FMA Lifeline is the official news magazine of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco) in the Philippines and Papua New Guinea. FMA stands for Figlie di Maria Ausiliatrice, the official Italian name of the Congregation founded by St. John Bosco and St. Mary Mazzarello in 1872 in Mornese, Italy.
EDITOR’S NOTE
Today, more than 12,000 FMA are present in 95 countries who are dedicated to varied ministries in the pastoral care of young people and their families.
It is with pride and joy that we present in this Lifeline issue our Youth Ministry Best Practice in the Philippines: “How Christian Living Education (Catechesis) and the Salesian Youth Movement in All Our Educative Settings Lead Young People to a Life Choice.” Simply stated, this means these are how we help young people find their purpose.
EDITORIAL BOARD
A reflection on the theme of the Year of the Youth, written from the point of view of a young person, sparkling with youthful imagination, is also included in this issue. News articles on youth events and encounters further reinforce the young people’s journey with Jesus as “Filipino youth in mission who are beloved, gifted, and empowered” (Year of the Youth theme).
The Year of the Youth 2019 is our blissful year: it is our moment to breathe new life into our pastoral care of young people and rekindle our passion for souls. A year ago, the Synod of Bishops on Youth and the 30th anniversary of the worldwide Salesian Youth Movement already paved the way for this year’s intention on young people, chosen by the CBCP for the 9-year journey to 2021, the 5th centenary of the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines.
Sr. Debbie Ponsaran, FMA Sr. Nora Hernandez, FMA Sr. Florita Dimayuga, FMA Daughters of Mary Help of Christians Provincial House 3500 V. Mapa Extension, Sta. Mesa, 1016 Manila
The rest of the articles are a sharing of events and insights on our life and mission with a strong message of solidarity with the poor, the empowerment of youth, and an invitation to Christify our world.
Tel. No. (02) 714-5937
Sr. Debbie Ponsaran, FMA
www.fmafil.org
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https://www.facebook.com/ SalesianSistersofDonBosco PhilippinesPapuaNewGuinea/
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1
Message from the Provincial Superior
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A Flicker, a Fire, and a Fountain of Feats: A reflection on the theme of the Year of the Youth, “Filipino Youth in Mission: Beloved, Gifted, Empowered”
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On the Cover Sr. Rizma Barzo, FMA, with MHCS-Mabalacat students during the Salesian Youth Group Animators and Leaders Formation on January 31, 2019 held in Don Bosco School, Manila. Photo Credit: Ms. Miki Tolentino
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Helping Young People Find their Purpose: How Christian Living Education and Salesian Youth Movement in All Our Educative Settings Lead Young People to a Life Choice CIAO Formators Meeting
10 Transmission of the Guidelines on the Period of Temporary Vows 11 Animators and Leaders Formation
Assembly (ALFA 2019) 12
LVF Annual Christmas Party for the Poor
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VIDES Humanitarian Aid to Typhoon Usman Victims
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Care for the Poor
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Formative Encounter and Seminars
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Gatherings and Celebrations
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Past Pupils’ Homecoming
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Integral Formation of Young People
From the Provincial Superior Celebrating the Year of the Youth in our own context is a privileged opportunity to rekindle the fire within us, and to look more intently at our mission among the young with renewed missionary fervor and hope. Very timely too is the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Salesian Youth Movement, the lifeblood of our charism and spirituality, where our young people are given the opportunity to make a journey of faith and grow in their sense of belonging to a group. And in harmony with the recently concluded Synod on young people, we are illumined and challenged to walk the daily path of holiness with the young so that they may have life and have it to the full. May our common effort to “build a home for the young that evangelizes” continue to grow strong in our educating communities as we strive to offer them an educative environment richly endowed with humanity and spirituality, and geared towards accompanying them in their search for life’s meaning, and in the choice for a mature and responsible commitment to God and society. Our young people are truly God’s beloved, gifted and empowered. All our educative endeavours, especially the teaching of Christian Living Education and the Salesian Youth Movement, are a recognition and affirmation of their worth and an expression of our belief in what they can become. As Salesian educators-evangelizers, we feel the honor, the privilege, the grave responsibility and the challenge of walking with our young people, giving them the possibility of blooming into full personhood, bringing out and maximizing their God-given gifts and potentials, inspiring them to grow and mature into good Christians and honest citizens. With this dream and goal in our hearts, we want nothing less than to help them instill a sense of purpose and mission in their lives, and thus reach the heights of Christian life and holiness in bringing out and sharing the best of themselves. Only then can they live their life to the full, a life that draws meaning from being inspired, blessed and rooted in Jesus and poured out in service for others. I remain hopeful that our educative proposals may continue to be embraced by our young people, and to enable them “to make discernment, choices and actions that lead them to a purposeful life—whether in the ordained ministry, consecrated life, marriage and family, or the single state—with the Spirit of the Risen Christ directing their steps in making and leaving a marked difference in the world and society” (CBCP Pastoral Letter 2019). May this mission entrusted to us fill our own lives with true purpose and meaning. Sr. Mabel Pilar, FMA The Logo features 4 primary figures: a young person and a cross (both in yellow), a dove (in red), and a big hand, which also appears as a footprint (in blue). The human figure in yellow stands for YOUNG PEOPLE conformed to Christ, the Light of the world, who is represented by the CROSS. The DOVE in red, being received by and hovering over the human figure, signifies the Holy Spirit, offered as a gift to each of the baptized. The blue HAND, carrying the human figure in a supporting and presenting gesture, symbolizes how young people are loved by the Father; this same love is mirrored by the Church. This blue image can also be seen as a FOOTPRINT, signifying movement for a purpose and making a mark. Young people are in mission: proclaiming the Good News who is Christ, especially to their fellow youth in the peripheries. Filipino youth are beloved by God and His Church, especially through her youth ministry. They are gifted with the Holy Spirit, who inflames them with faith, passion and courage. Rooted in Christ, they are empowered to shine on a world of darkness and confusion, taking part in His Body, the Church. As with the two disciples of Emmaus, Jesus constantly and faithfully accompanies young people in the journey of life. (Episcopal Commission on Youth, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.)
