St. John Bosco Today March-May 2018 by St. John Bosco Today

March-May 2018 | St. John Bosco Today

Contents St. John Bosco Today Volume 47 I Number 4 March-May 2018

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

Message of the Rector Major..................3 Editor’s Note .............................................5 MAIN FEATURES

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. Fidel Ma. Orendain, SDB (FIS) Sr. Rachel Flor, FMA & FMA Past Pupils, Sr. Sophia Akiko Oshita, SCG, Imelda BenitezDomitita ASC, Dr. Victor B. Endriga DBAPNF, Maria Junifer Maliglig, ADMA, Evangeline Dolliente FADS Art Director Early Macabales Graphics & Design Studio DBPI-Multimedia 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© 2018 by Don Bosco Press, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without permission from the publisher.

St. John Bosco Today | March-May 2018

Religious Life: Solid In A Fluid World .... 6 We Are Salesians of Don Bosco .............9 The Salesians of Don Bosco in the FIS .................................................14 Institute of The Daughters Mary Help of Christians............................................17 The Caritas Sisters of Jesus (SCG) ......22 The Beauty of Living a Consecrated Lay Salesian Life ...................................27 MARIAN CORNER The Entrustment of the Home to Mary Help of Christians............................................30 FIN-FIS NEWS Tuloy sa Don Bosco Receives World Humanitarian Award ...............................32 The 4th Don Bosco Film Festival Awarding Ceremony...............................35

Strenna 2018:

Let Us Cultivate the Art of Listening and of Accompaniment

Message of the RECTOR MAJOR

“Lord, give me this water”

– (John 4:15)

Dear brothers and sisters of the whole Salesian Family in the world, As per tradition, at the end of the year I present the Strenna to our sisters, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, and from that day it becomes a gift for our whole Salesian Family, in every part of the world. The purpose of the Strenna and of its commentary is to help us have the same heart and look in the many initiatives in all our works and in the mission each one is called to carry out according to the specific charismatic vocation of the groups of our Salesian Family. The theme chosen is in continuity with that of the previous year and refers to the forthcoming major ecclesial event of the XV Ordinary General Assembly

of the Synod of Bishops, convened by Pope Francis for the month of October 2018, which is entitled: “Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment”. This is a subject that directly concerns the heart of our charism and that we will try to prepare in the best possible way, sensitising ourselves and making many lay and young people aware of this important event of the ecclesial life and of the need to take part in it. With this Synod, the Church has decided to examine herself on how she can lead young people to recognize and accept the call to the fullness of life and love, and to ask young people to help her in identifying the most effective ways to announce the Good News today.

The theme chosen, which I consider simple and very direct, contains two elements of vital importance in today’s world: listening and personal accompaniment. To enlighten these two aspects I offer you a beautiful Gospel icon, which lends itself to multiple reflections: Jesus and the Samaritan woman. An episode is narrated in which, despite the presence of ethnic diversities and religious antagonisms, the encounter takes place at the deepest level of the person, to the point of arriving at a change in life. I invite you to accept the Strenna with the positive openness of each year and to benefit from what may be useful to you according to the different pastoral situations in which we operate.

March-May 2018 | St. John Bosco Today

ask myself: what are we waiting for? Why do we not decide to be much more available to accompany all our young people in what is most important to their lives? What is holding us back? Why “being busy” or “spending time” in other things when this is a real priority for education and evangelization? We will take many more significant steps, my dear brothers and sisters, on the day when we will truly convince ourselves that, more important than what we do, is what we are and who we are; that more important than the things and activities we offer to teenagers and young people and their families, is our presence, our listening and our openness to dialogue. This is what leaves “traces of life” forever. It leaves them in young people and in their families. All this is at the basis and constitutes the real and profound motivation for this year’s choice of the Strenna.

The purpose of the Strenna and of its commentary is to help us have the same heart and look in the many initiatives in all our works and in the mission each one is called to carry out according to the specific charismatic vocation of the groups of our Salesian Family. I can testify to you that, in the hundreds of meetings I have had in these almost four years with young people from the five continents, I have gained the certainty that in the houses and works led by the groups of the Salesian Family there are thousands and thousands of good young people, open to life, eager to be formed, to learn; young people in search. Many of them have a great and generous heart, and wish to serve others, to do something for others, to help, to donate themselves. They are young people who request our help to continue to grow and mature in their faith. And there are others who do not ask explicitly, but who feel a great need for a personal encounter and for being listened to. There are many who would be willing to take a personal and communal path of discernment and accompaniment. So I

Like Mary, who lived the novelty of the Annunciation, the encounter with a “personal” God who knocked so delicately at the door of her freedom making fruitful what humanly would not have been possible, we are also invited to question ourselves on our faith, on our “abandoning ourselves” in God, who is a perennial novelty of life, and to let ourselves be carried by the Spirit. May the Lord help us to follow this path and to help young people to walk along it. May our Mother grant us the grace to be authentic mediation of the word of the Lord, which resounds, not always in an immediately comprehensible way, in the heart of every young person, in married couples, in families, in all those who are in search. By invoking the Mediation of Mary Help of Christians to her Son and the protection of Don Bosco and all the members of our Family, who are already on the road to holiness, I greet you and wish you all good.

Ángel Fernández Artime Rector Major

(For the whole Commentary of the Rector Major on the Strenna 2018, please go to this link: http://www.sdb.org/en/rector-major/88-strenna-rm/1379-strenna-2018-schema#presentazione)

St. John Bosco Today | March-May 2018

EDITOR' S NOTE Dear Readers, The Salesian Family is one with the Local Church in celebrating 2018 as the Year of the Clergy and Consecrated Person.This celebration is part of the gradual preparations for the 500th Anniversary of Christianity in the Philippines this coming 2021. God has blessed the Salesian Family around the world with around 20 branches of the Salesian Family belonging to the clergy and the consecrated. Four of them are in the Philippines: The Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB), The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA),The Caritas Sisters of Jesus (SCG), and The Volunteers of Don Bosco (VDB). This big Salesian Family present around the world takes its humble origin from St. John Bosco who was called by God to be His apostle to the youth, especially the poorest and the marginalized. St. John Bosco, inspired by the Holy Spirit, founded two religious congregations, the SDB and the FMA, so that his God-given mission will continue even after his death. From these two main branches of the Salesian Family, many other branches were born. God is gracious. He invites each individual person to be a part of His work in building His Kingdom on Earth in so many different ways. He continuously calls each of us to actively participate in His mission. We only have to discern well how God wants us to participate and get involved. This March-May 2018 issue of St. John Bosco Today presents to you who are the Salesians of Don Bosco, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, the Caritas Sisters of Jesus, and the Volunteers of Don Bosco. May you appreciate more the graciousness of God at work in the Salesian Family as you come to know more their members belonging to the clergy and the consecrated. Who knows, while reading this issue, you may get some inspirations from the Holy Spirit, inviting you to join one of these groups. If ever you feel any special interest towards any of these groups, or if you happen to know individuals who are interested in serving the Lord as professed religious, or as ordained priests, or as consecrated persons, you may contact any of these groups (see their contact details at the end of their respective articles) and begin the discernment process. VIVA DON BOSCO!!!

