the Association has been established.

When a member dies, the other members of the group are urged to take part in the Holy Eucharist.

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INCLUSION AND DIFFUSION

In the letter of 24 July 1989, the Rector Major, Fr. Egidio Vigano, SDB, recognized the Association to be part of the vast Salesian Family “since it dates from the origins of the Salesians and emphasizes the extraordinary importance of the Basilica of Valdocco.” It is the second group founded by St. John Bosco. The association based in Turin (Italy) at the Basilica of Mary, Help of Christians, is referred to as the primaria or primary association.

All the other branches spread throughout the world are linked to the primary one and thus form a single association. [Egidio Vigano, Lettera Al Rettore del Santuario di Maria Ausiliatrice a Torino del 24/07/1989.]

The members form part of the Salesian Family “through the Salesian devotion to the Help of Christians in the manner established by St. John Bosco himself. Membership is a commitment to honor Mary, helper and mother of the Church, by taking part in St. John Bosco’s mission to peoples, particularly the young, and especially in its aspects of fostering and defending the Christian faith.”

In the Salesian Family, the Association emphasizes and spreads a popular Marian devotion, as a means of evangelization and the advancement of peoples, particularly the young and the poor. It recognizes the Rector Major, successor of St. John Bosco, as the father and center of unity of the entire Family. [July 2003. The New ADMA Regulations. Article 3. The Association in the Salesian Family.]

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Association of

Help of Christ in the Philippines

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Mary,

ians

MAIN FEATURE | THE HISTORY OF ADMA

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HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The devotion to Mary, Help of Christians, saw its beginnings in the Philippines with the appointment of the Salesian Archbishop Guglielmo Piani as the Apostolic Delegate from 1922 to 1948. The Archconfraternity of Mary, Help of Christians, as it was known then, was established in many parishes.

Its members were called “Archcon.” Through the influence of Monsignor Piani, and eventually, of other Salesian priests, devotion to Mary, Help of Christians, steadily grew. So also the Archconfraternity, with chapters formed to spread and sustain Marian devotion throughout the country.

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ADMA CHAPTERS

History shows us how some of the ADMA chapters started.

METRO MANILA

In 1956, Mrs. Betty C. Velhagen became the first president of the San Lorenzo Chapter (Makati-San Lorenzo). During the same year and in the same city was also formed, the San Ildefonso Parish Chapter (Makati-Pio del Pilar).

In 1974, a chapter was established at the Parish of Mary, Help of Christians, in Parañaque (now the National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians). The chapter was composed of adult ladies and was then called “Clients of Mary, Help of Christians.”

Today, the chapter is called the Auxilium Chapter (Parañaque).

Attached to the national shrine, it is the primary mover in the propagation of the Marian devotion in the country.

In Pasay City, Mrs. Remedios Garcia, a staunch devotee of Mary, Help of Christians, and inspired by the many graces received, started the San Juan Nepomuceno Chapter (Pasay-Malibay). Other chapters were soon formed: Maria Auxiliadora Chapter (Pasay-Mulawin); Mary Comforter of the Afflicted Chapter (Pasay-Maricaban); and the Sto. Nino Chapter (Pasay-Maricaban).

In 1983, young ladies from the St. John Bosco Parish

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in Tondo, Manila, were inducted as official members of the association. Their chapter was named the St. Mary Mazzarello Chapter (Manila-Tondo).

PANGASINAN

Truly devoted to Mary, the family of Mrs. Remedios Garcia did not stop in Pasay City. They built a small chapel in their hometown in Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan, and established the Calarian Sonquil Chapter (Sta. Barbara). Gradually, other chapters were born in the surrounding barangays: Sapang Chapter, Ventinilla Chapter, Holy Family Parish Chapter, Poblacion Chapter, and Sonquil Chapter.

LAGUNA

In Canlubang, Laguna, through the initiative of Salesian Cooperators, Salesian Sisters, and parents of Salesian seminarians, the association was organized and named the St. Joseph Chapter (Canlubang). Subsequently, the Local Ordinary, Bishop Pedro Bantigue, D.D., officially recognized the ADMA in the Diocese of San Pablo. From 1983 onward, other chapters were formed in Laguna: Immaculate Conception Chapter (Sta. Cruz); Liceo de Pakil Chapter (Pakil); Mary, Help of Christians, Chapter (Mayapa); Saints Peter and Paul Chapter (Aplaya-Canlubang); and the St. John the Baptist Chapter (Calamba City).

The devotion to Mary, Help of Christians, saw its beginnings in the Philippines with the appointment of the Salesian Archbishop Guglielmo Piani as the Apostolic Delegate from 1922 to 1948.

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PAMPANGA

Several ADMA chapters were already in place, when in 1991, Mt. Pinatubo erupted and buried many towns in Pampanga with lahar. ADMA members had to be evacuated to temporary resettlement areas. Communication became difficult and chapter activities had to be suspended. Mary, Help of Christians, remained present in the chapters and members.

The chapters of San Vicente and San Antonio in Bacolor merged and became the Bulaon Chapter of the Good Shepherd Parish in Bulaon, San Fernando. The St. Augustine Chapter and Sta. Cruz Chapter in Lubao survived the calamity and continued the mission, thanks to the strong support of the Salesian priests, the parish priest, and dedicated senior ADMA members.

OTHER LOCATIONS

Elsewhere in the archipelago, ADMA chapters were formed.

In Batangas: Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Tanauan). In Cebu: St. Mary Mazzarello Chapter and Sto. Nino Chapter.

In Marinduque: Mary, Help of Christians, Chapter (Boac).

In Negros Oriental: St. Louis School-Don Bosco Chapter (Dumaguete City). In Nueva Ecija: St. Joseph Chapter, Holy Family Chapter, Holy Rosary Chapter, Auxilium Chapter (San Jose City).

At present, there are thirty-one chapters officially recognized by the Primary Group in Turin, Italy, and approximately 1,500 members in dioceses and Salesian settings (schools, parishes, communities).

