St. John Bosco Today • June–August 2014 by St. John Bosco Today

JUNE-AUGUST 2014 ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY

EDITOR’S

note

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY |THE SALESIAN FAMILY MAGAZINE | PHILIPPINES June - August 2014 | Volume 44 • Number 1

IN FOCUS SOWERS OF THE WORD

Bearers Bearers ofofthe thegood goodnews news

The story of the Mustard-seed called ” Word and Life” Hear, live, and share God’s Word

Fr. Salvatore Putzu, SDB

FEATURES SALESIANITY 101

St. John Bosco , the catechist By Fr. Caesar Dizon, SDB

TEACH THEM WHILE THEY ARE YOUNG

Parents: The first catechist

DON BOSCO IN OUR MIDST

FIN new Provincial: Fr. Anthony Bicomong, SDB By Cl. Donnie Duchin Duya

A MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE

By Imelda Benitez, Salesian Cooperator

The young people challenge us to be holy Salamat po, Fr. Eli Cruz, SDB 25 By Br. Jomar Castillo ,SDB

SpecialFEATURE

TAGA DON BOSCO PO, CHAMPION PO!

Champoree 2014 LAY CATECHIST IN THE YEAR OF THE LAITY

Educators of the faith

By Fr. Randy Figuracion, SDB YOUTH SERVING YOUTH

Peer Ministry in the school

By Rolando C. Delos ReyesII, MA Ed, RCC

By Sr. Ann Lyn Magno, FMA DBTC @ 60 ON HIGH GEAR

A Diamond in Cebu

By Fr. Nioret Geronimo, Jr. SDB and Cl. John Quincy Caballo, SDB

REGULARS

EDITOR’S NOTE

Bearers of the good news

BEING SOWERS OF THE GOOD NEWS

Proclaiming Jesus to the marginalized youth

By Fr. Bernard P. Nolasco, SDB

THE RECTOR MAJOR

Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime, SDB

Don Bosco’s 10th Successor FIN-FIS NEWS

3 26

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

Owner Salesian Society of St. John Bosco Printer Don Bosco Press, Inc. EDITORIAL BOARD Publisher Don Bosco Press, Inc. | Editor Fr. Bernard P. Nolasco, SDB | Copy Editor Br. Donnie Duchin-Duya, SDB | Coordinators Fr. Randy Figuracion,SDB FIS; Sr. Maria Socorro Bacani, FMA FMA & FMA Past Pupils; Sr. Sophia Akiko Oshita, SCG SCG; Brenda Ramirez ASC; Dr. Victor B. Endriga DBAPNF; Maria Junifer Maliglig ADMA; Evangeline Dolliente FADS | Art Director Early Macabales|Circulation Commission on Social Communication For subscription contact ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY Commission on Social Communication 3/F Don Bosco Provincial Ofﬁce, Don Bosco Compound, C. Roces Ave. cor. A. Arnaiz Ave. 1264 Makati City, Philippines Tel (02) 893-8227 loc. 114 • Telefax (02) 892-8174

t. John Bosco spent much of his life teaching the young people about truths of their Faith. During his youthful years, he gave informal catechism classes to his town folks by sharing with them what he learned from homilies. He would even perform magic tricks and acrobatic shows so as to get and sustain the interest of his audience in what he prepared for this informal catechism. His first recorded encounter with street urchins began with a simple catechism to a boy named Bartolomew Garelli. As a priest, he had published a number of books and pamphlets that propagated the Faith especially to poor young people. In this issue of St. John Bosco Today, we give the saint of the youth a better appreciation of his being a catechist. This issue hopefully will help us examine the way we, members of the Salesian Family, try to develop in our hearts our admiration towards St. John Bosco’s love and dedication to the propagation of the truths of our Faith that may hopefully lead us to live by his example. We join Fr. Putzu and the whole team of Word & Life Publications (WLP) as they thank God for twenty five years of actively spreading the Good News of the Lord even amidst all the challenges and even obstacles along the way. Looking up to Don Bosco as our model catechist, and inspired by the fervor of WLP, this issue invites us to see ourselves as catechists to the people around us especially our children and our students, and even to our companions in our workplaces. Featured, too, in this issue is the four-day summer camp, CHAMPOREE where bosconian leaders were challenged to be champions of the bosconian spirit to their fellow youth just like St. John Bosco. This issue also allows us to be grateful to God to those who have given their life’s commitment to the service of the Gospel as Salesian priests, brothers, and sisters. We also welcome God’s gift of a new Rector Major in our Congregation and a new Provincial Superior to the FIN Province. We likewise give our respect to two Salesians who have gone ahead of us to join the Salesian family in our Father’s home in heaven. Let us all strive to be bearers of God’s love to the youth as we all make our personal efforts to grow in our Faith as members of the Salesian Family.