By Fr. Bernard P. Nolasco, SDB Editor

March-May Mzrch-May 2018 | St. John Bosco Today

SOLID SEEKING FOR SOLIDS

What is consecrated life in a comfyseeking, nega-prone, selfie-oriented, quickie-disposed 24/7 digitally-driven world of the 21st century? The answer may be an antsy “Duh!” But wait.Young people by the 21st century, generally labeled “millennials,” are in RL, internet slang for “real life,” seekers of something solid to base their lives on. And this is because, more than the generations past, millennials live in a liquid society with fluid commitments. Think of: • Self-expression and self-assertion while claiming immunity from the social consequences of wrong choices;

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•

The anonymous digital universe becoming the confessional box of the most private intimacies;

•

Relationships without “forever after” but only “until further notice,” based only on emotions and not constructed on duty;

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The breakdown of marriage and family life, seldom considering and consulting the children who are the most affected;

•

“Short-term” mentality in work, which is no longer the axis for selfdefinition and life-project, resulting in a problematic high labor mobility, with little chance for mutual loyalty and collaboration, for instance, in an educative community.

SALESIANITY 101 | Family Ministry MAIN FEATURE | ACCOMPANYING MAIN FEATURE THE | ______________? MILLENNIALS

Religious Life:

IN A FLUID WORLD By Fr. Eli Cruz, SDB

This is the world many of our young people see in their homes or schools or workplaces, with their friend-lists in the social media, among celebrities and, sadly, even among their pastors: a life without solidity! And in a world that is faulty, fragile and fleeting, the consecrated life—despite the unedifying examples of some of its members—offers something unchanging. It is a hard, but happy and holy life!

THE SOLID STORIES

A professional soccer player for Chile became a monk. A supermodel from Spain became a nun. A Hollywood actress chose the cloister. A Polish prince chose to be a priest for the poor. He worked as a bar bouncer and laboratory chemist and then becomes a Pope. This is not about big versus little, of our simple lives compared with the big lives of these celebrated people. It is about every person seeking a solid life, with each one’s own unique big gifts, big sacrifices, and big dreams to offer God and humanity. Millennials are looking for something solid in which they can place their gifts, sacrifices, and dreams for a purpose greater than their own. More than other generations before them, millennials are the most protected and supervised, even or especially with absentee parents or broken homes. And so millennials

More than other generations before them, millennials are the most protected and supervised, even or especially with absentee parents or broken homes. And so millennials have a strong intuition when they are unconditionally loved. have a strong intuition when they are unconditionally loved. But it is not enough for them to know that they are loved. They seek to find a solid ground to prove their worthiness of that love through a solid mission, community, and spirituality. What solid stories can attract the millennials to pay attention and give premium to the call to the consecrated life? • That we are individually loved by Jesus. In the Year of the Consecrated Life in 2015, the Pope asked men and women in the consecrated life “to re-read our own personal story and to scrutinize it in the light of God’s loving gaze” and “to give witness to that joy that arises from the certainty of knowing that we

are loved, from the confidence that we are saved.” •

That we are close to people of our times. Pope Francis urged us “to approach the stories of the men and women of today in the light of two pastoral categories that have their roots in the newness of the Gospel: closeness and encounter, two ways through which God himself is revealed in history culminating in the Incarnation.”

•

That we are happy we answered the call. Pope Francis wrote his expectations for this year of grace for the consecrated life: “Where there are religious, there is joy… None

March-May 2018 | St. John Bosco Today

St. John Bosco led the youth to a personal relationship with Jesus, a strong spiritual experience, centered on sacramental piety. He often remarked: “Basic to the development of a vocation is a good sacramental life. We must create an environment in which such life can flourish.” of us should be dour, discontented, and dissatisfied, for a gloomy disciple is a disciple of gloom.”

ST. JOHN BOSCO’S SOLIDITY

St. Louis Guanella, founder of the Daughters of St. Mary of Providence, the Servants of Charity, and the Pious Union of St. Joseph, said about St. John Bosco: “I found myself with Don Bosco and felt I was in heaven.” It was an intimate experience of being loved, understood, and guided by God through an exceptional person in things both human and divine. Fr. Paul Albera, who grew up with St. John Bosco and would become his second successor as Rector Major, wrote: “I was captivated by an emotional power that fed thoughts, words, and actions... I felt I was loved in a way never experienced before... Oh! It was a love that drew us, conquered, and transformed our hearts!” We are asked to take the same road of influence. But how do we 8

particularly accompany millennials to the consecrated life? • St. John Bosco led the youth to a personal relationship with Jesus, a strong spiritual experience, centered on sacramental piety. He often remarked: “Basic to the development of a vocation is a good sacramental life.We must create an environment in which such life can flourish.” •

St. John Bosco said: “Let our love for one another be visible...This is how young people reason: ‘If the Salesians so love one another, they will also love me should I be one of them.’ “ He also gave the warning: “If they see that their educators treat each other badly or run each other down, they will never want to join them as Salesians.”

•

St. John Bosco would recommend that stories of Salesian holiness be published, especially of saintly youth in their teens and twenties, fruits of our Preventive System.

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He said: “This is how a young person will reason: ‘A house, a school, a congregation which can turn out such saintly youths is worthy of my love and admiration; and if I wanted to become a priest, that is where I would want to be.’” •

St. John Bosco taught the youth to work for others with great commitment and a total absence of self-interest. The apostolic dimension was crucial to their growth, with the sodalities as a key element in this experience. These youth groups are meant to fill the need of youth for friendship, to feel strong with others to do the right and responsible things, to form leaders, and to be seedbeds of vocations to the priestly and religious life.

In the Strenna or program of life for 2018, Fr. Angel Fernandez Artime, 10th successor of St. John Bosco, invites the Salesian Family: “Let us cultivate the art of listening and accompaniment.” This involves what St. John Bosco insisted on in his lifetime: 1. Knowing the journey the other person is making, the point at which they have arrived and where they are going, in order to be able to walk with them. 2. Ensuring that there is a meeting which becomes an opportunity for a relationship that is human and humanizing and not utilitarian. 3. Bearing a listening attitude that makes it possible to know and understand where the other person is coming from, the journey they are on, the situation they are in, whether of sorrow, of lack of hope, of fatigue, or of searching. Imagine the giant redwood trees of California which only grow in groves. The roots of each tree expand and grip the roots of the other trees in the group. These form a solid and strong network that nourishes all of the trees equally. Such is the consecrated life. It is hard, but happy and holy, because one is never alone. One is solidly centered and connected.

101 | Family MAIN FEATURESALESIANITY | THE SALESIANS OF DONMinistry BOSCO (FIN)

We are Salesians of

DON BOSCO! By Fr. Donnie Duchin Duya, SDB

We are priests and brothers. But our fundamental difference from the rest lies in our decision to devote our entire lives in the service of young people, especially those who are poor and disadvantaged. March-May 2018 | St. John Bosco Today

eople know us through the letters “SDB” that we attach to our names. Look at the byline above. But once you have met a Salesian, you will realize that we are not just different because of our postnominal letters. I dare say that we are a cut different from other priests and brothers you may have encountered. I am not saying that we are the best. What I am trying to say is that we are different. We are priests and brothers. But our fundamental difference from the rest lies in our decision to devote our entire lives in the service of young people, especially those who are poor and disadvantaged. We call ourselves Salesians of Don Bosco, or simply Salesians, owing to our affinity to the spirituality of St. Francis of Sales. It was his legendary meekness and gentleness that led our founder St. John Bosco to embrace him as the patron saint of his own life and of the congregation he established in Italy more than 160 years ago. At present, we are present in over 130 countries, with a total membership of 15,700. This ranks us as the second largest religious community of men in the Catholic Church. St. John Bosco wanted his Salesians to use all their energy and creativity to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to youth. In the Philippines, we respond to this challenge through our regular encounters with the young in schools, parishes, technical-vocational training centers, youth centers, centers for youth-at-risk, media centers, youth groups, and spirituality centers.