The members of the Salesian Family (SDBs, FMAs, Salesian Cooperators) and the lay mission partners and friends of Don Bosco institutions continue to offer precious support to the ADMA’s mission of spreading love and devotion to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and to Mary, Help of Christians.

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LIST 1: ADMA CHAPTERS A. METRO MANILA DISTRICT Auxilium Chapter

Better Living Subd., Parañaque City

Our Lady of Loreto Chapter

Sampaloc, Manila

San Isidro Labrador Chapter

Sucat, Parañaque City

San Ildefonso Chapter

Makati City

St. Mary Mazzarello Chapter

Tondo, Manila

St. Jude Thaddeus Chapter

Pasig City

Presentation of Child Jesus Chapter

BF Homes, Parañaque City

St. Dominic Savio Chapter

Mandaluyong City B. PASAY DISTRICT

Mary, Comforter of the Afflicted Chapter

Maricaban, Pasay City

San Juan Nepumuceno Chapter

Malibay, Pasay City

Sto. Niño Chapter

Maricaban, Pasay City

Maria Auxiliadora Chapter

Maricaban, Pasay City C. LAGUNA DISTRICT

Mary, Help of Christians, Chapter

Mayapa, Laguna

St. John the Baptist Chapter

Calamba, Laguna

Sts. Peter and Paul Chapter

Aplaya, Laguna

Immaculate Conception Chapter

Sta. Cruz, Laguna

St. Joseph the Worker Chapter

Canlubang, Laguna

St. John Bosco Parish Chapter

Sta. Rosa, Laguna D. PAMPANGA–TARLAC DISTRICT

Holy Cross Parish Chapter

Sta. Cruz, Pampanga

San Nicolas de Tolentino Chapter

Macabebe, Pampanga

St. Augustine Chapter

Lubao, Pampanga

Resurrection Chapter

Mabalacat, Pampanga

Bulaon Chapter

Good Shepherd Parish, Bulaon, Pampanga

St. Ferdinand Chapter

Sta. Lucia Parish, San Fernando, Pampanga

St. Peter the Apostle Chapter

Apalit, Pampanga

MHC-DBTI Tarlac

Sto. Cristo, Tarlac E. PANGASINAN DISTRICT

Holy Family-Poblacion Parish Chapter

Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan

Sapang Chapter

Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan

Sonquil Chapter

Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan

Ventinilla Chapter

Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan F. PHILIPPINES–SOUTH

St. Louis-Don Bosco School Chapter

Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental

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ADMA SPIRITUALITY

Following the teaching and example of St. John Bosco, ADMA offers to those involved in its activities and undertakings a Gospel-based spirituality. We can describe it thus.

CHRIST-CENTERED. WE give importance to the liturgy of the Church, and participate frequently in the Eucharist and the sacrament of reconciliation.

ECCLESIAL. We encourage a strong sense of Church, strive to love and defend the Pope and our pastors, and collaborate with other Church-groups.

MARIAN. We turn to Mary for help in difficult and sad times, and promotes devotion to our Mother Mary, Help of Christians.

SALESIAN. We share in the heritage of the spirit and mission of the whole Salesian Family, according to the heart of the founder, St. John Bosco. We also share in the spiritual benefits attached to the Basilica of Mary, Help of Christians, in Turin, Italy and to other churches with ADMAchapters.

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THE ADMA IDEAL

Mary is the ideal and exemplar of Christian life for every member of the ADMA. Those who look up to her, the perfect disciple of Jesus, are led to model their lives after her example. Therefore, the “ADMA Ideal� refers to the goal toward which the ADMA members live a Mary-like way of life. It is expressed in three key-words: Devotion, Imitation, Action. Devotion, because the members desire to grow in their love for the Blessed Mother. Imitation, because the members strive to follow her example and virtues. Action, because the members are encouraged to be apostles like Mary.

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THE VISION and MISSION

The Vision and Mission provide direction and focus to the Association.

Our Vision.

The Association of Mary, Help of Christians, Philippines (ADMA) is a dynamic Marian association whose members are committed to make the Eucharistic Jesus and Mary, Help of Christians, known and loved by all in the spirit and style of St. John Bosco.

Our Mission.

To reach out to families, especially the young, to propagate and defend the Catholic faith, and to promote devotion to Mary, Help of Christians.

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ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

On the International Level. The Rector Major, being the successor of St. John Bosco, is the highest superior of the ADMA. He appoints the rector of the Basilica of Mary, Help of Christians, in Turin, Italy and the delegate to the Mother Association.

The Provincial Superior is appointed by the Rector Major to be the head of the Province. He may appoint a delegate to represent him in the ADMA. The delegate is also the spiritual animator of the association. Likewise, the FMA delegate, who collaborates in the office of the national council, is appointed by the FMA Provincial Superior.

ON THE NATIONAL LEVEL. The ADMA is animated and coordinated by the National Council, made up of the SDB Delegate, FMA Delegate, and the national officers elected by the General Assembly.

ON THE DISTRICT LEVEL. A district covers a duly established territory for the purpose of facilitating interaction and coordination among a determined number of chapters. It is established with the approval of the National Council.

ON THE CHAPTER LEVEL. The chapter is the smallest unit of the association, duly established by the competent superior. It is made up of at least ten active members who

are willing to live the ADMA ideals and serve the Church according to the ADMA Regulations. A chapter is formally established within a celebration of an appropriate rite presided over by the assigned superior. [cf. Directives of the Archconfraternity of Mary, Help of Christians, Philippines, 1994, pp. 6—25]

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MEMBERSHIP AND PARTICIPATION IN THE LIFE OF THE ASSOCIATION

All baptized Catholics may apply for membership in the association. To become a member implies the commitment to live what is prescribed by Article 4 of the Regulations and to participate regularly in the association’s meetings.

The local chapter verifies the admission of candidates; in turn, the national council gives the approval.