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A reflection on the theme of the Year of the Youth, “Filipino Youth in Mission: Beloved, Gifted, Empowered” When was the last time that you saw a firefly? For sure, it was during the night time when everything was dark, when everything seemed difficult to be seen!
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Every time I hear that 2019 is the ‘Year of the Youth,’ my heart skips a little for I consider it a very important occasion to me as a Salesian youth and leader. The youth and the idea of being a young person is very precious to me just as it was for Don Bosco. I believe that we are embodiments of ‘fireflies’ for we do not only simply fly around through days and nights, but we are also called to glow and shed light through the simple ways which we can do.
environmental influences, and suppressive circumstances brought about by poverty and inequality. The social media, a powerful factor, also distorts the values and experiences of the young people today. Many people see these as hindrances for the youth to illumine their world. Some even want “hopeless” juveniles to be jailed as young as 9 to 12. Despite all these, I believe that there are still many things that the young could do and their growth should not be restricted behind prison bars – real or symbolic. In this year 2019, we challenge ourselves to change our perspectives as we look at the young of today as truly “beloved, gifted, empowered, and in mission” even in the zenith of their vulnerability.
The problem of today, however, is that many young people lose themselves somewhere along the way. Some become involved in the illegal drug trade, and many, as per Philippine statistical records, suffer from a wide range of mental illnesses. Furthermore, there are those whose values become twisted due to peer pressure,
A Flicker (BELOVED). God created everyone in His image and likeness, and since we believe that God is love, it is therefore right to say that all people are beloved creatures. The thought that everyone is created out of love is something that comes naturally with one’s identity as a human being. Since we are loved and that we love, we cannot
FMA Lifeline November 2018 - February 2019
settle on the thought that we are alone. This goes for every young person. In this light, Don Bosco would say that it is not enough to love the young, but they should know that they are loved. This is a challenge for all. Despite the things which give us reasons not to love the young including their personal defects and historical backgrounds, we are impelled to ignite even a small ‘flicker’. Flickering is to shine with a light that is sometimes bright and sometimes weak. Likewise, it is with our love that we ignite in the young love and a sense of belonging which fuels them to flicker on their own. A Fire (GIFTED & EMPOWERED). Does being gifted end in acing an exam in Calculus or getting the gold in a sports competition? NO! As the young are now fueled by their belovedness, the small flicker now turns into a fire. The young realize that they have, within themselves, unique and different hidden gems which they could use to contribute something to society. The young are like light prisms, which, in the science of optics, refract light which causes different colors to be visible. The young refract the graces of God which cause their talents and gifts to radiate from within. They are inflamed with the passion to help in the society through their different potentials. This gives us enough reason not to think that there are worthless and useless young people; notwithstanding poverty, illnesses, and historical backgrounds, the young are energetic and skillful enough to be empowered and to contribute something in civic organizations, in the Church, in the community, or even in their personal ministry within their families. A Fountain of Feats (IN MISSION). Feats in life are
not all about the number of wins in a contest or the number of times a person was recognized for his exemplary work. The more meaningful feats or achievements are in the moments when one realizes that he is weak but he still does his best to transform those weaknesses into strengths. One cannot take away the truth that every young person has a mission in life. That is why, if we start jailing young people as early as 9, 12, or 15 years old, we hinder their chance to fulfill their mission. In this case, their weaknesses are no longer the hindrances to their growth; but society. Everyone has a common call or a vocation – and that is to be HOLY. Being in this year of the youth, let us make it a common aim to be active in accompanying the young in their journey to holiness which, later on, would lead to a holistic social transformation. When everything else for the youth seems shattered and lost, let not our hopes falter. Remember the firefly that you once wanted to chase when you were a child, it only shone brightly when all else was dark. The young may be failures and liabilities in your eyes, but learn to see them through the eyes of the one who truly never fails - the eyes of God. In the pursuit of understanding the ‘now of God’ as described by Pope Francis in his message in the World Youth Day 2019 in Panama, we are called to learn to see them as abounding with love, rich in capabilities, active in community building, and dynamic in their share towards social transformation. Let us all see the young people as magnificent fireflies which radiate their light in the darkness of their world, in spite of the imperfections of their precious little selves. By Diego Leandro Contreras Gr. 12 student Mary Help of Christians College - Canlubang
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Helping Young People Find their Purpose
How Christian Living Education and Salesian Youth Movement in All Our Educative Settings Lead Young People to a Life Choice [Editor’s note: This is the full text (subheadings were added by the editor) of the Best Practice of FMA Youth Ministry in the Philippines, reported by Sr. Teresita Padron, FMA. This is one of the 18 chosen best practices of SDB and FMA from all over the world. The threehour session on the Presentation of Best Practices was one of the activities in the International Congress, “Youth and Life Choices: An Educative Perspective,” held at the Pontifical Salesian University in Rome, Italy, on September 20 to 23, 2018. Congratulations to all Filipina FMA for the passion for “Give me souls, take away the rest!”] The Catechesis Program The Christian Living Education (CLE) Program or Catechesis Program in the FMA schools in the Philippines is the teaching of religion concretized in the daily and lived in continuity through our Educating Communities and in the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM). This program was developed by the Catechesis Sector of the province based on our Educational Mission as Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. The said program “puts the education/formation of the young at the center, so that they can develop every dimension of their personality according to the plan of God in Christ and in docility to the Holy Spirit. For this reason the Catechesis Program was logically ordered to be consistent to this educational mission, developing a detailed fundamental structure of religious instruction grounded on Revelation and faith, in the Church with the “core content” the Person of Christ.” It lays down an itinerary of formation of the