DISCERNMENT IN 5 EASY STEPS

If you are serious in finding what God wants for you, go through the following steps. 1. Review your life history. See how God has been journeying with you throughout your life: your family situation, friends, personal desires, temperament, talents, future dreams and life goals, interests, and even your motivations to enter the Salesian life. Since SDBs reach out primarily to the young, one good sign is a great love for them. Are you energetic enough and eager to be their co-journeyer? 10

St. John Bosco wanted his Salesians to use all their energy and creativity to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to youth.

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2. Pray for enlightenment. Remember that it is God who calls, and we merely respond. It is therefore necessary to keep in mind that we pray in order to know what he wants us to do. The question “Lord, what do you want me to do with my life?” could be used in your personal prayers. 3. Listen to others. Ask priests, brothers, and sisters their vocation stories. These could offer some insightful help. They will provide you a close encounter with individuals who have said “Yes” to God’s invitation to follow him more closely in the consecrated life.You may also read literature about religious life through brochures, vocation posters, and vocation websites. Try checking this out: https://www.facebook.com/ SDBvocation. 4. Discern. Ask for spiritual guidance from individuals—priests, brothers, sisters, or even lay people—who may be of help to co-discern and interpret God’s many invitations. Spiritual discernment is a journey of prayer, reflection, and an in-depth inquiry of the movement of Spirit in your life. 5. Decide. After a while, you may already move towards a specific path. Talk with your spiritual director about it. Keep in touch as well with the vocation directory as regards the timeframe you have in mind. Continue to discern by maintaining your stance of prayer.

THE SALESIAN IN THE MAKING

“It takes a village to raise a child,” says an African proverb. The same is true for a Salesian priest and brother. Our vocation to the Salesian life did not just begin when we entered the formation house, but has been nurtured in the context of our own families, and has been sustained and developed in the Salesian context. Here are the six stages in the formation of Salesians of Don Bosco.

ASPIRANTATE

This stage begins after a candidate finishes his six years in high school (i.e., junior and senior years). Ordinarily, he stays in the formation house in Canlubang, Laguna, in order to obtain a March-May 2018 | St. John Bosco Today

He who chooses the path to priesthood undergoes four years of theological formation, following the norms and directives laid down by the Church. He who chooses Salesian brotherhood takes up two years of theologicalpastoral studies and, when possible, to be on par with professionals in his field of mission. college degree. He lives in a formative community, is equipped with basic human skills, following a program of study, ministry, and prayer. He is also introduced to the Salesian way of living in the context of his community.

PRE-NOVITIATE

The candidate is admitted to the Prenovitiate stage upon making an option that he has decided to embrace the Salesian life. This he does in writing through a letter addressed to the Provincial Superior. This stage can last anywhere from six months to a year depending on the human, Christian, and Salesian maturity of the candidate. A Pre-novice follows a specific 12

program of study within the Salesian Formation House. In addition, he is given exposure to youth ministry, and gets gradually acquainted with various Salesian settings in the Philippines.

NOVITIATE

Here in the Philippines, the yearlong novitiate program takes place in Cebu. The novitiate is the beginning of the Salesian life and the following of Christ more closely. The novice comes to appreciate and grow in the Salesian identity of his vocation by systematically studying the life of our father and founder St. John Bosco and the Salesian Constitutions, and by living with others in community.

St. John Bosco Today | March-May 2018

This stage, characterized by discernment and prayer, prepares the novice for the first profession at the end of the novitiate year. He embraces the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience, whether as a cleric (on the way to priesthood) or a brother.

POST-NOVITIATE

The post-novitiate stage, which ordinarily lasts two years, is an extension of the novitiate experience of the young Salesian. The primary focus of this stage is intellectual formation, in particular, philosophy, but the daily schedule offers a deepening of the experience of community life and

Whether as priest or as brother, the Salesian is a pastor, teacher, and friend of the young, at the service of the Gospel and the Church, as well as the young and the world.

prayer and ministries with and for the young. The young Salesian, with the help of the community and a spiritual guide, completes his maturing process with perpetual profession in view, and develops the various facets of his vocation, whether as a Salesian brother or a candidate for the priesthood. This program prepares him for active Salesian life in various settings in the Philippines.

PRACTICAL TRAINING

After the studies in the post-novitiate, the young Salesian is assigned to a Salesian setting and spends two years fully immersed in Salesian youth

ministry. He is guided by the Salesians of his community as he puts into practice St. John Bosco’s Preventive System in an integrated ministry of evangelization and education, while continuing the formative process of prayer, work, and community life.

brotherhood takes up two years of theological-pastoral studies and, when possible, further studies to enable him to be on par with professionals in his field of mission. Whether as priest or as brother, the Salesian is a pastor, teacher, and friend of the young, at the service of the Gospel and the Church, as well as the young and the world. THEOLOGICAL STUDIES / Our Formation House in SPECIFIC FORMATION Canlubang, Laguna, offers a three-day This is the last stage of initial formation lived-in orientation for those who want offered to a Salesian. to take seriously the call of God to He who chooses the path to ister to young people. min priesthood undergoes four years of theological formation, following the If you know someone who could be norms and directives laid down by interested, please share our Vocation Director the Church. He who chooses Salesian hotline: (0917) 890 0925. March-May 2018 | St. John Bosco Today 13

THE SALESIANS

Philippines -

By Fr. Rosmon Migue

PROFILE OF THE SOUTHERN SALESIAN PHILIPPINE PROVINCE (FIS) Name and Patroness: Mary, Help of Christians Canonical Erection: May 30, 1992 Present Provincial: Fr. Godofredo Atienza, SDB Number of SDBs: 103 Number of communities: 16, including 2 in Pakistan. Salesian settings: 10 training centers, 11 youth centers, 7 parishes, 6 schools, 4 retreat houses, 2 schools for religious formation, 1 Aftercare Home for children in prison, 1 Provincial Office

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he Salesians of the South Philippine Province could be regarded as creative, to the point of being adventurous. Trace the roots of these traits to the Visayan and Mindanaoan spirit. For the Visayans, the seas that surround their islands are not obstacles; rather they are horizons that challenge them to search and go beyond. Similarly, the Salesians seem predisposed to explore new ways and methods in working for poor and abandoned youngsters. One daring venture is Don Bosco Liloan, utterly complex with its Boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Home, St. John Bosco Parish, Aftercare Home for

SALESIANITY 101 | Family MAIN FEATURE | THE SALESIANS OF DONMinistry BOSCO (FIS)

OF DON BOSCO

South Province

langelo Valenciano, SDB

youth in conflict with the law, Tech-Voc training center, and public high school all in one compound. Mindanao instead is a melting pot of different cultures—the tri-people combination of Christians, Muslims, and lumads. The welcoming and open disposition of the Salesians in Mindanao has created oases where the human and spiritual needs of all are met through skills training and formation programs. Fortunately, these attributes fascinate young people who are naturally inclined to adventure especially in their encounters and friendships. They are a plus when

amplified in Salesians who through their consecration strive to live the charism of St. John Bosco and address the yearnings of the young.

DISCOVERING GOD’S CALL TO THE SALESIAN LIFE

A sculptor needs penetrating eyes when he scans raw materials for a possible masterpiece. It may be clay, wood, iron, bronze, stone, or marble. It should have one important quality— malleability. God, the Divine Artist, endows Salesians with this artist’s eye to be able to see the many possibilities in young people. This special gaze

begins with the simple invite “Be a Salesian.” While there are countless young people who show interest, only those willing to go through some “chipping off ” and reshaping of their heart move on to the next stages where they see themselves not only becoming works of art, but images of Christ the Good Shepherd, ready to serve young people, especially the poor and abandoned. Slowly, the numbers are again growing—young people wanting to transform themselves and others, to become signs and bearers of the love of God, imbued with St. John Bosco’s spirit.