Candidates undergo a period of preparation, not less than a year, and show their dedicated presence at the monthly meetings. They express adherence to the association and are inducted within a celebration in honor of Mary, Help of Christians. Their names are then forwarded to the Primary Group in Turin, Italy.

The members share in the indulgences and spiritual benefits proper to the association and in those of the St. John Bosco Today | September-November 2019

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Salesian Family. Members also benefit from the prayers and devotions offered in the Basilica of Mary, Help of Christians in Turin, Italy, and in the churches where the association has been established. (cf. New ADMA Regulations, July 2003, articles 5.10)

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REGULAR ASSEMBLIES

NATIONAL CONVENTIONS On 24 October 1982, members from different chapters in Laguna and Metro Manila assembled at the National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians, for the first ADMA convention in the Philippines. In due course, national and district conventions were organized as regular activities that served to gather and unite members from the different chapters. In 2018, the annual national convention took place in the Diocesan Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians, in Canlubang, Laguna with the theme, “Mula Valdocco hanggang buong mundo, Maria, Mapag-ampon, kalakbay natin patungo kay Kristo.”

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INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF MARY, HELP OF CHRISTIANS The first congress of Mary, Help of Christians, was held on 8—11 July 1988 and since then, international congresses were held every four years, with a timely theme in the context of the Salesian Family. The congress brings together members of the Salesian Family from all parts of the world; they live the days of the congress, participating in the prayers and liturgy, and engaging in insightful discussions.

On 27—29 December 1999, members from the Philippines participated in the International Congress, organized for the Salesian Family and spearheaded by the ADMA Primary Group. In August 2015, thirteen members from the Philippines attended the congress.

The 8th congress is scheduled on 7—9 November 2019 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with the theme, “With Mary, the Woman Who Believes.” The congress will be extra-special because the association celebrates the 150th anniversary of its foundation in 1869. The venue is also fitting as the whole Salesian Family commemorates the first missionary frontier of St. John Bosco (1875).

Moreover, in that small town of Almagro in Buenos Aires, Pope Francis was baptized.

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ADMA WORLDWIDE

Today, ADMA has approximately 100,000 members.

The association is present in fifty countries with around 800 local groups spread across the globe.

The president of the Primary Group in Turin, Italy, is Renato Valera and the worldwide spiritual director is Fr. Pier Luigi Cameroni, SDB. Italy Website: www.admadonbosco.org Facebook: ADMA don Bosco Twitter: @admadonbosco Philippines Facebook: @admafin Twitter: @admafin YouTube: ADMA Philippines (Channel)

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BEING ADMA… BEING MARIAN

for Life

BY MS. JUNIFER MALIGLIG

An Interview with Sr. Nora Hernandez, FMA Sr. Nora was an ADMA spiritual animator in the 1980’s. She was the one who wrote the lyrics of the ADMA Hymn that is still being sung in various ADMA activities. We were fortunate to have a truly heartfilled interview with her.

Q. Hi, Sr. Nora. Can you still remember when you actually wrote lyrics of the ADMA Hymn?

A. I personally cannot recall exactly when but it was during those days when the FMAs were very much involved in the formation of the ADMA members.

Q. Who was Mr. Romeo San Mateo, whom we know as the composer of the hymn?

A. Mr. San Mateo was a teacher of music and a parent of one of our students in Canlubang. His wife was an ADMA member in Canlubang. I remember that Mr. San Mateo was a musical director of various stage plays.

Q. What inspired you in writing the lyrics?

A. Of course, Mama Mary. And as someone involved then in the formation of ADMA members, I thought it best to have an official hymn for the group that would help the members feel their love and devotion to Mama Mary. I also recall that I somehow based the lyrics on the theme of the formation program we had in that particular year.

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St. John Bosco Today | September-November 2019

An Interview with Bro. Almir Bagabalgo, SSP Bro. Almir was a former ADMA aspirant while studying high school in the Liceo de Pakil in Laguna.

At present, Bro. Almir is a cleric with temporary vows in the Society of St. Paul.

Q. When did you join the ADMA in your school? What year were you then?

A. I joined the ADMA of Liceo de Pakil in 2007 when I was in the 2nd year of high school.

Q. What were your memorable experiences and activities during those years?

A. During those years in Liceo de Pakil, a student had a chance to join one of various religious organizations in school, like the Theresians (St. Therese of Lisieux), Children of Mary, Youth for Mary and Christ. I did not know yet the whole idea of religious organizations. I just wanted to satisfy my longing to join a church-related group. The Archcon, as we called the ADMA in our school, was at that time the smallest group with very few members. But when we were in the 4th year, it became the biggest group. I do not have any communication with the school, so I do not know if they still have religious organizations. I remember that Ms. Rheena Mae Lim visited us then, through the help of Jenifer Libutan to whom I mentioned the existence of our group in Pakil. Several times, we participated in the pilgrimages to the National Shrine in Paranaque City and the national conventions. The Archcon became the most active religious organization in our school. In one national convention, I learned more about the religious life and that ADMA was part of the vast Salesian family. I continue to treasure the times when we were together with the classmates and friends we recruited, when we extended our time in school to pray the novena in front of the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary and offer flowers and petitions, and when we celebrated Masses in school for the induction of members. I remember the MHC medals we wore along with our school uniform every day, a habit that signaled our sense of commitment, belonging, and responsibility.

Q. Was joining ADMA in school a requirement?

A. It was not a requirement. We were free to join or not join a religious group in school. The majority of the members were from the A-section because joining meant automatic points in extracurricular activities. I however was not among the top students. Yet I chose to give importance to student organizations such as the student body organization and the school paper. I did not regret this because I still had good grades and became a student leader in our school. I believe that doing something for others and serving others would bring good not only to them but also to myself.