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faith in its essential dimensions of “believing”, “doing” and “trusting” with a clear and specific goal of accepting life as a Vocation. The Word of God The primary source of the faith content is the Word of God (Scriptures and Traditions) and from which flows the active dialogue with the daily life experiences of the young. Everyday life is seen as the privileged place of meeting with God, of living out the Gospel values, of vocational growth and of sharing joy and celebration. The specific approach based on the New National Catechetical Directory of the Philippines (NNCDP) is applied to facilitate the communication of content and to assure its fruitfulness in the life of the young and of the Church. The Integration Approach and Holistic Formation INTEGRATION APPROACH is a methodology which is developed through the norms of “fidelity to God”, “fidelity to man”, and “fidelity to the Church” (NCDP # 413). An integrated religious education is a means “to close the gap” between
FMA Lifeline November 2018 - February 2019
Christian doctrine as taught and the ordinary life experience of the Filipino Catholics. The CLE/Religion or the Catechesis Program follows the framework of a ground plan which uses the Doctrine-Moral-Worship (D-M-W) integration in structure, content, sources and objectives. Since our Catechesis Program uses an integration approach, it fosters holistic formation of the young teaching them to live their lives according to God’s plan. They are helped to see their life experiences in the light of God’s Word, reflective and more discerning in their choices, has a preferential option for the poor, guided to choose a career not for their own profit but for the common good of others, practicing servant leadership and living the Gospel values radically in the footsteps of Jesus. In view of a holistic formation of the person, the CLE/ Catechesis Program includes components such as the Class Mass, Assembly Mass, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Marian devotion, Recollection, the annual Retreat, the Happy Death experience at the end of every lesson, Sharing on the Word of God, and their immersion in the outreach service program. These are concrete “Christian experiences” that provide meaning to their day to day encounters (GEM # 87) and to their life as a whole. The young are also helped to process their experiences and to share this among themselves. After every outreach experience, they gather in small groups and as a class process their experiences with their CLE teacher/guide. And within that same week during their sharing of God’s Word, the same CLE teacher facilitates the encounter of the young with Jesus and how they met Him during the outreach experience. Learning to listen to God’s voice As the young person share their experiences with each other, they learn not only to listen to their own stories of encounter with Jesus but also listen to others and how Jesus has become alive in the lives of their fellow young person. Similarly, during their one-on-one encounter with their CLE teacher/guide outside class hours i.e.,
during Salesian Assistance time at the playground or along the corridors or while waiting for their time to go home, these young people also learn how to listen to the different moments that comprise their day, the voices that they hear from within and from the outside world that most often confuse them and learn to be attuned with the movements of their heart and where they are being led to. Slowly, the young person learns how to listen and discern and make good choices for himself/herself. Here we see the value of the presence of adults, as companions of the journey, in the ordinary moments of everyday life. Pope Francis in his message to the 2018 World Day of vocations said that “we need, to learn how to listen carefully to Jesus’ word and the story of his life and also to be attentive to the details of our own daily lives, in order to learn how to view things with the eyes of faith, and to keep ourselves open to the surprises of the Spirit.” The Outreach Program Through the outreach program, the CLE/ Catechesis Program provide venues for the young for “volunteerism”- “a strategy to educate to a culture of free giving and solidarity, to justice and peace, by offering their personal contribution to the transformation of society and to the realization of a citizenship based on solidarity” (GEM p. 66) Together with our Educating Communities, venues for community and outreach services are created. These experiences provide meaning and purpose in the life of every young person taking part in them. Examples of these are: mangrove reforestation, teaching of catechesis in the public schools, giftgiving to the poor at Christmas, volunteering in relief operations during calamities, service in the oratory, participating in camps with service learning components, and joining VIDES -Philippines as junior members. Taking part in the programs and activities prepared by the Educating Communities,
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young people are led to slowly discover their call and their missionary vocation in the Church. Salesian Formation and the Salesian Youth Movement SALESIANITY topics are also integrated into their CLE/Catechesis program according to the theme and topics per grade level and to the needs of the students. While integration is done, systematic development of the Salesianity theme and topics are observed. And “to close the gap” between Christian doctrine taught in class and the ordinary life experience of the Filipino Catholic, our young people have been provided with concrete experiences in the Salesian Youth Groups in the SYM. Through the SYM, our young people are provided with the venue to experience carefully planned and designed programs and activities that would enable them to do something concrete to lives and what to do with them. Mother Yvonne in her circular letter N. 980, has said “A favorable opportunity for the accompaniment of the young is the Salesian Youth Movement. This year we celebrate the 30th anniversary of its birth as a world movement. We ask ourselves: does SYM offer the young an intense fraternal life, challenging spiritual journeys, meaningful service experiences, spaces for appropriate accompaniment, and competent people for discernment?”