March-May 2018 | St. John Bosco Today

Whatever the metaphor and method, the vocation promotion program is always anchored on the consecrated Salesian’s humble prayer to the Lord of the harvest and his constant witnessing of youthful, and oftentimes adventure-filled, pastoral charity.

FIS STAGES OF FORMATION

- 4 years of Aspirantate (college seminarian after senior high school) - 1 year of Prenovitiate (postulant) - 1 year of Novitiate (novice, who then professes the temporary vows) - 2 years of Postnovitiate (philosophical studies) - 2—3 years of Practical Training (in various Salesian communities) - 2—4 years of Theology (4 years for priesthood, 2 years for lay brotherhood) Candidates who have finished tertiary education begin with the Rinaldi preaspirantate program and merge into the formation process. 16

VOCATION PROMOTION

The farming or fishing stage in vocation promotion takes many forms: 1. Vocation talks 2. Vocation clubs and the dimension of volunteerism in all youth groups 3. Vocation Masses and homilies, Eucharistic adoration 4. Vocation Jamboree or Camp 5. Youth retreats and recollections 6. Vocation campaign and visits to schools 7. Infographics on the Salesian charism and ministry 8. Tarpaulin posters, leaflets, and brochures. The SDBs are gradually making positive strides in consolidating their vocation promotion program. More priests and brothers are involved in providing the atmosphere for young

St. John Bosco Today | March-May 2018

people to discern and discover their calling in life, hopefully, a vocation to Salesian life. Creating a solid vocation culture demands clear priorities and unified efforts, along with an extra dose of attractive vocation campaigns. Two metaphors stand out. “Farming” portrays the efforts in Salesian settings to plant “kernels” and nurture them for eventual harvest. “Fishing” instead refers to efforts in other settings to spot and catch possible candidates. Whatever the metaphor and method, the vocation promotion program is always anchored on the consecrated Salesian’s humble prayer to the Lord of the harvest and his constant witnessing of youthful, and oftentimes adventure-filled, pastoral charity.

SALESIANITY 101 | Family MinistryLOVE MAIN FEATURE | WITH MAMA MARY’S

Figlie di Maria Ausiliatrice (FMA)

Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians By Sr. Lanie R. Pilar, FMA

“Y

ou belong to a Congregation that is totally Mary’s.” These words of St. John Bosco to the first Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians, clearly define the Marian identity and mission of the Figlie di Maria Ausiliatrice (Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, or Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco). It was the gift of the Holy Spirit and the intervention of Mary that inspired St. John Bosco to found the FMA on August 5, 1872 in Mornese, a village in Alessandria, Italy. His intention was clear; he wanted the FMAs to do for girls what the Salesian Fathers and Brothers were doing for boys. It was his desire that the FMA be the loving response of Christ, the Good Shepherd, to the profound hopes of girls and young women. He looked even farther ahead and imparted to the Institute a strong missionary commitment. To cap it all, he desired that the FMA to be his lasting and “living monument of gratitude” to Mary, Help of Christians. Thus we can say that the Institute of the Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians, has its origin in the heart and mind of St. John Bosco and is a vital part of the Salesian Family. March-May 2018 | St. John Bosco Today

THE CO-FOUNDRESS

In the founding of the Institute, God gave St. John Bosco a special collaborator: St. Mary Domenica Mazzarello. God enkindled in her heart the same flame of apostolic charity which enabled her to live in creative fidelity to St. John Bosco’s spirit and mission. She too gave her life to God, becoming the sign and expression of his foreseeing love among young people. The little-known village of Mornese was the setting of the humble beginnings and unfolding of the life of Maria Domenica Mazzarello and the growth of the Institute. Here, the humble and strong woman was tempered by hard work and sacrifice right from her youth. She learned to contemplate God and lived her daily life as a place of encounter with him. Her constant meeting with Jesus in the Eucharist gave her the strength to fill every moment with love. “She, the First” was the corner stone of those early years. Elected and re-elected Superior, she based her whole work on humility and fidelity to St. John Bosco. Her life was lived in absolute poverty and holy joy. Trials and contradictions were embraced in the light of faith. The first community of Sisters forged ahead in perfect union of souls, united in piety, charity, and the common effort to make the program and spirit of St. John Bosco their own. 18

St. John Bosco Today | March-May 2018

Within this trial-tested yet joyful group of determined souls, Maria Mazzarello stood out always as an example and leader.

FROM MORNESE TO THE WORLD

The tiny seed has now reached its 145th year of existence. From that small group of eleven young village girls, the FMA Institute has developed and spread to ninety-four countries in different continents. There are now 12, 065 FMA Sisters who passionately live their vocation and mission as missionaries of hope and joy in varied settings and ministries for the young. A multitude of 15, 766 have already passed on to eternity.

A GLIMPSE OF THE FMA LIFE

“My dearly beloved daughters. I recommend you to love one another and to treat all with great charity.” (Letters of St. Mary Domenica Mazzarello #37,7)

JOY OF LIVING TOGETHER IN TRUE FAMILY SPIRIT

As an Institute, we were born out of a community whose ideal was holiness with a joyful face, lived in the spirit of family. The family spirit, which was the creative outpouring of St. John Bosco’s heart, characterizes our communities. Though

In the founding of the Institute, God gave St. John Bosco a special collaborator: St. Mary Domenica Mazzarello. God enkindled in her heart the same flame of apostolic charity which enabled her to live in creative fidelity to St. John Bosco’s spirit and mission. She too gave her life to God, becoming the sign and expression of his foreseeing love among young people. we no longer live with our biological families, God has blessed us with a spiritual family in our communities. Among them, we feel at home. “Each community is built on listening to the Word of God, on the power of the Eucharist, on confidence in Mary, Help of Christians. At the same time, it recognizes human weakness, but relies on God’s grace for the journey of continual forgiveness. The family spirit does not refer to perfect communities where there are no difficulties or conflicts but communities in continuous construction, where shadows and lights continually interweave until they become communion. Each day we unceasingly strive to love each other, to be the radiance of love in simple daily gestures, to create the conditions that do not only build family, but also are the font of deep joy. In this context the Superior is a “sister among her sisters” while living the role as animator and guide.”

JOY OF ENCOUNTERING THE LIVING GOD We are active-contemplatives, Martha and Mary fused together. Mother Mazzarello exhorts us at the beginning of each day “to pray fervently and to work with the right intention and to speak much with the Lord because it is he alone will make us truly wise.” (Letters of St. Mary Mazzarello #19,10) Our prayer is expressed in a single movement of love

towards God and neighbor. “It leads us to live in the presence of God, trusting in his fatherly love.” (FMA Constitutions 38) Prayer nourishes and sustains our community life, empowers us to live a simple and poor lifestyle that opens us to a greater capacity for loving and solidarity. The more we become persons of prayer, the more we are capable of responsibility and openness to others. We are deeply aware that the efficacy of our mission of educating young people derives from a deep encounter with God. It is through prayer and communion with him, verified in community relationships, that the mystery of our spiritual motherhood grows and develops. “True religious piety consists in doing all our duties at the right time and place, solely for the love of God.” (St. Mary Mazzarello, Cronistoria II: 338) Our prayer then is not a prayer alongside work, but within work, in the concreteness of each action that is thus transformed by a greater love. Each action becomes the privileged place for encounter with God and the fire that keeps our apostolic passion ablaze. March-May 2018 | St. John Bosco Today

CONSECRATED WOMEN AND SALESIAN EDUCATORS

As Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, we live our identity as Salesian educators. We share in the saving mission of Christ through the Christian education of young people according to the Preventive System of St. John Bosco. The integral human and Christian formation that the young people receive in all our settings grounds them in values that will guide them for the rest of their life. Formation to active citizenship is done gradually through the Christian Living Education classes, leadership formation, and sharing of experiences. All these prepare them to take their active place in society as responsible and productive citizens. “It is not enough that you love the young; they must know they are loved.” (St. John Bosco) Whether young or old, whether in active apostolate or in other ways of carrying out the mission, we translate into life St. John Bosco’s motto “Da mihi animas, cetera tolle.” It is with much creativity, daring, and zeal for souls that the ministry is carried out in various settings. We give our life to God to be for young people a sign and expression of his all-embracing love, reawakening a thirst for God in their hearts and walking with them on the road that leads to God. With St. John Bosco, we say: “For you I study, for you I work, for you I live, and for you I am willing to give my life.”