Q. Was being a member of ADMA instrumental in your chosen vocation now?

A. Of course! I almost joined the SDBs. When I was in 4th year high school, I took and passed the entrance exams in the Don Bosco Seminary in Canlubang. Fr. Gerry Martin, SDB, visited us in our school and some of us responded to the invitation for the Search-in in the seminary. I did not enter because I felt that I was not that ready. I wanted to make clear my understanding of a vocation. It so happened that I took BA Communication in college. After graduation, I searched for a congregation where I could use my learning in college more effectively. Throughout my religious formation, my devotion to the Blessed Mother strengthened me always.

I always included “Mary, Help of Christians” and “St. John Bosco, pray for us” in my prayers, along with our Pauline devotion to our Lady, Queen of the Apostles.

Q. How are you now as a religious?

A. I am now in my 2nd year as a temporary professed cleric in the Society of Saint Paul, Philippines-Macau Province.

At present, I am staying in the SSP, Spain Province, for my theological studies.

Q. What is your message to the ADMA members, especially the younger ones?

A. Miracles are real! Persevere in your devotion that it may lead to your vocation! The world challenges us to be holy! The world demands that we be more understanding than ever! Ang kailangan natin gawin ay magmahalan. Ito ang huwag nating kakalimutan, ang pagmamalasakit sa kapwa. We have to remain in God’s love. Lahat tayo may pinagdadaanan. Kung mayroon mang pusong lumalayo o napapalayo, huwag sana nating lalo pang ilayo ang ating puso sa kanila. Love is our greatest ability; it is also God’s greatest power. If you feel that you are not receiving the care, the embrace, the love, the understanding that you wish, do not forget to seek Jesus and Mary. Pray harder, pray the rosary, and you will see how glorious, merciful, and compassionate God is.

St. John Bosco Today | September-November 2019

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18 April 2019:

150th Anniversary of the Foundation of the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA) Interview with Renato Valera: ADMA President In 1868, St. John Bosco completed the Basilica of Mary, Help of Christians, in Turin, Italy, and joyfully witnessed its consecration. On 18 April 1869, he honored Mary with an even greater gift; he founded the Association of Mary, Help of Christians (ADMA), the second group after the Society of St. Francis de Sales (Salesians) in 1859.

St. John Bosco made sure that the devotion to our Blessed Mother, particularly under the title, Help of Christians, was given stability, as evidenced by his letters to then Pope Pius IX and to the Archbishop of Turin, Lorenzo Gastaldi. In those letters, he requested that the association be approved, a request that was granted together with the attached indulgences and regulations. [cf. Fonti salesiane. 1. Don Bosco e la sua opera, LAS-ROMA, 2014. English translation: Salesian Sources. I. Don Bosco and His Work, Kristu Jyoti Publications, 2017, pp. 158–-170] The association has since flourished in many countries where the Salesians are present, in parishes, schools, and not surprisingly, even in non-Salesian settings, where love for Mary, Help of Christians, has been kept alive by her devotees.

Here is an interview with Mr. Renato Valera, ADMA president, who is based in the Basilica of Mary, Help of Christians, Turin, Italy.

Please introduce yourself.

- My name is Renato. I am 46 years old and of Neapolitan origin, although I have lived since the age of 10 in Piossasco (Turin) where my family moved in 1984. I have been married to Barbara for 18 years. The Lord led us to meet and discover that we are really made for each other. He gave us four wonderful children: Matteo, 17; Caterina, 15; Sara, and 5-year-old Margherita. With this little troop, we try to live our daily life, putting ourselves in the school of Mary and rediscovering the joy of the Gospel. We have been members of the Association of Mary, Help of Christians, since 2013. In 2017, on the occasion of the renewal of the council of the association, I was appointed president of the Primary ADMA. For me, this new experience is an opportunity to give back some of the gifts I have received over many years of journeying in the Salesian Family and the whole Church.

Why did you join ADMA? - To say Thank you! Joining the association was for me and

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St. John Bosco Today | September-November 2019

Barbara the culmination of a journey and the beginning of a new one. For some time now, together with other families and accompanied by Salesian priests, we have been following a path of Christian formation, trying to live life and the vocation that the Lord wanted for us as individuals, spouses, and parents. This experience has opened our eyes, helped us, and transformed us over the years. It has been a blessing! Every time we stop to pray and keep silent, we recognize how the grace of God has worked in our lives and how, day after day, even with difficulties, trials and failures, we discover a bit more of the wonderful masterpiece that the Lord is weaving. Becoming part of the association was our way of saying Thank you to Mary, who entered our house silently, on tiptoe! It was also the beginning of a new journey, consisting of entrustment, prayer, restitution, and service.

What does “Primary ADMA” mean?

- The Association of Mary, Help of Christians (ADMA) was founded by St. John Bosco 150 years ago, on 18 April 1869. He wanted it to be the concrete way of defending the faith among simple people, by promoting the love for Jesus in the Eucharist and devotion to our Lady under the title of Help of Christians.

The term “Primary” is meant to recall precisely the first ADMA founded by St. John Bosco in Valdocco (Turin). It underlines the particular bond of the Association with the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Turin. In fact, it was just a year after the consecration of the Basilica (1868) that St. John Bosco decided to erect a shrine built with “living stones” alongside the building made of bricks. He founded the Association because he was amazed by the countless graces and miracles that people attributed to the intercession of the Help of Christians. All ADMA groups in the world today are “aggregated” to the Primary ADMA in Valdocco.

ADMA is a simple form of belonging to the Salesian Family. “Simple” because it does not actually require particular commitments or conditions, but only the desire to try to live and promote the love for Jesus in the Eucharist and the devotion to Mary, Help of Christians. It is the imitation of the attitude of St. John Bosco: entrusting oneself to Mary, glorifying the Lord, and “standing strong” in the trials and difficulties of life.

“Belonging” because it creates relationships among people,

Philippine Delegation to the International Congress of Mary Help of Christians in Turin, 2015, with the FMA Mother General, Mother Yvonne Reungoat, FMA.

Mr. Renato Valera, fourth from left

families, youth, and among different generations and states of life.

St. John Bosco used to say that relationships are necessary because “being with others who are doing good encourages us without our realizing it.”