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FMA Lifeline November 2018 - February 2019
In all our educative settings (schools, oratories, hostels, centers for youth at risk, technical-vocational centers, and boarding school), young people freely join the groups and associations that comprise the SYM. Membership in these groups and associations is not part of the academic curriculum in the school, therefore the young people are not obliged to become members. However, 100% of these young people still choose to join them. Their membership in the SYM has provided them countless opportunities for growth. The programs and activities have been carefully articulated and implemented in such a way that experiences meet the goals of our Youth Ministry in the province. Through the weekly encounter of the Salesian Youth Groups (SYG’s), young people have been given the occasion not only to develop their skills and talents, their gifts and leadership potentials but most of all they have grown in knowing themselves better enabling them to give a concrete response to God who has loved them in so many ways. The annual camps of the SYM have provided the young people venues for service as they immerse themselves in the
different aspects of life. By living the Salesian Youth Spirituality (SYS), young people have been given a privileged space to encounter themselves, their God, and fellow young people. They were able to find the venues to serve, not only during exceptional moments like calamities and disasters which we always have in our country, but more so in the current political situation of our country. The Past Pupils’ Testimony Several of our past pupils have testified that their Christian formation through their CLE classes and the Salesian Youth Movement have empowered them to become protagonists in their own lives. They were enabled to seek for themselves the path God has chosen for them, in their own careers, in choosing a lifetime commitment, in the work they were called to serve. In whatever situations of life they find themselves in, these young people, our past pupils, are proofs that indeed, our CLE/Catechesis program and our SYM encounters have made them who they are today, men and women with Christian conscience, spirituality and social responsibility. The whole educational journey of the young person therefore is summed up in “FORMING GOOD CHRISTIANS AND HONEST CITIZENS” of the Church and of society today. The Challenge of the Accompaniment of Young People However, PERSONAL ACCOMPANIMENT on the part of the FMA and the lay mission partner is ONE BIG CHALLENGE that is being faced today. The FMA and the lay mission partner who spends more than 8 hours a day with the young person in school also needs personal accompaniment. Both need to learn how to accompany and how to discern, in other words, they need a good guide who will teach them discernment while being accompanied.
Mother General said in her circular letters, we cannot accompany young people if we ourselves have not been accompanied. Circular N. 904 states, “Accompaniment demands maturity and interior freedom, together with the awareness of being accompanied in the first person. In fact, no one can judge another if she herself does not feel accompanied. The ‘yes’ said daily to the Lord through human mediation, even when it is fragile and weak, makes us capable of accompanying others. It enables us to do freely, what charity demands (L 35, 3).” In the Philippines, our lay mission partners who are tasked to teach CLE and animate youth groups in the SYM are themselves young, ages between 20-35 years old. Most of them come from public schools where the teaching of religion is different from the way we do. These young lay mission partners are also confronted with the same situation as the young people they are accompanying. They too are confronted with the lack of adult figures to accompany and guide them. It is only in our schools that they have experienced what it means to be accompanied and to be guided. Several of them also come from broken and hurting families, families tried by all sorts of poverty and suffering. They too need to learn how to read their life stories in the light of Jesus’ story in the Gospel. They too need to listen to themselves and spend more time in prayer and reflection, in reading and listening to scriptures and the voice of the Holy Spirit that speaks from within. They too are confronted by the globalized culture. They themselves are products of this culture. The challenge, therefore, of the FMA in schools is to accompany both the lay mission partner and the young to enable them to make good choices for themselves.
There is the ever-pressing challenge and the tall order to educate oneself and to accompany both
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the young and the lay mission partner to discover the beauty of their lives, to make good and positive choices for themselves in order to discover their life commitment. Reciprocal Accompaniment In circular N. 904 Mother General continues to say that “Reciprocal accompaniment is born of relational experiences marked by respect, care, involvement, and responsibility. It is based on a common project, elaborated, and assumed by all. It calls for limpid vision that permits us to see with Jesus’ eyes, the possibility of change present in the other person. It implies awareness that our meeting has a goal and a direction: holiness according to the spirituality of the Preventive System. In our encounter with each other, we touch the threshold of the mystery, the very presence of God who dwells within us.” The FMA is tasked to grow in her reciprocal accompaniment. She too, needs a good guide to be able to grow in her capacity to discern and to accompany. Both the FMA and the lay mission partners need to continually seek God and a daily conversion of mind, heart, attitudes and ways so as to be a credible presence among young people. The call to be accompanied and to accompany is a lifetime challenge. Mother General says in her circular letter N.909, “We must accompany the young in feeling their indebtedness toward life, helping them to discover meaning in their personal history, their experiences, their encounters, and their reality. Gratitude is the truest attitude in the face of a gift. If we do not feel gratitude toward those who have transmitted determined values, we will not feel obligated to transmit them to others.” Vocation or a lifetime commitment is not just the