DISCOVERING GOD’S CALL TO THE FMA LIFE:

Our program for vocation discernment and accompaniment is called the Life Direction Encounter (LDE). It consists of a monthly encounter in our local communities. Designed for young ladies aged 17—34, it seeks to: 1. Provide opportunities for a “come and see” lived-in experience. 2. Help a young woman discover her own life as a gift-call and gift-response. 3. Encourage her to open herself to the plan of God and to see if she may be called to share in our educative charism. 4. Provide her an experience of mission and service. 5. Challenge her to know and follow Christ , the Good Shepherd, and be a “gift” to the young. 6. Accompany her in discovering and discerning the signs of her own call to a particular manner of consecration and mission. 7. Help individuals both in prayer and vocation-growth through phone, e-mail, or personal encounter. St. John Bosco has always wanted to see young people happy in this life and in eternity. And so we dedicate our time, talents and resources in accompanying young people to know and meet God, with the aim of helping them discover and consequently commit themselves to live God’s wonderful plan of love.

St. John Bosco Today | March-May 2018

The integral human and Christian formation that the young people receive in all our settings grounds them in values that will guide them for the rest of their life.

STAGES OF FORMATION

Aspirantate. This is appropriately called a period of assessment and guidance. It usually lasts one year but may be extended when the candidate is not yet prepared for the next stage. The candidate is initiated into a strong experience of Christian life lived within the FMA community and of Salesian apostolic life. Postulancy. This is the time of immediate preparation for the novitiate. It lasts ten months and may be extended for another year for valid reasons. Formation is intensified by a deeper experience of prayer, community life, and the apostolate, as well as a more profound understanding of God’s call and the gradual detachments spoken of in the Gospel. These are indispensable for a true personal meeting with Christ and a more generous dedication to others. Novitiate. This is the period of real initiation into the religious life. It usually lasts two years. Through reflection on the Word of God, diligent study and the assimilation of the Constitutions, daily effort in self-discipline, and the integration of work and prayer, the novice understands better the demands of the following of Christ in the Salesian vocation. Juniorate. This corresponds to the entire period of temporary vows. It lasts from six to nine years as needed. It is a very important time of formation and growth in one’s vocation and preparation for perpetual profession. It is intended to consolidate in the Daughter of Mary, Help of Christians, the life of union with God and the sense of belonging to the Institute, to introduce her gradually into ministry with young people while continuing her specific Salesian formation. Ongoing Formation. This is the period of FMA life after perpetual profession. The religious profession lived in fidelity to God and in the spirit of St. John Bosco and Mother Mazzarello, and as a response to the expectations of the Church and of young people, demands continuous self-formation. “Fidelity lived in its fullness has its crowning point in death, which sets its final seal on our religious profession, and is the moment of total union with God.” (Constitutions 107) March-May 2018 | St. John Bosco Today

The Caritas Sisters

St. John Bosco Today | March-May 2018

SALESIANITY 101 | Family Ministry MAIN FEATURE | WITH THE HEART OF JESUS

of Jesus (SCG) By Sr. Wency Sagun, SCG, and Sr. Lucia Apurado, SCG

“Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy.” (Matthew 5:7) “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.” (Mark16:15)

hese are the two Bible passages that explain the emblem of the Caritas Sisters of Jesus. This symbol of our life and mission portrays Jesus in the mystery of his most sacred and merciful heart, sending us to the whole world and teaching us how to bring him into the hearts of people by spreading his merciful love. Not all of us may go to distant places but our mission remains the same: to bring the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to the people we live with every day.

OUR IDENTITY BASED ON OUR CHARISM AND SPIRITUALITY

“Caritas” means love. The “Caritas Sisters of Jesus” was born out of the merciful love of Christ, to be witnesses of his compassion through service to people. ”We, Caritas Sisters of Jesus, form a community of baptized persons who, faithful to the humble offering of ourselves to God who is ‘love,’ intend to be apostles of the love of the Sacred Heart, the Son of God, who gave his life for all that all people may have life to the full and have it more abundantly.” (SCG Constitutions 2)

“Caritas” means love.

The “Caritas Sisters of Jesus” was born out of the merciful love of Christ, to be witnesses of his compassion through service to people. March-May 2018 | St. John Bosco Today

We generously offer our whole selves that others may live and live their lives abundantly. We aim to live the same love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We bear witness to this love in the midst of the people we meet every day, especially the poor and the suffering, through our life of obedience, poverty, and chastity. We live in community and carry out our ministry, while remaining faithfully united with our Lord in our daily conversation with him.

OUR SPIRITUALITY

We are the apostles of the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Our joyful witness reveals our experience of a profound mystical and prophetic consecrated life. Inspired by the Blessed Trinity, we live in communities composed of persons of different cultures yet striving to become one. Thus, we become a powerful sign of communion and reconciliation for today’s fragmented world. As communities, we proclaim the Good News of hope to the world, safeguard human life and dignity, and labor for the restoration of the order of creation.

OUR MINISTRY

We work in the different fields of the vineyard of the Lord. We become Jesus’ hands for the helpless and abandoned in the field of social work, homes for babies, orphanages, homes for the aged, and medical centers. We follow Jesus’ footstep as teacher in the field of education, particularly in kindergarten, elementary, junior, and senior high schools, molding the children and young not only in the development of their minds through academics but also of their spiritual life. We share in the ministry of parishes through Bible study, Sunday school, and liturgical services, and participate in different church activities. We work not just to address the needs of people but most of all, to bring them the love and compassion of God.

OUR MISSION

We are an active religious congregation, nourished everyday by the Word of God and the Holy Eucharist where we experience the depth of the love of the Sacred Heart for us. This in turn is the love we want to share with all the persons we meet, especially the poor, the hungry and thirsty, the sick and the young. With them, we want to live in friendship and solidarity.

We are an active religious congregation, nourished everyday by the Word of God and the Holy Eucharist where we experience the depth of the love of the Sacred Heart for us. 24

St. John Bosco Today | March-May 2018

THE FOUNDING OF THE CONGREGATION

The Salesian missionaries, Fr.Vincenzo Cimatti and Fr. Antonio Cavoli, arrived in Japan in 1926, with the first group of nine Salesians. They took charge of the pastoral care in the provinces of Miyazaki and Oita, Japan. Fr. Antonio Cavoli, SDB, was born in San Giovnni Marignano, Italy, on the August 4, 1888. He was ordained a priest in the diocese of Rimini. He became a Salesian after experiencing World War I as a military chaplain. In obedience to his superior, Fr. Cimatti, he founded the congregation. Venerable Fr.Vincent Cimatti, SDB, was born in the city of Faenza, Italy, on the July 15, 1879. When he was two years old, his mother brought him to see St. John Bosco exclaiming, “Look at Don Bosco!” After entering the Salesian Society, he worked in the Salesian school and formation house of Valsalice (Turin). He arrived in Japan as the leader of the first Salesian missionary group in the country. He was a nature lover, collecting and studying more than a thousand of different natural species. He was also a musician, composing and performing operas all over Japan. He was considered the St. John Bosco of Japan. His cause for sainthood has already been introduced. Fr. Cimatti, Apostolic Administrator of the Oita District, parish priest of the Miyazaki Church, and Superior of the Salesians, was always a good guide for Fr. Cavoli. When Fr. Cavoli took over the pastoral care of the Miyazaki Church, he enlivened the church by extending his help to the poor of the locality. Placing all his confidence in God’s Providence, he started an institution for abandoned children and the aged. It was then called “The Garden of Caritas.” It flourished through the self-sacrificing ministry of the“Daughters of Charity,” a group of women directed by Fr. Cavoli. The group lived a spirituality similar to that of St.Vincent De Paul. In this association, many Caritas Sisters discovered their religious vocation.