Annual subscription (4 issues) P200.00

Send your comments and suggestions to sbulletinph@yahoo.com Cover photo by Raymond Mamaril All rights reserved © 2014 by Don Bosco Press, Inc. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without permission from the publisher.

Fr. Bernard P. Nolasco, SDB

Don Bosco lives on |THE RECTOR MAJOR

Fr. Ángel

Fernández artime, SDB Don Bosco’s

10th Successor

ngel Fernández Artime was born August 21, 1960 in Luanco-Gozon, Asturias, Spain. He made his First Religious Profession on September 3, 1978; the perpetual vows on June 17, 1984, in Santiago de Compostela, and was ordained a Salesian priest on July 4, 1987, in León. A native of the Province of Leon, he earned a degree in Pastoral Theology and a Licentiate in Philosophy and Pedagogy. He served the Province of Leon in various capacities: as Provincial Delegate for Youth Ministry, Director of the School of Ourense, a member of the Provincial Council and the Provincial Vicar, and as the Provincial Superior from 2000 to 2006. After being part of the preparatory committee for the 26th General Chapter in 2009, he was appointed the Provincial Superior of South Argentina, based in Buenos Aires. In this capacity he also got to know and work personally with the then Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, today Pope Francis. On December 23, 2013, he was appointed Superior of the new Province of Mediterranean Spain, dedicated to Mary Help of Christians. But before he can take on this new role, he was elected by the members of the recently concluded General Chapter 27 last March 25, 2014 as the new Rector Major of the Salesian Congregation. As one Salesian Family, let us include the 10th Successor of St. John Bosco in our daily prayers as he tries to guide and direct the whole Salesian Congregation in answering the call of the New Evangelization.

Before leaving this world for eternity, I wish to fulfill a duty towards you and to satisfy an ardent desire of my heart. First of all, I thank you with the most ardent affection of my soul for the obedience you have given me. Your Rector is dead but there will be another elected, who will have care of you and of your eternal salvation. Listen to him, obey him, pray for him as you have done for me. — Don Bosco JUNE-AUGUST 2014 ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY

I N F O C U S | SOWERS OF THE WORD

The STORy of a MUSTaRD SEED called

“W RD & LIFE” Hear, Live, and Share God’s Word FR. SALVATORE PUTZU, SDB

he story of “Word & Life” sounds in many ways like the actualization of the Gospel parable of the mustard seed. Now that this simple catechetical publisher is celebrating the Silver Jubilee of its existence, it is a thrilling experience to go back in time and reminisce its very humble, hidden beginnings, as well as its growth – astonishing in many ways – up to the present. I do so with gratitude to the Lord and all those who have been instrumental in its establishment and development. “WORD & LIFE” BEFORE “WORD & LIFE PUBLICaTIONS” “Word & Life Publications” (WLP) officially started existing in June 1989, and was incorporated and registered with the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 1991. Its “unofficial” beginning, however, dates back to Advent 1986, when I started publishing the “THE SPRING,” a four-page weekly liturgical leaflet. This saw the light under the aegis of the “National Catechetical Office of the Philippines” (NCOP), the publication arm of

ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY JUNE-AUGUST 2014

Only a BIG DREAM and an immense faith that the Lord, who had sown that dream in my heart, would have provided the means to make it a reality. ECERI, the Episcopal Commission on Education and Religious Instruction of the CBCP, where I had been rendering my service since 1984. I started that publishing venture with the permission and encouragement of ECERI’s Chairman, Bishop Leonardo Z. Legaspi OP, using the facilities of ECERI because in those days I had no possibility of doing so in a Salesian environment. FROM “THE SPRING” TO “WORD & LIFE” The Spring was purposely a cryptic and prophetic name, for what I had in mind was something bigger than a simple leaflet. But I wanted to test the waters and see how a publication of that nature would be received. It met the approval and favour of many. So much so that during its third year of existence, I felt inspired to begin planning and producing a monthly pamphlet based mostly on the Sunday biblical readings and liturgical themes. That pamphlet would follow the content and style of The Spring, but would expand it, as the larger space available allowed. I discussed the matter with the new Salesian Provincial, Fr. Francesco Panfilo. He not only gave me permission to go ahead with that plan, but also assigned for this activity a portion of the “crypt” (underground area) of the still incomplete Holy Family Shrine in Faraday Street, Makati. The National Bible Year (NBY) was then in full swing, arousing great interest in the Scriptures. All along, I kept pondering how long would that enthusiasm for the Word of God last. Would it not be just a “ningas cogoon” that flares up fast but also dies out equally fast? In order to prevent that from happening, I decided that the monthly publication I intended to produce should have a clear reference to God’s WORD – a Word that had to be read, lived and shared, as the slogan of the Year of the Bible proclaimed. Those three verbs, and especially “live” struck me deeply, for God’s Word has to become an essential part of our life as

its source of inspiration, guidance and strength. So I decided to include also the term “LIFE” in the name of the new publication I had been planning. Hence, the “brain child” laboriously conceived was to be named WORD & LIFE. Such was the new publication sown like a “mustard seed” in the ground of the “crypt” of the Holy Family Shrine, full of dust and mud, with no floor and full of termites. We made it a little “habitable” by laying down a green vinyl floor and painting the walls. Everything was so small, so unattractive. Having spent in the rehabilitation work the little sum I had managed to gather, I was left without a budget. Only a BIG DREAM and an immense faith that the Lord, who had sown that dream in my heart, would have provided the means to make it a reality. And my faith was boosted by the example of Don Bosco in the early days of the “migrant Oratory.” Working with me were an artist – Bede Hernani V. Cleofe – and three volunteer girls to whom I gave an allowance of P70/day. The first issue of WORD & LIFE came out in June 1986, just in time for the beginning of the school year. Thanks to the enthusiasm of the staff, the contacts that I had established through the ECCCE (the former ECERI), and the support of ECCCE’s new Chairman, Bishop Federico O. Escaler, SJ, Word & Life soon became a success story. In just a few months it reached a circulation of 7,000 copies. FORGING INTO THE FUTURE Many wonderful blessings happened since then. The Timeline of Memorable Events as presented in this article clearly shows the hands of Divine Providence at work. As Word & Life Publications prepare to celebrate 25 years of fruitful existence, after having contemplated the past, we look forward to the future, for THE DREAM goes on. And for the future we pledge not only to continue the apostolate carried out so far, but also to improve it in every possible way, as the Lord will inspire us and give us the

strength needed to do it. We do have many “frozen dreams,” that we share with Word Media Ministry (WMM), the umbrella organization of which WLP has been a part for the past ten years. One of these dreams includes a “mobile apostolate” tagged “THE WORD ON WHEELS” (WOW-1). It consists in setting up a mobile mini bookstore which make available religious literature (including bibles and catechisms) to the faithful who go to Mass on Sunday. The second dream is “THE WORD ON WEB” (WOW-2), which consists in setting up a web site, which specializes in presenting religious literature/themes, and in interacting with the users on religious matters, moral problems and the like, giving the Christian/Catholic perspective about each case. The third dream is “THE WORD ON WAVES” (WOW-3), which consists, first of all, in discussing religious and moral matters over the radio or TV, whenever there is the possibility of doing so. Another application of this third “WOW” consists in preparing and disseminating catechetical material for the faith formation of the hundreds of thousands of Filipinos who are seamen and who are often spiritually neglected. All these are not just “fantastic dreams” but also “doable dreams.” Admittedly, they are also challenging in many ways. But WLP and WMM are used to facing challenges and overcoming them – always with God’s guidance and help, for He is the One who has sown these dreams into our hearts. He will see to it that they come true.