Philippine Deleg ation to the 6th International Co ngress of Mary Help of Christians in Poland, 2011.

How widespread in the world is ADMA? - In these first 150 years, our association has spread throughout the world, thanks to the generous response of many people who, despite the difficulties and vicissitudes of life, have continued to keep their devotion alive, relying with simplicity on the Help of Christians.

Today we have more than 100,000 members in over fifty countries, with 800 local groups established and aggregated with the Primary ADMA in Valdocco.

What are your plans for the future?

- We will continue to entrust ourselves to the Lord and humbly promote the devotion to Mary, Help of Christians. We will try to make ourselves interpreters of the signs of our time. We know that defending the faith today means paying a lot of attention to the family as the cradle of the human and spiritual formation of the young. We will therefore continue to evangelize through education in families as well as in other spheres of life, not only by our apostolic commitment, but also through a practical testimony of life, always in the style of family–simple and practical–and without letting ourselves be deceived by the logic of indifference and selfishness.

Editor’s Note: Among the more than 100,000 members of ADMA, approximately 5,000 are living in the East Asia-Oceania Region, mostly in Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Philippines, Thailand, TimorLeste, and Vietnam.

St. John Bosco Today | September-November 2019

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Former ADMA Memb who Entered the R

“Every good Catholic girl treasures in her heart one secret desire: to be like Mary.”

—(Archcon Primer) From the late 70’s to the 80’s many young ladies became members of the ADMA, known then as Archconfraternity of Mary help of Christians. They can be seen actively participating in activities in their schools and/or parishes, wearing pink dress and proudly referring to themselves as “Archcon”.

Through the zealous and consistent guidance of SDBs and FMAs namely Fr. Leo Drona, SDB (future bishop of the Diocese of San Jose Nueva Ecija and later on of the Diocese of San Pablo), Fr. Emil Santos, SDB and Sr. Nora Hernandez, FMA, the Archcon girls increased in numbers.

More importantly the members grew in deeper knowledge and love of the Blessed Mother and developed into good Christians. So much so that regular formation activities eventually produced vocations to the religious life!

Sr. Christine Maguyon, FMA never hesitates to say “I was an Archcon before I became an FMA.” Another one who heard God’s call thru the Archconfraternity is Sr. Nayda Alcaraz, FMA. She said “Yes, it is thru the Archcon that our Blessed Mother nurtured my desire to become a religious. The joyful witnessing of the FMAs and their love

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for our Blessed Mother had a great influence too in my discernment to become one of them.” She also takes pride in saying “our Archcon chapter in St. John the Baptist Parish Calamba, Laguna sung the Archcon hymn after it was written by Sr. Nora and was put into music by Mr. Romeo San Mateo.”

After them came Sr. Ludette Genove, FMA and Sr. Tita Padron, FMA, Archcon girls from San Pablo, Laguna and Cebu City respectively.

There was also Sr. Ravena Dominguez, FMA, a very active honorary member of the ADMA. Sr. Myrna A. Maluyao, RA, was an ADMA member of the Parish of San Juan Nepomuceno in Malibay, Pasay before joining the Religious of the Assumption. She said that being an ADMA member for three years was a big factor in her vocation discernment. She is presently assigned in Assumption College, San Lorenzo Village, Makati City.

Sr. Merridy Fetalvero, now a Somaskan sister, is also a former Archcon girl from Calamba; while Ms. Glady Diaz of Sta. Cruz, Laguna is now Sr. Bethelina, MC of the Missionaries of Charity.

St. John Bosco Today | September-November 2019

Sr. Christine Maguyon, FMA

Sr. Ravena Dominguez, FMA

bers

e ligious Life

Sr. Nayda Alcaraz, FMA

Sr. Myrna Maluyao, RA

Sr. Maria Lourdes Bernardita Genove, FMA

Sr. Bethelina, MC

Sr. Teresita Padron, FMA

The joyful witnessing of the FMAs and their love for our Blessed Mother had a great influence too in my discernment to become one of them.

St. John Bosco Today | September-November 2019

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Fr. Gerardo Martin, SDB 12th Provincial Superior of SDB-FIN

BY FR. DRANS NOLASCO, SDB

Fr. Gerardo Martin, SDB, is

the 12th Provincial Superior of the Philippines-North-Malaysia Province of St John Bosco. He received his appointment for the six-year period 2019—2025 via a phone call from the Rector Major, Rev. Fr. Angel Fernandez, SDB, last June 5, 2019.

After accepting the responsibility of leadership, Fr. Gerry, as he is fondly called, shared in his Facebook account: “I thank the Lord for this beautiful Salesian vocation he gave

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me. Since it is the Lord’s project in me, I take courage in Him where He leads me. I was very much challenged by the Strenna of Fr. Rector Major for 2019 especially when he quoted Benedict XVI: ‘We are not to be afraid to aim high toward the heights of God; we are not afraid that God will ask too much of us.’

Now this challenge is very real for me.

Thanks be to God.” Born in October 3, 1964, Fr. Gerry grew up as a parishioner of the San Ildefonso Parish in Makati City, a parish

St. John Bosco Today | September-November 2019

under the care of the Salesians of Don Bosco. After working for some years as a certified public accountant in the largest multi-disciplinary professional services firm in the Philippines, he began his Salesian vocation journey as a postulant in May 1993 as a member of the Salesian community of Don Bosco Juniorate, Bacolor, Pampanga.

January 1994, he joined the group of postulants in Don Bosco Canlubang in preparation for his novitiate. By May of the same year, he and his companions entered the Salesian Novitiate in Granada, Negros Occidental.

Fr. Gerry made his first Salesian religious profession on May 24, 1995, and his perpetual profession on March 24, 2001. He was ordained a Salesian priest on December 7, 2002.

His assignments after ordination were the following: assistant parish priest at the St. John Bosco Parish, Makati City from 2002 to 2005; Economer of the Seminaryo ng Don Bosco, Parañaque City from 2005 to 2010; Rector of the Prenovitiate-Aspirantate Community in Canlubang, Laguna from 2010 to 2019.