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final moment of one’s journey to maturity. It is a reality that characterizes every stage and every phase of development. It is therefore an imperative that the FMA and the lay mission partner be guided and accompanied very well so they can also accompany and guide the young entrusted to them. The Friendly Relationship with Young People Another challenge is the constancy and consistency of the daily Salesian Assistance (presence) and the friendly talk that the FMA and the lay mission partners do in the school to know better the young person in front of them. Due to the many concerns of the school, at times, the Salesian Assistance is the first to be set aside. The opportunity to encounter and have a friendly talk with the young person is lost. There is the need to remind the FMA to educate and form the lay mission partners to a deeper understanding and importance of Salesian Assistance and the friendly talk. I would like to recall here the words of Don Bosco in the famous Letter from Rome in the year 1884: “By a friendly relationship with the young, especially in recreation. Affection can’t be shown without this friendly relationship, and unless affection is seen there can be no confidence. He who wants to be loved must first show his own love. Our Lord made himself little with the little ones and bore our infirmities. He is our Master in this matter of the friendly approach. A master who is only seen in the master’s chair is just a master and nothing more, but if he goes into recreation with the boys he becomes their brother.” Lastly, the FMA and the lay mission partner also needs to be mentored and coached on communication skills. They need to grow in their capacity to communicate the new languages of the young today. By Sr. Teresita Padron, FMA
CIAO Formators Meeting The “Elaboration of Shared Guidelines for the Formative Accompaniment of the Pre-aspirants of CIAO� was guided by Sr. Maria Fisichella, FMA, on January 16 to 22, 2019 at Mornese Center of Spirituality, Pansol, Calamba, Laguna. CIAO means Conferenza Interispettoriale Asia Orientale or East Asian Interprovincial Conference of which Sr. Mabel Pilar, FMA, is the president. All the nine provinces participated: Cambodia-Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Hongkong, China, Japan, Korea, Philippines, and East Timor. Twenty-eight (28) Sisters from CIAO participated: the Provincial Superiors, formators and assistants, and Sisters incharge of Vocation Ministry. The proposal of some Provincials of the CIAO who send their young people in formation to the Philippines to elaborate the shared Guidelines for the accompaniment of the pre-aspirants is a gift of the Spirit. The purpose of the meeting is to resume and deepen the process of inculturation of the formative project. Starting from these Guidelines each province will begin the elaboration of a 'typical' itinerary for its own context. The final text of the Guidelines contains six parts: 1. The Reality of Pre-Aspirants in Asia 2. The Pre-Aspirantate: A Time of Discernment 3. Formative Journey 4. Fundamental Experiences 5. Formative Accompaniment 6. Conclusion
We quote here some words from the last part, the Conclusion: "The Guidelines for the Period of the Pre-Aspirantate that we have elaborated are not perfect, but they offer clear guidelines and basis/reference that will be of great help in the development of the itinerary of each Province/Pre-Province of the CIAO for a quality accompaniment of young people. This requires that the Guidelines be redesigned, with so much openness and flexibility, and inculturated at the local level to guide the path of accompanying the young. With freshness, audacity, and appreciation of the beauty and richness of intercultural formation, we walk with young people with firmness and courage, with patience and love, hoping that they can understand and take on God's plan of love for their lives, whether they continue the vocational journey in our Institute, whether they feel they are undertaking other ways, as good Christians and honest responsible citizens, mature women who can contribute to the development of society. " On the last day of the encounter, all the participants went to the two formation houses in Canlubang to personally meet the aspirants, postulants, and novices. The formands performed songs and dances for them after the shared supper. This festive night capped the week-long meeting. By Sr. Debbie Ponsaran, FMA
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Transmission of the Guidelines on the Period of Temporary Vows Sr. Maria Fisichella, FMA, collaborator in the Formation Sector at the FMA Generalate in Rome, facilitated the transmission of the “Guidelines on the Period of Temporary Vows” for all the Sisters. The “Guidelines” was written by the Formation Sector with the involvement of many temporary professed FMA from different parts of the world. Since she is Italian and does not speak English, Sr. Florita Dimayuga, FMA, acted as English interpreter.
Sr. Maria facilitated the seminar with four groups: January 24 to 26 for the Provincial and Local Councillors and January 27 to 28 for the Sisters with one to eight years of profession all held in Mornese Center of Spirituality (MCS) in Pansol, Calamba, Laguna; February 1 for the elderly Sisters held at the FMA community of Don Bosco School, Manila; and the last group on February 2 to 3 for all other Sisters, also held at MCS, Pansol. Sr. Maria also had the chance to visit Cebu and Bohol on January 29 to 31. Accompanied by Sr. Rachel Flor, FMA, she had the chance to see the religious and cultural heritage of the Philippines as well as the marvels of God’s creation. The Sisters are truly grateful to Sr. Mabel Pilar, FMA, Provincial Superior, for initiating this updating seminar which profoundly renewed our Salesian Consecrated Life. On several occasions, Sr. Maria warmly expressed appreciation for her experience in the Philippines. She left for Rome on February 4 bringing beautiful memories of the Sisters and our country. By Sr. Debbie Ponsaran, FMA
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Animators and Leaders Formation Assembly (ALFA 2019)
The Animators and Leaders Formation Assembly (ALFA 2019) was held on the feast day of Saint John Bosco, January 31, 2019, at Don Bosco School, Sta. Mesa Manila. The ALFA 2019 theme was “Salesian Youth in Mission: Beloved, Gifted, Empowered!” The formation objective was to help youth animators and leaders to understand their roles in their respective groups and enhance their skills in youth ministry. The event also came up with the “beginning steps” in the formation program of SYM leaders and animators on the national level.