March-May 2018 | St. John Bosco Today

Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Fr. Cavoli understood the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and responded by embarking on the mission of helping the poor, abandoned, and suffering, in order to guide them to true joy. How to discern or discover God’s call to the life of the Caritas Sisters of Jesus SCG PROGRAMS FOR VOCATION DISCERNMENT

Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Fr. Cavoli understood the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and responded by embarking on the mission of helping the poor, abandoned, and suffering, in order to guide them to true joy. Moved by similar compassion and merciful love, the Caritas Sisters of Jesus, as apostles of the charity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, dedicate themselves to works of charity, offering their time, gifts, energy, and health to all those in need of help. “What gives you true joy?” This is the question that is usually asked to guide candidates to the consecrated life. Hopefully, this will bring the serenity and peace of one who chooses to live life to the full. The Caritas Sisters of Jesus ask the same question, and invite young girls, as early as Grade 11, and young professionals to join the monthly vocation-discernment program at the International Formation House in Quezon City. 26

St. John Bosco Today | March-May 2018

OUR PERIODS OF FORMATION

Aspirancy. We live in our house for aspirants, usually for a period of three years. We become aware of our lives as Christians and hopefully as members of the congregation. Postulancy. We prepare for the novitiate, usually for a period of eight months. Novitiate. This takes two years. In the first year, we deepen our knowledge of spiritual and religious life. In the second, we continue to grow in our spiritual life by learning and living out the charism and activities of the congregation. First Profession. The period of temporary profession prepares us for the perpetual profession and the life of full dedication to God and mankind. We are present in fifteen countries in the world. We may be few in numbers but we desire to realize the dream of our Founder to go out to the world and bring more people closer to God. Come and join us as we spread the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Interested? You may visit Sr. Leowela M. Sagun, SCG, at the Caritas-Don Bosco School, Laguna Boulevard, Laguna Technopark, Binan Laguna, or contact her at (049) 541-2954 and 0915-9961203.

SALESIANITY | Family MinistryLIFE MAIN FEATURE101 | LAY CONSECRATED

The Beauty of Living a Consecrated Lay Salesian Life By a Perpetually Professed VDB

I fell deeply in love with St. John Bosco and chose to follow the footsteps of Christ in his Salesian way.

was a teacher and a committed laywoman radically living my baptismal consecration every day in my family, in the school where I was teaching, in our parish as a lay leader, and wherever life placed me. In short, I was living a happy life. But one day my happy life was disturbed when a Salesian priest asked me, “What are you doing with your life?” Then he followed up that question with: “Are you blissfully happy?” I asked myself: “Can he not see how happy and committed I am?” I told him, “I am living my life well, thank you. I am happy but I cannot say that I am blissfully happy. Not in this world.” He challenged me and said that there is a way. “What is that way?” I inquired. “Be a VDB—a Volunteer of Don Bosco.” “What is that?” I asked again. He then described this new vocation to

holiness in the Church. With a bit of pride, I countered that as a Salesian Cooperator seriously living my baptismal consecration, I did not need that vocation. “Being a VDB is different,” he replied and then explained the difference by explaining consecrated secularity and the vocation of a VDB. I got very much interested and inquired more about the vocation. Eventually I applied as an aspirant. By God’s grace I was accepted. That was many years ago. Since then, my life was never the same again. I was already in love with Christ and had privately vowed to be his all the days of my life. But gradually I discovered during those initial years of VDB formation the big difference between private and public vows. I opted for public vows. In the process of my Salesian formation, I fell deeply

in love with St. John Bosco and chose to follow the footsteps of Christ in his Salesian way. Becoming a Salesian woman gave me great joy—almost bliss!—because I became more a woman for Christ and for others.

WHO THEN IS THE VOLUNTEER OF DON BOSCO? WHAT IS THE PROFILE OF THE VDB? We,Volunteers of Don Bosco are:  Simply committed Catholic Christian women called to follow Christ more closely through the profession of the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty, and obedience.  Women who live in deep harmony our consecration, secularity (our being lay) and Salesianity.

March-May 2018 | St. John Bosco Today

 Living signs of the love of Christ in the midst of the world and in the spirit of the Beatitudes. What marks us in our family and workplace is our deep passion for Christ and our passion for the salvation of the world.  Women who embrace anonymity as ecclesial and Salesian conditions of our being VDBs. This is the reason for our serene reserve— silent like leaven but at work for the kingdom.

St. John Bosco was sent, in so far as we can and the conditions of our life permit. We share his preferential love for the young, for the working people, for the missions, and for vocations.

 Consecrated lay Salesian women who live each day in continuous dialogue with the Lord, contemplatives-in-action who open and close each day with the key of prayer. As VDBs, we consider ourselves “the smile of Christ in the world.”

OUR CHARISM

We live the Salesian charism, as transmitted to us by Blessed Philip Rinaldi, the 3rd successor of St John Bosco. Salesianity is what identifies us in the Church and in the world. The Good Shepherd’s love, or pastoral charity, which is the nucleus of the spirit of St. John Bosco, renders us particularly sensitive and open to deeply human values. Following the example of St. John Bosco, we entrust ourselves completely to Mary, who continues in history her mission as Mother of the Church and Help of Christians. The Church recognized the action of God in our Salesian origins and recognized our VDB vocation as a path to holiness, constituting it as a Secular Institute of Pontifical Right on August 7, 1978. Our Institute, even in its autonomy and particular characteristics, is a living part of the Salesian Family. Thus we help to foster reciprocal enrichment, apostolic fruitfulness, and co-responsibility in maintaining and developing the Salesian charism in the Church and in the world.

OUR MISSION

We,Volunteers, urged on by the love of Christ, participate in the evangelizing 28

task of the Church. Faithful to the Salesian charism, we direct our mission to those to whom St. John Bosco was sent, in so far as we can and the conditions of our life permit. We share his preferential love for the young, for the working people, for the missions, and for vocations. We continue in the world the apostolic work of St. John Bosco in the originality and uniqueness of our vocation. In fulfilling the Salesian mission we are strengthened by our love for the Eucharist, for Mary, Help of Christians, and for the Church. Wherever we are we seek to spread goodness and optimism in a climate of trust and family. Since we live the spirituality of St. John Bosco’s Preventive System of education, our ministry is imbued with charity. In our day-to-day practice of the Salesian binomial “Work and Temperance” we find the way to live each stressful day with courage, prudence, and asceticism.