SALESIAN FAMILY news “I thank the Lord for this beautiful Salesian vocation he gave me. Since it is the Lord’s project in me, I take courage in Him where He leads me. I was very much challenged by the Strenna of Fr. Rector Major for 2019 especially when he quoted Benedict XVI: ‘We are not to be afraid to aim high toward the heights of God; we are not afraid that God will ask too much of us.’ Now this challenge is very real for me. Thanks be to God.” He contributed significantly to the FIN Province in the field of Administration and Finance (2005—2010) as a member of the Commission on Finance and in the field of Formation (2013—2019) as the Provincial Delegate for Formation. Since 2013, Fr. Gerry was a member of the FIN Provincial Council.

He was canonically installed as the FIN Provincial Superior last June 15, 2019, at the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, Parañaque City, during the 9:00AM Eucharist that was presided over by Fr. Vaclav Klement, SDB, the EAO Regional Councilor.

VIVA DON BOSCO!

St. John Bosco Today | September-November 2019

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Silsilah Experience

in Mindanao

By Fr. Eugene Maglasang Provincial Delegate for Pakistan 30

St. John Bosco Today | September-November 2019

SALESIAN family news Mindanao – Zamboanga City, Philippines (FIS), 15 July 2019 – Fr. Eugene Maglasang, SDB (Delegate for Pakistan) and Fr. Arvin Abatayo, SDB (FIS Delegate for Missionary Animation) spent two weeks (July 1-15) in Mindanao, Zamboanga City, attending the 2nd Silsilah Special Program on MuslimChristian Dialogue with the theme: “Christianity and Islam at the Crossroads”.

Silsilah is an Arabic word which means chain, link, or connection. This term was coined by Fr. Sebastiano D’Ambra PIME, the founder of the Christian-Muslim dialogue movement (1984). The term perfectly fits the aim of the movement. The key word is ‘DIALOGUE’. Creating a culture of dialogue is the only way to connect people torn by conflict because

of culture and religion. Planting the culture of dialogue is the only path to peace. In the mind of the founder, such ‘culture of dialogue’ leading to peace must necessarily be a spirituality one should embrace.

As spirituality it is a life-in-dialogue with God, with self, with others, and with creation. These four dimensions of dialogue reminded me of the disharmony brought about by original sin [Gen 3:8-19], man’s disharmony with self, with God, with neighbour, and with nature.

Arriving in Zamboanga city, the Silsilah staff was very kind to fetch us from the airport. The Harmony Village, the headquarters of the Silsilah movement/foundation, is about an hour from the airport. The offices and the quarters of the village were very simple and practical. We

were in all 31 participants, men and women, composed of 16 Muslims and 15 Christians.

LEARNING ABOUT EACH OTHER’S RELIGION

July 2, Tuesday was the first day of the series of lectures that lasted until July 11, Thursday. The lecture days were interrupted by the two weekend immersion in Muslim/Christian families. I was particularly interested in the input on the Qur’an, the basics of the Muslim faith, the basics of the Islam philosophy connected with the Greek Philosophers. It was very enlightening to hear from the Muslim Professors and my Muslim coparticipants that Islam is a religion of peace. I have heard before that the word ‘Islam’ means ‘submission to

I have heard before that the word ‘Islam’ means ‘submission to the will of God’, or that it is derived from the Arabic word ‘sal’m’ which literally means peace.

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During these immersions I was able to connect quickly with my foster families because of the basic Filipino traits that we share: the smile, the hospitality, the respect. the will of God’, or that it is derived from the Arabic word ‘sal’m’ which literally means peace. However due to the violence apparently done by Muslim fundamentalists, I had my biases and was sceptical about Islam as a religion of peace. During the duration of the seminar we had a lot of lively exchanges with our Muslim co-participants: we shared casually during meals and break time; we shared reflections together after each input, we prepared cultural presentations together; we did reports together even related to the Christian Bible. These light moments in between lectures contributed much to reducing or eliminating my own biases about Muslims. Surely there is still that fear inside me that if I give in to them [the Muslims] they will take advantage of me. Here the core Gospel passage of the Silsilah

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movement becomes very handy the Beatitudes. In the Chapel of the village, where the Roman Catholic participants celebrate daily mass, we find the passage of the Beatitudes [Matt 5:3-12] clearly displayed.

Fr. Sebastiano, the Silsilah Founder, placed this as the main principle behind the spirituality of the life-inDialogue.

PRAYING TOGETHER WITH THE MUSLIMS

Throughout the two-week seminar the Muslims try their best to be faithful to their prayer time in the Mosque located inside the village.

The Roman Catholic participants, aside from the daily mass, also attend the daily holy hour at 6pm.

The founder believes that one has to be fervent in one’s faith, an authentic

St. John Bosco Today | September-November 2019

Muslim and an authentic Christian, in order to live the Spirituality of Dialogue. I have to admit that at first I am a little uneasy in relating with people who do not share my faith. In the coming days however I become more tolerant. I am reminded of the passage in Mark 9: 40, “whoever is not against us is for us”. They may not believe in the divinity of Jesus, but if they believe in the evermerciful God, then there is a point of connection. Another significant point in my spiritual reflection during these days is the crucial difference between my faith and that of my Muslim companions. They are very insistent in their absolute though distant monotheistic God. I do not argue with them on this. However I realized how important it is to maximize the personal encounter with God in the daily Eucharist and Holy Hour.

Without this sincere Eucharistic encounter, there is little difference between me and the fervent Muslim.

WEEKEND IMMERSION IN THE MUSLIM FAMILIES

Another highlight in this two-week seminar is the week-end immersion with Muslim families. In the first week-end, July 5 to 7, I was assigned to a Muslim family in the island of Sta. Cruz. In the second weekend, July 12 to 14, I was assigned to a Muslim family in the city area within the “ground –zero” of the Zamboanga siege way back 2013.