JUNE-AUGUST 2014 ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY

1986

Word & Life

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT: The “unofficial” beginning of Word & Life Publications, with the first printed issue of THE SPRING a four-page weekly liturgical leaflet as an official publication of the National Catechetical Offi – ECERI, CBCP. It was also the NATIONAL EUCHARIST YEAR.

TIMELINE OF MEMORABLE EVENTS

1996

WLP published for the ﬁrst time the set of 14 stations of the NEW WAY OF THE CROSS with illustrations by Bede Hernani V. Cleofe. WLP also published THE PROMISE An Introduction to the Old Testament, a book intended for catechists and beginners. WLP co-published with Family Rosary Crusade THE NEW WAY OF THE CROSS in DVD, a visualization of Christʼs Passion and Death according to the new sequences and accompanied by actualizations.

1995

Beginning of publication of TEACHERʼS NOTES for those using WL; May, WLP published EVANGELIUM VITAE, A HYMN TO LIFE with Study Aids; June, WL made a further quality leap increasing its size (7”x10”), being printed in full color, and further developed its second part (Life Section).

1997

WL was published for the ﬁrst time in white paper. The Word Section of WL started to be published separately in book form entitled EXPLORING GODʼS WORD. Thus began a new publication, which was published three times a year. A TEACHERʼS GUIDE started to be published for the ﬁrst time every 2 months to suit the new content of WL, while the TEACHERʼS NOTES would cater to those using EGW with either WL, or alone. July, WLP co-published with ECCCE/CBCP the CATECHISM FOR FILIPINO CATHOLICS.

2009

2010

WLP published the Philippine edition of THE WORD OF GOD, VOL. A, an adaption of the 4-volume work by Fr. John Larrea, SDB. The remaining three volumes in English and the four volumes in Tagalog are in preparation. In preparation also is the Cebuano version of the Christian Community Bible. WLP published THE LORDʼS PRAYER, a series of reﬂections on the “Our Father.”

ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY JUNE-AUGUST 2014

March, WLP published EXPLORING GODʼS WORD AN INTRODUCTION. September, WLP published DIES DOMINI with Study Aids consisting of Contextualization and Commentaries by Filipino Authors. April, WLP transfers from San Ildefonso Parish to Don Bosco Provincial House. September, WLP published DIES DOMINI (The Day of the Lord) with Subject Index and the Study Aids. Advent, WLP took over the Missalette fro Salesiana Publishers and renamed it EUCHALETTE to emphasize the word Eucharist.

WLP published SACRAMENTUM CARITATIS and SPE SALVI with Study Aids.

2011

WLP co-published with ECCCE/CBCP the CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. WLP started publishing the POCKET PLANNER/PRAYER BOOK which came to be one of its bestsellers.

1999

2007

WLP published CARITAS IN VERITATE with Study Aids. It also co-published with Claretian Publications and other Catholic Publishers the CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY BIBLE and its corresponding Tagalog Version BIBLIYA NG SAMBAYANANG PILIPINO. WLP published LIGHT FROM PINOYS ON THE MOVE, a collection of 50 stories and testimonies of Filipino migrants compiled by Fr. Remo Bati, SDB.

1994

2006

WLP published DEUS CARITAS EST with Study Aids, including a short history of Christian charity in the Philippines. June, WLP, in cooperation with WMM, begins the publication of THE MESSENGER OF DIVINE LOVE, a quarterly inspirational magazine that aims n only to foster devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus a Jesus, King of Divine Mercy, but also to offer doctrina and historical substance to these two devotions.

WLP published ASK FOR NOTHING, REFUSE NOTHING: The Life Story of St. Francis De Sales. This book was published to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Community of St. Francis de Sales. WLP co-published with other Catholic Publishers the Cebuano version of the Christian Community Bible; published VERBUM DOMINI with Study Aids. September, beginning of the publication of Walls and desk calendars. August 22, Death of Cecilia G. Valmonte, who worked as a “Volunteer” for nine years for WLP and WMM.