More than a hundred participants from different FMA settings arriving at the venue were welcomed by the event’s hosts, Diego Contreras and Celine Acosta, from Mary Help of Christians College Canlubang (MHCC). They facilitated the ice breaker a story of “Araw, Buwan at mga Bituin” followed by an animation led by MHCC leaders. A special prayer service was held—highlighting the Feast of St. John Bosco and the opening of the Year of the Youth. Sr. Josefina Carrasco, FMA (Provincial Vicar and Directress of DBS) welcomed the delegates. The skit, “Ang Kwentong Ako” acted out by MHCC leaders presented the different identities of the youth today. Ms. Lesley Anne Rosal, the keynote speaker for the event, highlighted the theme “Salesian Youth: Beloved, Gifted, Empowered!” She inspired the young with her words of wisdom on how to be good leaders in today’s generation filled with people suffering from different forms of poverty. This was followed by a question and answer portion between the speaker and the participants. After a short break, the Youth Animators and Student Leaders attended separate workshops that addressed their specific roles in the community. For the Youth Animators, Mr. Richard Tañada gave a talk on youth ministry and what it means
to serve the young people. The student leaders, were divided into 3 groups and had separate activities facilitated by the MHCC leaders. Diego Contreras gave a talk on the vocation to serve and what it means to be a servant leader in one’s own community. After the lunch break, the concurrent sessions continued. For the afternoon session, the Animators and Leaders had an encounter with their fellow Animators and Leaders from different settings/community. This activity was called #GroupGoals. In the group encounter, they shared their gifts (gifted), the nature of the group (beloved) and their goals (empowered), and they made their commitment as one group (in mission). To conclude the day’s activities, Sr. Debbie Ponsaran, FMA (Provincial Coordinator for Youth Ministry) gave a short talk on the challenges that these SYM leaders will always have to face in life and how to move on faithfully. Aside from the goal setting to form Youth Animators and Student Leaders, ALFA 2019 also celebrated the launching of the Year of the Youth (YOTY 2019). The Official music and logo of the YOTY 2019 was presented along with a dance animation of “One in Mission” performed by MHCC leaders. The Year of the Youth Launching and National Youth Day Participants Send-Off Ceremony was led by Sr. Debbie Ponsaran, FMA, and Sr. Tess Mendoza, FMA, along with Fr. Juvelan Samia, SDB. This was followed by the “Passing of the Light” wherein the different groups proclaimed their commitment made during the #GroupGoals activity. The ALFA 2019 ended with a Eucharistic Celebration presided by Fr. Juvelan Samia, SDB. By Ms. Miki Tolentino SYM leader and past pupil of Don Bosco School, Manila
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LVF AnnualChristmas Party for the Poor
The Laura Vicuña Foundation of the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco (Philippines) gave an early Christmas treat for poor children and youths held at the Enchanted Kingdom, Sta. Rosa, Laguna on December 1, 2018. The 1,000 children and young people, accompanied by 200 parents, catechists, and FMA, came from 23 places: 10 Child Protection Clinic (CPC) areas in Metro Manila, VIDES outreach in Cavite, and 12 FMA Oratory Youth Centers in Metro Manila, Laguna, and Pampanga. They began to arrive at 10:00 in the morning. At the registration area, a joyful noise could be heard while they were patiently waiting for the gates to open. When the gates finally opened, they went straight to the food court for a free lunch. Then they went off for the exciting rides in the amusement park. The children and young people enjoyed the rides with the FMA and their parents, a wonderful opportunity to spend happy moments together. At 3:30 PM, they started going to the event place for the Holy Eucharist. While waiting, the youth emcees animated some games. In her welcome talk, Sr. Mabel Pilar, the provincial superior of FMA Philippines, shared three things that she wanted the young people to take home: to celebrate which means to anticipate the coming of Jesus in our hearts this Christmas, to thank God for our benefactors and friends who continue to support our foundation, and to enjoy the beauty of the day’s event. After the warm welcome of Sr. Mabel, the crowd of young people welcomed with grateful joy the benefactors and
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owners of the amusement park, Mr. Mario Mamon and his wife Mrs. Cynthia Mamon. They shared some good memories of their friendship with the FMA and reminded the young people that “Jesus is the reason for the season.” A few minutes after, the youthful noise faded and turned into a solemn silence as they prepared themselves to be with Jesus in the Holy Eucharist presided by Fr. Jay David, SDB. During his homily, he recommended to the young five spiritual preparations for Christmas: forgive, help those in need, go to Mass and confession, and devote time with one’s family. He spoke in a fun and youthful manner that the young people could understand and relate to. After the Mass, snacks and Christmas gifts were distributed by the FMA, headed by Sr. Mabel. The eyes of the young people sparkled with genuine joy when they received the gifts. For making this event a success, “thanks” go to the Laura Vicuña Foundation (LVF) headed by Sr. Mabel Pilar, the president, and the lay and FMA members of the Board of Directors especially its program director, Sr. Victoria Sta. Ana, FMA. The LVF (http:// lauravicunafoundation.weebly.com/about.html) was organized in 1990 to build the capacities of children in need of special protection through integral education and development. It is a noble partnership between the FMA and some distinguished lay professionals and leaders in the field of business, law, and social welfare. By Ms. Franz Bobis, Youth Ministry staff member
FMA Lifeline November 2018 - February 2019
VIDES Humanitarian Aid to Typhoon Usman Victims VIDES Philippines Volunteers Foundation Inc. (of the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco) distributed grocery items and clothing to the victims of Typhoon Usman in Camarines Sur. Donations in kind were gathered and repacked on January 13, 2019 in the FMA Provincial House in Sta. Mesa, Manila. The goods were distributed in Barangays Santiago, Bato, and Sagnay on January 14 and 15. Sr. Josefina Carrasco, FMA, VIDES in-charge, the VIDES staff and volunteers, and the generous benefactors made this humanitarian aid possible!