St. John Bosco Today | March-May 2018

THE VDB PROGRAM FOR VOCATION DISCERNMENT

Our Institute has a vocation discernment program called the PreAspirant Program. Before a candidate can be admitted to the aspirantate, she must first undergo an adequate period of preparation that ordinarily lasts for one year, but not less than six months. This is a time for discernment and vocation verification. In this period the candidate is helped to discern her deepest desires, her correct motivation, and her fitness for the vocation to consecrated secular Salesian life. It is not a very easy life because it is lived outside convent walls. Femininity, maturity, personal responsibility, and balance are given emphasis in this period. Candidates should:  Be single and at least 21 years old, but not over 40.  Be healthy enough to embrace the life of the Institute.

 Be psychologically and emotionally mature in keeping with her age and situation in life.  Be open to her cultural enrichment.  Be oriented toward the apostolic life in Salesian consecrated secularity.  Be free from profession in other institutes of consecrated life.  Have time and freedom for moments of prayer and for the formative and organizational commitments of the Institute.  Be self-supporting, or financially independent, for her state of life.  The President General and her Council, upon the proposal of the Regional Council, may grant exemptions from certain requirements. Alongside the discernment process, the candidate undergoes an initial program on:  Human formation.  Christian formation.  Salesian formation (initial study of the life and works of St. John Bosco and Blessed Rinaldi).

 Formation for the Salesian secular consecration.  Formation for ministry.

STAGES OF FORMATION IN THE PHILIPPINES 1. Aspirantate. This period lasts for three years. For justifiable reasons this period may be extended but not beyond two years. This begins the experience of the life of the Institute. The candidates grow in the knowledge of this style of life. In dialogue with those in charge, they verify their motivations and bring together the various elements of the vocation.

2. Temporary Profession. This lasts for at least six years but not more than nine. In the first three years, they make annual vows. Subsequently, the vows are ordinarily triennial. As temporarily professed, the VDBs grow and mature in view of the perpetual profession. They seeks to verify their ability to work in the Salesian mission as a consecrated secular woman, and their capacity to attain a balance between their personal apostolic choices and the demands of the Institute.

My life is far from perfect but I can sincerely say that my every day is a happy day. There are some days when I face difficulties and suffering, but deep within I experience inner peace that is indescribable.

3. Perpetual Profession. This is the stage of radical commitment that underlies all the aspects of the life of the VDBs. By making a profession “forever,” they knowingly offer themselves completely to God, before the Church and in the Institute, according to the VDB Constitutions. This year, I am celebrating fortytwo years of consecrated secular Salesian life. My life is far from perfect but I can sincerely say that my every day is a happy day. There are some days when I face difficulties and suffering, but deep within I experience inner peace that is indescribable. I live my every day in love and service, and consider the Eucharist “the heart of my day.” A few years ago, I took a course on Leadership in the Servant Church and another for religious superiors at the EAPI. While I was looking at the bulletin board, one of our resource persons approached me and asked, “Miss, are you a Salesian?” I was taken aback, managed a smile, and replied with a question. “Why do you ask me that? You can see that I am not a Salesian priest or a Salesian nun.” He told me: “There is something in you that is Salesian.” He then smiled, winked, and walked away. I felt very happy. He had recognized the Salesian spirit in me. I thanked my VDB formation for that. I thanked Blessed Rinaldi and St. John Bosco. I am happy to be a Salesian. It is a vocation of joy.Young women, who desire happiness in life, in a life well lived, in an abundant and meaningful life: come. Let us help you in your vocation discernment. God may be calling you to live the beautiful Salesian life of a VDB.

For more Information, please contact: Metro Manila: Fr. Rey Dela Cruz, SDB 0928-6332069 Laguna: Fr. Charles Manlangit, SDB 0917-8770844 Negros Occidental: Fr Dong Ofina, SDB 0922-8842478 Cebu: Fr Ronel Vilbar, SDB 0917-3223720

March-May 2018 | St. John Bosco Today

THE ENTRUSTMENT OF THE HOME TO

MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS I Witnessed A Miracle By Novice Michael James Wenceslao

January 8,2018

Michael James Wenceslao is a novice coming from Lawaan,Talisay, Cebu where the fire occured.

uring the past two weeks, I expereinced the goodness of the Lord and His bountiful love for me and my family. I witnessed a miracle! There was a fire in our village, our house and those of my relatives were not affected at all. I felt so grateful to God for the favor that He gave to me. I realized that God was protecting me, my family and relatives. Acommodating Don Boscoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s saying which said that when there is one religious Salesian in oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family God would save his/her relatives up to the third and fourth generation, it appeared crystal clear to me. It was confirmed by my experience. I was really so moved by this experience. It inspired me so much, it strenthened my devotion to Mary Help of Christians, and it pushed me to spread her devotion with greater zeal.

St. John Bosco Today | March-May 2018

In fact, I asked my sister to spread the devotion to Mary Help of Christians by distributing the pamphet bearing Her image and containing the prayer of Entrustment of our homes to Our Lady Help of Christians in Cebuano. We plan to build soon a chapel in our place in honor of Mary Help of Christians with the financial assistance of Brother Louie. This is what I dreamed of before I entered the Salesian congregation. I was then planning to build a chapel in our place. Gradually almost all my prayers have been answered within this past year and this really consoles me. It encourages me to pursue the mission that I am invited to undertake in the future. Perhaps one mission that God wants me to do at this moment is to spread the devotion to His Blessed Mother, Mary Help of Christians.

MARIAN | DEVOTION TO MHC

This is the house of my sister. Only the window curtains were eaten up by the fire, the rest of the house was spared. Nothing remained of our neighboring houses.

I witnessed a miracle! There was a fire in our village, our house and those of my relatives were not affected at all. I felt so grateful to God for the favor that He gave to me. I realized that God was protecting me, my family and relatives.

My cousinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house (made of bamboo materials!) was also spared.

The novices spent Christmas day and subsequent 3 days distributing first necessities: water, food, clothing; consoling the fire victims. (On the photo), a novice giving water (paid for by generous donors) from our house, one of the few houses spared.

March-May 2018 | St. John Bosco Today

Tuloy sa Don Bosco Receives World Humanitarian Award By Fr. Vester Casaclang, SDB

See video https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=l NoOGn8U0ZA

St. John Bosco Today | March-May 2018

Muntinlupa City, the Philippines, 18 November 2017 -- During the 2017 Miss World Crowing Ceremonies in Sanya China, Fr. Marciano ‘Rocky’ Evangelista SDB of Tuloy sa Don Bosco Street Children Village in the Philippines, was presented with the World Humanitarian Award. The event was broadcast live to more than 1.5 billion people in 160 countries. At some point in the program, two child protégés of YouTube fame, sang the song ‘You Raised Me Up.’ As the song played on, a video of some of the kids from Tuloy was shown. These smiling kids were seen wearing their uniforms bearing the name of Don Bosco. When the Rector Major visited Tuloy in March of 2016, he was moved to say that wherever he would go he would “speak about Tuloy and the wonderful things he had seen especially the smiling faces.” Well the Miss World Competition had just helped him out in doing this. Julia Morley who is the prime mover in redefining what beauty contests should be, is the present Chair of the Miss World Competition. She has been going around the world reaching out where humanitarian relief efforts are being done. Behind this experience was born the decision to award Fr. Rocky and Tuloy Foundation. Early on in the competition, Ms. India got to meet Fr. Rocky and ask for his blessing which he happily bestowed. Imagine the excitement when she finally won. She will soon visit Tuloy as had the previous 5 winners. Fr. Rocky is the founder and president of the Tuloy Foundation. Starting with 12 kids at the