1989

J U N E

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1993

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E not and al

1990

WORD & LIFE a monthly periodical in B/W was born at the Holy Family Shrine, Faraday Street, Makati. It was also the NATIONAL BIBLE YEAR. That publication marked also the beginning of existence of W & L as a publisher, which later came to be known as “Word & Life Publications.”

WLP transferred from Holy Family Shrine to San Ildefonso Parish because the Shrine had been turned over to the Archdiocese of Manila; October, published for the ﬁrst time the Pocket Planner with the guide for the liturgical readings; December, WLP came out with the cover and the comics section in full color.

WLP published the KATESISMO PARA SA MGA PILIPINONG KATOLIKO, a translation of Catechism for the Filipino Catholics.

2005

April 1, Bede Hernani V. Cleofe, the artist who had worked for WLP since its inception, passed away due to heart attack. WLP co-published with other Catholic Publishers the COMPENDIUM OF THE CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH.

2012

WLP published the comics of the life of SAINT PEDRO CALUNGSOD in two versions: traditional and in manga styles and in three languages: English, Filipino and Cebuano.

1992

WORD & LIFE PUBLICATIONS was incorporated and registered with the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the name WORD AND LIFE, INC.

WL started to be printed in 2 colors and featured the life of a saint in comics in each issue. It also started developing the “Life Section” with some feature articles, crosswords, and trivia.

2001

2000

1991

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT: Launching of ANG SALITA AT BUHAY, the monthly Tagalog version of WL.

June, WLP began the publication of PAMBATANG KATEKESIS, a quarterly magazine for catechists. It replaced a pamphlet/leaﬂet that was started by Fr. Alex Garces about eight years earlier. December, beginning of the serialization of Fr. John Larreaʼs Four- volume major work THE WORD OF GOD adapted to the Philippine setting.

2004

WLP co-published with NASSA/CBCP the COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH. October, WL received from CMMA the Award of “Best Youth Magazine.” Advent of Year A, WLP, in cooperation with WORD MEDIA MINISTRY (WMM), begins the 1-hour weekly radio program, BISPERAS SA VERITAS.

2013

WLP published SYMBOLS AND SPIRITUALITY, Reﬂecting on Johnʼs Gospel; published JOHNNYʼS BIG SECRET by Bro Mandy Dujunco, FSC; published LUMEN FIDEI, The Light of Faith Study Edition; produced PEDRO CALUNGSOD in DVD. November, WORD & LIFE MAGAZINE received its second CMMA Award as “Best Youth Magazine” and PEDRO CALUNGSOD COMICS likewise, was awarded as “Best Comic Story.”

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT Launching of PULONG UG KINABUHI (the Cebuano version of WL)

2002

November, WLP published ROSARIUM VIRGINIS MARIAE, the Rosary of the Virgin Mary, the Apostolic Letter of John Paul II on the Rosary.

2003

June, Beginning of the gathering articles and visuals for THE TREASURE OF THE ROSARY intended to be a coffee table book on the Rosary. December, beginning of the serialization of ANG SALITA NG DIYOS, The Tagalog version of “The Word of God.” NB. These two serializations are done in view of the publication of the whole work in four volumes, both in English and in Tagalog.

2014

WLP published THE NEW EVANGELIZATION IN INSPIRATIONAL CARDS, a set of 50 inspirational cards featuring Biblical quotations mostly from the New Testament; published EVANGELII GAUDIUM” in Junior Edition and Study Edition.

TODAYJUNE-AUGUST JUNE-AUGUST2014 2014 ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY

F E A T U R E | Salesianity 101

ST. JOHN BOSCO, the Catechist

“A

re you going to catechism classes now?” “I don’t dare.” “Why?” “Because the other boys are smaller than I am, and they know their catechism. As big as I am, I don’t know anything, so I’m ashamed to go.” “If I were to teach you catechism on your own, would you come?” “I’d come very willingly.”

“Would you come willingly to this little room (sacristy)?” “I’d come willingly enough, provided they don’t beat me.” “Relax. No one will harm you. On the contrary, you’ll be my friend and you’ll be dealing with me and no one else. When would you like us to begin our catechism?” “Whenever you wish.” “This evening?”

ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY JUNE-AUGUST 2014

BY FR.

CAESAR DIZON, SDB

“Okay.” “Are you willing right now?” “Yes, right now, with great pleasure.” I stood up and made the sign of the cross to begin; but my pupil made no response because he did not know how to do it. In that first catechism lesson I taught him to make the sign of the cross. I also taught him to know God the Creator and why he created us. Though Bartholomew’s memory was poor, with attentive diligence in a few feast days he learned enough to make a good confession and, soon after, his holy communion. This took place on December 8, 1841, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Don Bosco gave a whole chapter in the Memoirs of the Oratory (a sort of autobiography) to tell this story because of its significance. He said that the little catechism lesson with that boy by the name of Bartholomew Garelli was the beginning of the festive oratory. That statement did not only imply that the beginning and growth of the Salesian Society, and later of the Salesian Family, was intertwined with the development of the work of the Oratory. It also affirmed that education to the faith (catechism) was—

Don Bosco’s role of catechist must not be seen merely as teaching the truths of the faith—even if this were important. We have to see it within the context of his conviction that his mission was to guide the young to become upright citizens and good Christians. and still is— central to the mission of Don Bosco and the Salesian Family. Don Bosco’s “formal” oratory apostolate may have begun at the beginning of his priestly ministry. But at ten years old he was already organizing a sort of oratory where children (and even adults) found entertainment and religious instruction. At Becchi there was a field in which grew several trees. One of them, a pear tree that is still there, was very helpful to me then. I used to sling a rope from it to another tree some distance away. I had a table with a haversack on it, and on the ground a mat for the jumps.When I had everything set up and everyone was eager to marvel at my latest feats, I would invite them to recite the rosary and sing a hymn. Then standing on the chair, I preached to them or, better, repeated as much as I could remember from the explanation of the gospel I had heard in church that morning; or sometimes I recalled episodes from something I had heard or read. After the sermon there was a short prayer, and then the show began. At that point you would have seen, just as I am telling you, the preacher (catechist) transformed into a professional acrobat. While it was true that his acrobatic performances captivated his audience, it was also true that he was like a Pied Piper of a story-teller. Recalling his boyhood days, he observed that “it was to hear my stories that they flocked round me.They loved them to the point of folly.” He discovered that stories were an important strategy that a catechist should have in his repertoire. He himself experienced their power as he recalled his student days at Chieri. He says: “On feast days, after the practices of piety in common at the college, we used to go along to St Anthony’s Church, where the Jesuits gave marvelous catechetical instructions with plenty of stories that I still recall.” One day he shared with St. Louis Guanella his secret of catching the boys’ attention when giving religious

instruction: “If you want to win over children and preach fruitfully to them, tell them stories, parables or similitudes, but, above all, fill in your stories with the smallest details.This will excite their interest in the people of the story and what they are doing. Children will share their joys or sorrows according to what impresses them most, and will anxiously follow a story to its very end.” Don Bosco, however, did not limit himself to the spoken word to catechize. He was aware of the power of the pen. Many may not be aware of it, but Don Bosco with twentyfour unnamed associates published a newspaper, “The Young People’s Friend”. This journal appeared twice a week and ran from Saturday, October 21, 1848 to Saturday, May 14, 1849 (8 months, 61 issues). It started with 137 mailed copies and reached a high of 700. In the end, however, for financial reasons, the paper had to merge with L’Istruttore del Popolo (The People’s Teacher). In its editorial statement Don Bosco declared: “Its first priority and main purpose are to confirm our people in the Catholic faith, by showing its unassailable truth, its supernatural beauty and the great good that flows from it as from a perennial spring to the individual person and to the whole of society. A parallel purpose is to instruct and educate our people in virtue, which (as the Apostle teaches) is useful to all as it holds God’s promise for the present and future life.” Don Bosco’s career as a “catechistnewspaperman” might have been shortlived. But as a catechist-author, he can be considered a run-away bestseller. Within his lifetime, the Companion of Youth (Il Giovane Provveduto, 1847) went through 118 editions, and he lived to see it translated into French, Spanish and Portuguese. His Bible History (Storia Sacra, 1847) went through 20 editions, as did his History of Italy (Storia d’Italia, 1855), which was even translated into English. The History of the Church (Storia