During these immersions I was able to connect quickly with my foster families because of the basic Filipino traits that we share: the smile, the hospitality, the respect. What struck me however was not so much the religious difference but the glaring poverty I experienced especially with the families leaving in the island of Sta. Cruz. The families in the residential part of the island [about 70 to 80 families] have no

SALESIAN family news water and proper bathroom. They rely on rainwater and have to buy from the city the water for cooking and drinking. There are no comfort rooms in most if not in all the houses.

The island is a 15- minute drive by motor boat from the city on calm seas. During the two nights in the island I realized how luxurious my life is having my own room and my own toilet. It was a very good examination of conscience on my vow of poverty. The Silsilah foundation has done a good thing in putting up an elementary school in the island.

A 100 peso is very valuable for my foster family to cover for food and the weekly allowance of their grandchildren going to the city for their high school studies. As I left my foster family I did not hesitate to leave

them some amount for their needs as a token of gratitude for the hospitality.

SILSILAH EXPERIENCE – A GREAT EYE OPENER

The two-week seminar was indeed an eye opener to the reality of southernmost part of the Philippines.

A Filipino Muslim was almost nonexistent in my mind. Having met and made friends with good Muslims made the difference. I never gave a thought to the struggles that the Catholic Filipinos are undergoing in a Muslim environment. Having met the Catholic youth from Marawi, I became interested in visiting them and experience their struggles. Their struggles may not be far from the struggles of our Christian youth in Pakistan.

I thank our Regional Councilor for encouraging us to join the seminar, we thank our Provincial and Provincial Economer for supporting our participation. I thank also Fr. Sebastiano, PIME, for such a great missionary work. Most of all we thank the Lord for the experience. I will continue to reflect on the realities encountered during this two remarkable weeks.

May I be able to hear clearly the voice which the Lord wants me to hear as I continue to immerse myself in this reality of a ‘life-in-dialogue’ with God, with myself, with my confreres and the people I work with and work for, and also seriously consider a lifein-dialogue with nature.

May I be able to hear clearly the voice which the Lord wants me to hear as I continue to immerse myself in this reality of a ‘life-in-dialogue’ with God, with myself, with my confreres and the people I work with and work for, and also seriously consider a life-in-dialogue with nature.

St. John Bosco Today | September-November 2019

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The Dream For Don Bosco Academy – Bacolor’s Green School Buildings

O

n July 10, 2019, Francef Julian Laus, a Grade 7 Bosconian of Don Bosco Academy (DBA) – Bacolor, mused that his grandfather, Liberato “Levy” P. Laus, died on April 25, 2019, flying high and dreaming big for Pampanga, San Fernando City and DBA – Bacolor.

Perhaps, Levy Laus died dreaming big, too, for Francef. In his speech during the solemn blessing of DBA – Bacolor’s freshly minted Elementary Building, which was dedicated to the memory of, and named after, his grandfather, Francef said: “Now, we all face a green building that marks [my grandfather’s] presence among us. This green building will serve generations of Bosconians, who will live and learn inside it. And I dream of seeing even young, marginalized and poorer Bosconians living and learning inside it.

I dream for them big, as my grandfather had dreamed for us big.”

The dream for DBA – Bacolor has been passed on. A gift has been given to Francef - to aim high and fly, to face challenges and risks and to dream big for others. It is the very same gift which was received three years ago by the 60-yearold birthday celebrator on that same day, Fr. Felino “Ditto” S. Gueco, Jr., SDB, when the premises and facilities of Mary the Queen Academy of Pampanga, Inc. was turned over - or better yet, returned - to the Salesians of the North Province of the Salesian Society of St. John Bosco. Mary the Queen Academy was established by the House of David after lahar, from the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1995, devastated the original DBA – Bacolor, prompting the transfer of its campus to Mabalacat City in 1996.

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BY FR. JOJI B. INOCENTES, SDB

San Fernando Archbishop Emeritus Paciano Aniceto, DD, together with the Salesian priests who concelebrated in the Thanksgiving Mass of Fr. Ditto on the occasion of his 60th birthday.

The dream for DBA – Bacolor continues to be a “happy” challenge for Fr. Ditto, who spent his elementary schooling and high school seminary formation in DBA – Bacolor. Now, Fr. Ditto sees the Academy rises slowly and sweetly as the new generation of the progenitor Bosconian families of the San Fernando and Angeles areas come home to it.

DBA – Bacolor leads the Salesian schools in the Philippines in being the first Salesian-formed-and-owned school that is run by lay people educators and administrators. The lay people, reverenced as Lay Mission Partners (LaMPs), aptly breathe the age-brewed Bosconian traditions and values of goodness, holiness and joy to the resurrected and new Academy.

A core group of LaMPs, comprised by dedicated veterans from Don Bosco schools in Mandaluyong, Makati, Mabalacat and the original Bacolor—

St. John Bosco Today | September-November 2019

work lovingly at instilling faith and discipline among the growing number of Elementary and Junior High School students - 450 in 2017, 650 in 2018 and 902 in 2019.

The new elementary school building offers space for new schoolchildren. Soon, the first batch of Junior High School Movers-Up will become the first batch of Senior High School students of DBA – Bacolor.

Sooner, a new school building will have to rise. This is a “happy” challenge for the Salesians, particularly, for Fr. Ditto.

No worries, though. Archbishop Emeritus Paciano Aniceto, D.D. of San Fernando, Pampanga, who graced the blessing of the new elementary school building and celebrated the birthday Mass of Fr. Ditto, quipped: “Nature took the old, but the Lord gives the new.

Don Bosco [Academy] – Bacolor will stay in the Lord’s goodness.”

SALESIAN family news

Fr . Ditto Gueco, SDB with some DBA Bacolor benefactors and friends

“Now, we all face a green building that marks [my grandfather’s] presence among us.

This green building will serve generations of Bosconians, who will live and learn inside it. And I dream of seeing even young, marginalized and poorer Bosconians living and learning inside it. I dream for them big, as my grandfather had dreamed for us big.”

