Memoirs of a Lay Mission Partner

Dominic Kean Calavia

I have had many first-time experiences at Don Bosco Technical InstituteMakati, but this one is one of the best I was enrolled in a public school during my education years, so I have no retreat experiences I am not envious, but a part of me wants to experience this event that will change my life. Likewise, being a teacher at Don Bosco granted my wish I was beyond excited about our Spiritual Learning Journey in Cebu and Bohol

When there is Crisis, Christ is;

We rode a plane going to Don Bosco Retreat House in Cebu. Different expressions were evident on our faces There is excitement, happiness, nervousness, and tiredness One of the significant moments on the first day of our talk was when Father asked us to pick a word or a phrase from the texts presented The majority of the teachers picked “Rest” Indeed, the pandemic and the post-pandemic era challenged us in many ways Rest is like a precious diamond we would like to experience amid hardships and crises Furthermore, Rest can be an individual activity, but also Rest can be a person or a group of people around us Likewise, A rest between a crisis is embracing Christ and the people around us using Synodality.

Be little to grow

On the second day of our retreat, it felt like my strength had returned My energy and social battery are full as we discussed the Ten Commandments in simplifying our Spiritual Vocabulary

The first one caught my attention as it discussed that Gratitude is the basis of all holiness With that, my reflection began I am beyond thankful for those people who never left me These people gave me the strength and motivation to pursue things I love and need I will take this as advantage to make myself better and steadfast as I conquer my mission as a Salesian Educator However, I am still grateful for those people who left me because I made that an inspiration to be better as a person not for other people but for the best version of myself This aspect is important as I face my students

As one family

The Spiritual Learning Journey became more memorable because of the people around me Our bond solidified from my immediate circle, the English Learning Area, because of our sharings and reflections. We are more than just English and Research Teachers We are part of the EPC community that hones the faith and character of ourselves, our students, and the people around us

The food became more enjoyable as the JHS Department shared it with laughter and enjoyment The island hopping becomes more than just a vacation, but a voyage of souls that transcends with love, hope, faith, and family

I have many first times in Don Bosco. As the day passed, I learned I was more than lucky because of these institutions. There are many opportunities to grow Many people will join you on a journey This spiritual learning journey was one of the first times that left a mark on my heart as a Salesian Educator.

Growing is our sole responsibility, but growing with the people around us is also an important part of our life. Likewise, one of the best things that happened to me was my Faith Family We are from different areas but share the same sentiments, struggles, and reflections We are related and become more relevant in terms of sharing We are growing together by learning from different perspectives and experiences.

This spiritual learning journey is an escape from a tiring world and a formation of faith and values This momentous event shows that the institution provides holistic development for its stakeholders, especially the teachers