Ecclesiastica, 1845) saw 10 editions. Always an educator in the faith, Don Bosco found subtle ways to catechize. We find this word problem in the school textbook he wrote on the metric system. “A young man spends 2 francs a week in drink and smoke. How much would he save in one year if he didn’t gratify those vices?” Don Bosco’s role of catechist must not be seen merely as teaching the truths of the faith—even if this were important. We have to see it within the context of his conviction that his mission was to guide the young to become upright citizens and good Christians. Reflecting on his ministry among the youth in the jails of Turin, Don Bosco wrote: “On such occasions I found out how quite a few were brought back to that place; it was because they were abandoned to their own resources. ‘Who knows?’ I thought to myself, ‘if these youngsters had a friend outside who would take care of them, help them, teach them religion on feast days… Who knows but they could be steered away from ruin, or at least the number of those who return to prison could be lessened?’” On January 31, 1988 on the occasion of the centenary of St. John Bosco’s death, John Paul II sent Don Egidio Viganò, then Rector Major, a letter entitled “Juvenum Partis”. In that letter he called Don Bosco “Father and Teacher of Youth”. (On January 24, 1989 the same Pope made the title official.) In that letter the Pope connected Don Bosco’s holiness to his commitment as an educator. “In this letter I want especially to consider in Don Bosco the fact that he realized his personal holiness through an educative commitment lived with zeal and an apostolic heart.” It is a consoling thought for educators of the faith to realize that they are not just doing something good to young people. They are also doing something good to themselves. They are realizing their call to personal holiness.

JUNE-AUGUST 2014 ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY

F E A T U R E | Teach them while they are young

PaRENTS: THE FIRST

CATECHISTS C BY

IMELDA BENITEZ, COOPERATOR

hildren are joys of the home. When there is joy, there is love and when there is love, there is GOD. It is supposed to be from the parents that children must first feel the love and learn how to love and to trust. In his first encyclical Lumen Fidei (2013), Pope Francis underscores how important for the parents to encourage experiencing and maturing faith within the family in order to raise their children as good Christians and honest citizens. Working mom Ella Mutas, Literature Professor and Head of Languages Department at Manila Tytana Colleges, shares her unique way of introducing God to her children Caitlin Beatrice and Chloe Bernice at their very young age. One Christmas day, she imparted to them that more than a kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day, Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus. Such is Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s generosity and love

for His brothers and sisters that He extended His party to include us all. Her children were baptized in the first month after birth because as parents, she and her husband believe that the spiritual life of their children begins in the sacrament of baptism. As an educator, Ella knows that faith is best explained in a way that is appropriate to their age and by relating it with their own experiences. Now on their grade school years and getting formal lessons on Christian Living, she trusts that her initial Catechism to them gave them the foundation to appreciate not only lessons about Christian life but God Himself being alive in them. On March 22, 2014, Chloe was awarded The Most Respectful by her school, San Juan Nepomuceno School, Inc. Catlin also received a similar award in the previous year. On top of these awards on values, both kids excel in their classes and get academic recognitions. But to be known for the values they possess is an even greater reward for her as a parent.

ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY JUNE-AUGUST 2014

PHOTOS COURTESY OF IMELDA BENITEZ

Joy Bumanglag, a Salesian Cooperator from Tondo Center and a teacher by profession, and her husband Wilson, a seafarer, likewise believe in the importance of imparting knowledge about God to their children Joshua and Jeremy as soon as possible. Both devout Catholics who grew up under the guidance and formation of the Salesian fathers and sisters in Don Bosco Tondo, they have experienced the greatness of God and how their faith have made them strong and matured persons. If there is one best thing they can pass on to them, it is the Catholic faith that will truly help them face life’s challenges as they grow. Joy and Joy and Wilson Bumanglag with sons, Joshua and Jeremy (Upper photo).Ella Mutas with daughters, Caitlin Beatrice and Chloe Bernice (lower photo).