FIN-FIS NEWS

St. John Bosco parish grounds in 1993 the Foundation now cares for about a thousand kids in a 4.5 hectare lot in Muntinlupa City. One unique aspect about this apostolate is the central role and participation of the lay people without whom Tuloy Foundation would not have become what it is today. From kids who were scavenging for food in rubbish bins they have produced chefs for hotels in the Philippines and abroad (like the Four Seasons Hotel in Dubai to name one). From kids who sniffed solvents they produced rugby players for the National Rugby Team of the Philippines. From street kids running away from life they produced Kids who competed in the most prestigious ballet

completion in the world (in Lausanne Switzerland) winning ballet scholarships in Germany and France. From kids ﬂown in from war zones they raised extra-ordinary soccer players. And we have not begun to mention how the industries appreciate the graduates of their vocational training courses. The list just goes on and on and we can only say “what wonderful things the Lord has done.” Just as the Father has raised up his son Jesus, so too they labor to raise up the least, the lost and the lonely children of the streets. The Educative Pastoral program in this community is a program of GODLINESS that envisions redeeming the young from helplessness and

empowering them towards the choice for good. Tuloy sa Don Bosco takes in kids from 9 to 17 years old. Before they are released at 18, the center makes sure that they have skills, are employed and have found their place in a society that once inadvertently marginalized them. The word “Tuloy” in Pilipino is an invitation to a guest to proceed and enter one’s house - a real image for inclusiveness and welcome. Tuloy is not a military correctional facility or a rehabilitation hospital it is still a community of Faith, a nurturing family, an engaging educator and a place of teamwork for happy and productive memories. There is nothing romantic about working for these poor, neglected and abused children. They are not angels. But turning them into saints and heroes is like digging for diamonds and gold – you have to get your hands dirty and patiently go through tons and tons of dirt. Then one has to polish them into maturity with virtues, attitudes and learning. Finally you have to set them individually “to make a beautiful piece for the Lord”. Which as the Miss World Competition advocates, becoming a “beauty with a purpose.”

March-May 2018 | St. John Bosco Today

St. John Bosco Today | March-May 2018

FIN-FIS NEWS

H T 4 THE

M L I F SCO

L A V I T FES

Y N O REM

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E C G RDIN

AWA

Makati City, The Philippines, February 03, 2018 – The awarding ceremony of the Fourth Don Bosco Film Festival (DBFF) was held today at 2:00 in the afternoon at the Braga Theater of Don Bosco Technical Institute, Makati City. Don Bosco Technical College, Mandaluyong City dominated this year’s DBFF, winning eleven awards that include The Best One-Minute Advertisement Komunidad, The Best Documentary Film Give Me Souls, and The Best Picture in the Short Film Category Ampon. Below is the list of all the awardees of this year’s DBFF. DBTI Makati’s pride BOSCORALE opened the program by singing the National Anthem and the Invocation. This prestigious group rendered an opening number, too. With the BOSCORALE, other DBTI Makati talents gave their best performances as intermission numbers during this afternoon’s event. It was a back to back duet performances with JB Bitancor and Alrey Afuang singing the song “Heaven Knows” by Rick Price and Arthur Maglinao and Ken Alinsunurin singing “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran. The DBTI Makati dance troupe “WOLFPACK” broke the house down with their energetic dance moves. Fr. Drans Nolasco, SDB, the Head of the Commission on Social Communications of the FIN Province gave the Welcome Address. 1. Young bosconian ﬁlm makers enjoying the awarding ceremony 2. THE BOSCORALE singing the National Anthem, leading the Invocation, and rendering the Opening Number 3. The Welcome Address by Fr. Drans Nolasco, SDB, FIN SOCCOM Head 4. Eldar the Wizard of Enchanted Kingdom welcoming guests

March-May 2018 | St. John Bosco Today

Engr. Michael Idioma gave a very inspiring Keynote Address that made the young audience quietly and attentively listening. Former DBFF Awardees JC Miguel, Best Director (2015, 2016), Jiro Garbes, Best Director (2017), Cleric Mark Soriano, Best Actor (2015) were this year’s DBFF presenters of nominees and awardees.

The Emcees, Fr. Juvelan Samia, SDB and Cleric Jerome Quinto, SDB

Engr. Michael Idioma giving his Keynote Speech

ONE-MINUTE ADVERTISEMENT CATEGORY

Best Advertisement  KOMUNIDAD, Don Bosco Technical College, Mandaluyong City  JUST ASK, Don Bosco College, Canlubang Laguna DOCUMENTARY FILM CATEGORY Best in Editing  GIVE ME SOULS, Don Bosco Technical College, Mandaluyong City  INKLUSYON, St. John Bosco Parish, Makati City Best Story  GIVE ME SOULS, Don Bosco Technical College, Mandaluyong City Best Documentary Film  GIVE ME SOULS, Don Bosco Technical College, Mandaluyong City SHORT FILM CATEGORY Best in Editing  AMPON, Don Bosco Technical College, Mandaluyong City  SILAKBO, Don Bosco Technical College, Mandaluyong City Best in Lights and Sound  JOEL 2:25, Don Bosco Technical Institute, Makati City Best in Cinematography  AMPON, Don Bosco Technical College, Mandaluyong City Best in Acting  TATSUYA ISHIBASHI, AMPON Best in Screenplay  AMPON, Don Bosco Technical College, Mandaluyong City Best Director  ELIAN IDIOMA, AMPON Best Picture  AMPON, Don Bosco Technical College, Mandaluyong City

DBTC Mandaluyong “KOMUNIDAD” and DBC Canlubang “JUST ASK” both receive THE BEST ONE-MINUTE ADVERTISEMENT AWARD

DBTC Mandaluyong Documentary Film “GIVE ME SOULS” receives the BEST IN EDITING AWARD, BEST STORY AWARD, and the BEST DOCUMENTARY AWARD

St. John Bosco Today | March-May 2018

DBA Mabalacat: Short Film Entry “PANINIMDIM” receives THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD

SJB Parish - Makati receives the BEST IN EDITING AWARD for the Documentary Film “INKLUSYON”

BEST IN EDITING AWARD in the Short Film Category goes to “SILAKBO” and “AMPON”, both of DBTC Mandaluyong

TATSUYA ISHIBASHI of DBTC Mandaluyong receives the BEST ACTOR AWARD for “AMPON”

ELIAN IDIOMA of DBTC Mandaluyong receives the BEST DIRECTOR AWARD for “AMPON”

March-May 2018 | St. John Bosco Today

BEST IN LIGHTS AND SOUND in the Short Film Category goes to “JOEL 2:25” of DBTI Makati

DBTI Makati WOLFPACK doing a dance number

BEST IN CINEMATOGRAPHY in the Short Film Category goes to “AMPON,” DBTC Mandaluyong

Last November 2017, the DBFF committee uploaded on the SOCCOM FIN YouTube Page all the finalists of this year’s DBFF. This special award called PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD is based on the most number of YouTube viewers and likers a DBFF finalist received. For this year’s DBFF, Don Bosco Academy, Mabalacat, Pampanga received this special award for their entry in the Short Film Category Paninimdim. The DBFF Committee wishes to thank all the major sponsors of this year’s DBFF: Ayala Malls, David’s Salon, De Santos Law Oﬃces, DB Press, Inc., Enchanted Kingdom, FTSy Foundation, Inc., Mayor Menchie Abalos and the City of Mandaluyong, Old Juancho’s Kapeng Barako, Petron, Philippine Airlines, San Miguel Foods, Inc., WildSound, Inc., Word and Life Publications, Inc., and Yuujin. Congratulations to all the finalists, nominees, and winners of this year’s DBFF. VIVA DON BOSCO!!!

BEST PICTURE goes to “AMPON”, DBTC Mandaluyong

(If you wish to watch all the DBFF oﬃcial entries, please go to the SOCCOM FIN YouTube page. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCtUg94mConv5w98GHcyB2NA)

St. John Bosco Today | March-May 2018