FMA Lifeline November 2018 - February 2019
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Youth Encounter (YE) for Oratorians The FMA Oratory Youth Sector, led by Sr. Ester Silva, FMA, organized the Youth Encounter (YE) for 31 oratorians (Outreach) on November 2 to 4, 2018 at Mornese Center of Spirituality in Pansol, Calamba. The event was funded by Hilton Foundation. The oratorians/youth leaders were from the eight FMA communities in Cubao, Mabalacat, Manila, Canlubang, and Pansol. The YE facilitators were Mr. Robson Tagle, Ms. Shiela Sangel, and Ms. Alice Javier. Mr. Jovie Lopez and the FMA in-charge of each oratory
assisted the participants. The YE program provided the oratorians with an opportunity to grow in faith in a venue where they were able to share, reflect, and exercise their Godgiven spiritual gifts in a youthful environment that is, with their peers. It also helped them to realize that they need to “come home to the Lord� and make an effort to live a Christ-centered life. By Sr. Candy Balverde, FMA
Youth Serving Youth in MHCS-Cebu In different days of December 2018, the different grade levels of Mary Help of Christians School (Cebu) welcomed their counterpart Gr. 1, 2, 4 and 5 pupils from Tungkop Elementary School to the Youth Encounter and Interaction, an activity which is part of the Christian Living EducationAraling Panlipunan service outreach. Since the beginning of the school year, they saved some money from their allowance so they could buy food to share and gifts like toys and toiletries for the public school pupils. They were happy in this Youth Encounter and Interaction because they got to know and made new friends through the games and sharing of experiences. By Jann Valerie Marfa Gr. 5 pupil of MHCS-Cebu
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FMA Lifeline November 2018 - February 2019
Retreat for Drug Surrenderees in Mindoro
The Campus Ministry of Sto. Niño Cathedral in Calapan City headed by Sr. Ailyn Cayanan, FMA, facilitated a retreat for the drug surrenderees who completed the year-long rehabilitation program. Believing that transformation is possible, the government of Oriental Mindoro made a stand to give chance to those who got involved with drugs and offer a systematic rehabilitation program in collaboration with the Catholic Church, non-governmental unit and the families of the surrenderees. There was hope and determination in the sharing, prayer moment, and the activities of the retreatants. It was a beautiful reunification and integration to conclude their program with the retreat. By Sr. Ailyn Cayanan, FMA
The Mary Help of Christians College Support Personnel had their Advent Recollection on December 19, 2018, facilitated by Sr. Margarita A. Imanil, FMA, with the theme “Jesus Brings Joy.” The 17 support personnel were grateful to have this moment of preparation for the coming birth of Jesus. This recollection was followed by their Outreach Activity. This initiative was a suggestion of Sr. Norma Roque, FMA, as the one directly in-charge of them and facilitated by Sr. Margarita, FMA, as the Catechist in-charge. As a fruit of their catechesis, they were challenged to reach out to other needy families around them. They believe that even if they are poor, they can still give something to some other poorer families around them. The whole group went to the different families, sung carols and gave their greetings and groceries that
MHCC Support Personnel Christmas Outreach Activity
came from their own contribution. They visited a family who lives under the bridge of Brgy. Parian, Checkpoint, Calamba City and three other families in Sirang Lupa. Some families were teary-eyed; Sr. Margarita and the group were also moved. Everyone realized the blessings of the Lord in one’s life at the same time the need to be sensitive to the needs of others. By Sr. Margarita Imanil, FMA
FMA Lifeline November 2018 - February 2019
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VIDES Christmas Outreach in Pampanga In response to Pope Francis’ call to reach out to those in the peripheries, a total of 125 VIDES volunteers made their way to Sitio Monicayo, Mabalacat, Pampanga to bring the message of God’s love and the joys of the yuletide season on December 2, 2018. Sr. Josefina Carrasco, FMA, VIDES Philippines delegate, explained that the volunteers decided to forego the usual yuletide celebration and deemed it more important to go to the peripheries to bring Jesus Christ and share the joys of Christmas.
The VIDES Perya which showcased different interactive learning booths on children’s rights was opened. At the VIDES Salon, volunteer hair stylists offered haircutting services to the residents. Basic medical consultation was given by volunteer doctors and health workers. Medicines and vitamins were provided to the patients. The half-day activity culminated with the distribution of grocery items, gifts and snacks to more than 300 residents. By VIDES
Handog Puso Gift-giving & Medical Mission The Handog Puso Christmas giftgiving and medical dental mission activity organized by the Don Bosco School Educating Community Core Group - Community Extension Services Committee took place on December 9, 2018, at Bgy. Hugo Perez, Trece Martires City, Cavite. The VIDES volunteers headed by Ms. Amy Suzara helped to select the children, youth and adults with whom to share some Christmas cheer and organized those who availed of the free medical, dental and hair-cutting services.
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Thanks to VIDES Philippines, to all the volunteer doctors, dentists, nurses and pharmacists, and to all the DBS students, faculty, staff, parents, past pupils, and friends who took part in this activity. By Sr. Pinky Garza, FMA
FMA Lifeline 2018 - February 2019 FMA LifelineNovember April - October 2018
Day of Spirituality The 3rd Day of Spirituality for this school year was facilitated by Sr. Catherine Urgello with the theme “Management of Goods in the Institute” in three venues: Bacolod, Cebu, and Manila. The two FMA communities in Negros attended the encounter which was held in Bacolod on January 5, 2018. The Day of Spirituality for the three FMA Communities of Cebu was held on January 12, 2018 at Lourdes Kindergarten in Punta Princesa, Cebu City. The Sisters also prepared a birthday surprise for Sr. Mabel Pilar, FMA, provincial superior,
who turned 50 on January 2, 2019. The Day of Spirituality for all the FMA communities of Manila, Pampanga, Laguna, Mindoro, and Palawan was held on January 19, 2019 at Don Bosco School, Manila. By Sr. Debbie Ponsaran, FMA
Psycho-Spiritual Integration for Formands
We exist because of God’s great love for us. But sometimes we find it difficult to see His love in our experiences of pain and hurt. In the journey through life, it’s either we let go of the hurts or hold on to them. The aim of the Psycho-Spiritual Integration (PSI) is to help the person see and discover the joy and beauty of our life experiences with God.
12 of us formands undergo this Psycho-Spiritual Integration (PSI) Process/Workshop from November 3 to 16, 2018 at the Mary Immaculate Aspirantate in Canlubang, Laguna. Ms. Eva Galvey, Founding Associate of Emmaus and Mr. Dave Daulo, Senior Center Associate of Emmaus were the facilitators.