Francef Julian Laus, delivering his speech

San Fernando Archbishop Emeritus Paciano Aniceto, D.D. being assisted by Fr. Joji Inocentes, SDB during the blessing of the new school

St. John Bosco Today | September-November 2019

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“God is the Center of Our Mission” Monsignor Alberto Lorenzelli on His New Mission in Santiago De Chile ANS - Vatican City – On May 22, Mons. Alberto Riccardo Lorenzelli Rossi, a Salesian, who had previously been Director of the Salesian Community in the Vatican and chaplain of the Directorate of Security and Civil Protection Services of the Vatican City State, was appointed auxiliary bishop of Santiago de Chile. Today, 19 July, he will leave for Chile to begin his work as bishop and will do so “with serenity and in the hands of God”. In a long interview with the Salesian Community of the Vatican, Monsignor Lorenzelli answered questions

by ANS reporter Gian Francesco Romano.

You will soon begin your pastoral work as auxiliary bishop of Santiago de Chile. Can you tell us what the decisive moments of your appointment were?

It is a designation that took me by surprise. I was called by the Congregation for Bishops and they gave me the nomination. They didn’t ask me if I agreed or if I had to think about it. It was a given fact. In the afternoon I received the call of the Holy Father who told me: “I’ll wait for you in my office to talk.”

How was the first meeting with the Holy Father?

His welcome was significant, his humanity profound and his paternity sincere. There was a lot of resistance within me and I made the Holy Father aware of the difficulties in accepting the appointment. He listened to me and told me: “Accepting this appointment, today, is irresponsible. If they had proposed it to me, I don’t know if I would have accepted it.” At that moment I felt encouraged and thought that the Pope understood my motivations, but then he told me: “I ask you to accept this choice as an irresponsible person and do it not for me, but for the Church.” With these Meeting Pope Francis together with the participants of the my personal motivations Salesian Bulletin Editors Conference during their meet and words, greet with the Holy Father last May 29, 2019. collapsed.

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St. John Bosco Today | September-November 2019

Mons. Alberto Riccardo Lorenzelli Rossi, SDB, DD, the new Auxiliary Bishop of Santiago de Chile

The Church in Chile is experiencing a delicate moment. What are the characteristics that a Bishop must have to regain the trust of the people?

My first mission is to collaborate and support the work of the current Apostolic Administrator. It is true that a climate of institutional mistrust has been created, but I strongly believe in the religiosity of the Chilean people and in the Church of Santiago. People trust God. Chile’s Church is of the people, but profound. I believe we must live a faith together with people, so that my faith will be credible and authentic. We must walk with them.

And, on the other hand, I believe we must take on a great responsibility above all as an institutional church. We must respond to the pain and cry of so many victims who have suffered the damage of the abuse of conscience, power, sexual abuse and walk with them. See them as brothers and sisters who have suffered and give them a profound answer.

How will you live your mission as a Salesian?

By doing what Don Bosco told us: God is at the center of our mission. And certainly, by living the Preventive System which is a system that prevents evil and offers hope.

The full interview is available on ANSChannel. http://www.infoans.org/en/sections/interviews/ item/8443-vatican-god-is-the-center-of-ourmission-monsignor-alberto-lorenzelli-on-hisnew-mission-in-santiago-de-chile

SALESIAN world news

Volunteers Of Don Bosco: 8th General Assembly (AG8)

By VDB Delegate At AG8 Frascati, Italy, 28 July 2019 – After 10 days of intense sharing, discernment, prayers and communion among the 100 Volunteers of Don Bosco (VDB) secular institute, their 8th General Assembly concluded on Sunday, July 28th. They harvest many fruits: The AG8 has explored the main theme more deeply: ‘The Mission of the VDB Today’ along the reflection path pursued over the last two years:  To deepen the importance of the VDB specific mission has in our life.  To evaluate our responsibility to the mission, as a response to the Spirit who sends us.

Newly elected VDB World Moderator, Dagmar K, together with the Rector Major, Fr. Angel Artime Fernandez, SDB.

 To identify the most urgent needs of people today, especially of our recipients and to reflect on the profound causes of these needs, to be able to intervene.  To identify our most effective responses in order to make fruitful our being light and leaven in the world.

The AG8 also elected a new 10 member VDB Central Council. They are

currently the largest secular institute in the Catholic Church. After two terms (12 years) of very charismatic leadership of Olga K, her successor, Dagmar K, another fellow Slovakian VDB, was elected as the new World Moderator. We are grateful for her immediate sharing with the 120 VDB and the whole Salesian Family in our Region: Cordially and with great love I greet you after many beautiful meetings choosing the complete Central Council.

I’m not quite aware of my ministry yet, but I know you are praying for me! Thank you very much! I want to keep emptying my hands of my own plans and I want to put those of God in them!

I have the heart of a mother who is ready to constantly receive every child entrusted to her! I want us to develop the family dimension amongst us to share all personal worries and share the joys that enrich us and also be outwardly firmly rooted in the Salesian Family, being faithful in the Church to Peter’s successor.

So far I have no other program, but I do not want to have anything other than feeling that it is from God, it leads to Him and to people. I would like to add our old Slovak way of saying things: ‘So, Lord God, help me!

I wish a blessed, joyfully experienced mission and greet our sisters on the other side of the world.

In Christ’s love, Dagmar

St. John Bosco Today | September-November 2019

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Gone Father TO THE

Fr. Luis Badilla, SDB Born: May 21, 1957 First Religious Profession: April 01, 1977 Priestly Ordination: January 31, 1990 Died: April 12, 2019

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St. John Bosco Today | September-November 2019

Fr. Hilario Tamonan, SDB Born: November 03, 1947 First Religious Profession: July 16, 1965 Priestly Ordination: December 08, 1974 Died: July 12, 2019

St. John Bosco Today | September-November 2019

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St. John Bosco Today | September-November 2019