The FMA Institute has been very generous in having
By Asp. Princess Nova P. Bantilan
FMA Lifeline November 2018 - February 2019 FMA Lifeline April - October 2018
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Forum on the Synod of Bishops
Some Sisters attended the "Walking Our Walk: A Forum on the XV Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on Young People, Faith, and Vocation Discernment" held at Loyola School of Theology in Ateneo de Manila on October 24, 2018. It was a theological hour with the Filipino delegates in the Pre-Synod on Youth held in March 2018 in Rome in which Sr. Cynthia Calabig, FMA, was one of the invited participants. It was a privileged moment
for the audience to have a glimpse of what happened and what this Synod asked of the Church. The sharers emphasized the important elements of listening and accompaniment, the importance of family ministry, and the collaborative effort of the family, community, and the Church in the formation of young people. By Sr. Mylene Sanchez, FMA
Updating Seminar for AWRAVC A whole day seminar-workshop with the theme Communication Culture, Youth, and Religious Life was facilitated by Sr. Debbie Ponsaran, FMA, for the Association of Women Religious of the Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan (AWRAVC) on November 17, 2018. It was held at Our Lady Mother of Divine Providence Abbey in Calapan, Mindoro. The AWRAVC President, Sr. Maricor Ortanez, FMA, organized the updating seminar.
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FMA Lifeline November 2018 - February 2019 FMA Lifeline April - October 2018
Educating Community Provincial Gratitude Days
The annual celebration of EC Provincial Gratitude Day, a Salesian tradition of thanking God, the provincial superior, and all members of the EC, was held by clusters: Cebu, Negros, and Pampanga. The two FMA communities in Negros celebrated the EC Provincial Gratitude Day in Malihao, Negros Occidental on November 17, 2018.
The EC Provincial Gratitude Day for the three FMA Communities of Cebu was held on November 24, 2018 at Mary Help of Christians School, Minglanilla, Cebu.
The EC Provincial Gratitude Day for all the FMA communities of Manila, Pampanga, Laguna, Mindoro, and Palawan was held on February 16, 2019 at Mary Help of Christians School in Mabalacat.
FMA Lifeline November 2018 - February 2019
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Palawan Past Pupils’ Reunion The 2nd alumni homecoming of Mary Help of Christians boarding school in Brgy. Macarascas, Puerto Princesa, Palawan was held on December 27 to 28, 2018 with the theme “Let us share the love, let us pay it forward.” The presence of Rev. Bishop Broderick Pabillo, Auxiliary Bishop of Manila and Sr. Cathy Urgello, FMA was longawaited and much appreciated by all. Bishop Pabillo and Sr. Cathy are both pioneers in-charge of the boarding school.
MHCS-Cebu Past Pupils Reunion
The past pupils of Mary Help of Christians School (Cebu) had their annual reunion on December 16, 2018 in Minglanilla, Cebu. The event started with the Holy Mass presided by Fr. Andy Satura, SDB. After the Mass, Miss Arlenie Sasan shared what transpired in the Past Pupils’ International Congress in Rome, Italy. Then a warm welcome was given by Sr. Joralyn Selloria, FMA, the Sister in charge of the past pupils, with special greetings from Sr. Mabel Pilar, FMA, provincial superior.
About 160 St. Mary Mazzarello School Past Pupils (former faculty & non-teaching staff members and FMAs) participated in the Annual Past Pupils Homecoming at Victorias City Coliseum, Negros Occidental on December 30, 2018.
The past trainees of Mary Help of Christians (Agri-Technical) School (Calapan, Mindoro) had their reunion on December 27, 2018, a moment to look back, cherish the good old days and express their gratitude. They also volunteered for a couple of days in the farm and helped out wherever they were needed.
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FMA Lifeline November 2018 - February 2019
SYM, New Chair Organization of the FNYO Members of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) took part in the Federation of National Youth Organizations (FNYO) Day at The Lord’s Flock, Quezon City with the theme “ARISE: Authentic, Radical, Inspiring, Selfless, and Empowered Youth” on December 15, 2018. The Holy Mass was presided by Rev. Bishop Leopoldo Jaucean, SVD, DD. Inserted in the Mass was the turning over of the symbols and responsibilities to the SYM as the new chair organization of the FNYO. The FNYO is composed of 23 national youth organizations.
To situate the plenary talk for the day, Salesian Youth Movement (SYM-FMA) youth from Mary Help of Christians College - Canlubang, Laguna presented a skit entitled “Kwentong Ako” presenting the different realities of young people today. Concurrent sessions were held after lunch at different locations of the venue; included in these workshops are: #JesNews: Right Speech in Social Media; Got You Fam: Social Action/Charity; Love Actually: Love Languages; Live Pure: Tamang Panahon (15-19 YO); Live Pure: Real Talk, Real Love; Courageous Faith. By Diego Leandro L. Contreras, SYM-FMA youth leader
DBS Students at Yale Model United Nations
Don Bosco School (Manila) is grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Yale Model United Nations (YMUN XLV) held at Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA on January 17-20, 2019. The DBS delegates were Sr. Pinky Garza, FMA, school principal; Jamie Madison Beboso (Grade 11), Alyana Gean Jasareno, and Mary Therese Necio (both Grade 12). It was the first time that DBS participated in an international event in all its 30 years of existence. YMUN XLV gathered about 2,000 high school student leaders from 126 schools coming from 6 continents of the world. The DBS delegation was awarded the Regional Scholarship for Southeast Asia, thereby receiving financial subsidy from Yale International Relations Association, and Alyana Gean Jasareno (Grade 12) received the Honorable Mention for the Global Citizen of the Arts award for photography. Heartfelt gratitude goes to Sr. Mabel Pilar, Sr. Josefina Carrasco, and the DBS FMA Community, the Educating Community of DBS, the Philippine American Association of Connecticut (PAAC) especially Dr. Winston and Mrs. Debbie Magno, and all the generous individuals, families and FMA Sisters they encountered during their stay in the USA. It was winter, and extremely cold...but God's goodness and love extended by everyone was truly heartwarming. By the student delegates - Alyana, Therese, and Jamie
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FMA Lifeline November 2018 - February 2019
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