Children are joys of the home. When there is joy, there is love and when there is love, there is God. Wilson are aware that catechizing their children is not only through teaching but most especially through witnessing. They need to live what they preach so their children will follow. They make sure that prayer is at the center of the family’s daily life. They taught Joshua and Jeremy how prayer keeps them in the company of God. Joy recalls that when their children were asked what they want to become, Jeremy replied, I want to become Pope; and Joshua, I want to become President. Asked why, they said that their leadership will be their way to encourage people to live as good Christians and honest citizens in the world. This innocent reasoning of the two lovely kids are true to the words of Pope Francis in his 2013 encyclical Lumen Fidei on account of experiencing and maturing the faith in the family. Likewise, St. John Bosco was never a biological parent but shared the same parents’ role as a catechist. He

did it effectively to many young people to bring God’s love to them. It was the time when young people found themselves in the dark and hardly saw goodness in society. They found the light and the love of God through the happy and enthusiastic disposition of this saintly apostle of the young as he shared with them the beauty of being children of God. Indeed, the best that parents can do to prepare their children’s future welfare is not anchored on how much money they can raise for them to support their material needs but on the values of faith they share and live with them to be the persons God wishes them to be. If the home is the smallest unit of the Church, then parents are the first catechists to their children. It is the sacred duty of married couples to help each other grow in their faith so that they can also help each other raise their children to be children of God.

JUNE-AUGUST 2014 ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY

F E A T U R E | Lay Catechists in the year of the Laity PHOTOS COURTESY OF FR. BERNARD P. NOLASCO, SDB

EDUCaTORS of the BY FR. RANDY FIGURACION, SDB

Faith

lenda Pateña is a mother of three. She is a Physical Therapist by profession but a catechist by choice. The choice to be a catechist did not immediately surface. It was triggered by her love for teaching and her realization of the urgent need for educators in the faith especially in Public Schools. When she resigned from her job as sales representative to be a full time mom some 14 years ago, she took in tutorial classes. That was her initiation that convinced her

that teaching was her calling. On the summer of 1999, she volunteered to teach catechesis in their chapel subdivision. With her 8-year old daughter Andrea who doubled as her assistant in bringing visual aids and checking the children’s attendance, the experience was unforgettable. It left her craving for more. The break came when one day, she received a phone call from the High School Principal of Indiana Aerospace University in Lapu-lapu City inviting her to teach Values Education. With no hesitation, she accepted the offer. She taught there for two years. But God has other plans for her though. She had a “wake-up call” one day when she passed continued to page 17

ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY JUNE-AUGUST 2014

Taga-Don Bosco po, CHAMPION po! | SF EP AE TCUI AR LE

2014

CHaMPOREE BY FR.

BERNARD P. NOLASCO, SDB

ince the time of Don Bosco, Salesian youth camps continue to offer to the young the chance to be empowered in realizing that they can already rise to the challenges that life offers them. Preparing for the 2015 Bicentennial Celebration of St. John Bosco’s birth (August 16, 1815), the PhilippineNorth Province (FIN) planned several formative experiences for the different sectors of the province spread before, during, and after 2015 in order that the spirit of this bicentennial commemoration truly makes St. John Bosco more alive in the hearts of the bosconians and of those who form the big Salesian family. Towards the end of 2013 and at the beginning of 2014, the relics of the three Blessed youths: Laura Vicuna, Ceferino Namuncura, and Alberto Marvelli made a solemn visit to all the different Salesian settings. This summer of 2014, the FIN Province, through the Commission on Youth Ministry (CYM), decided to have a summer camp that will gather the bosconian leaders of the different Salesian settings of the province for a common formative and interactive experience of being children of St. John Bosco. Summer camps were one of the many means Don Bosco used in order to make the young spend their time wisely and fruitfully especially during their vacation months. Summer youth camps, in the mind of Don Bosco, must cater to the holistic formation of the youth. While the youth enjoy the fun of outdoor activities a youth camp can offer, they must also find themselves being given the opportunity to develop their God-given talents and capabilities for the common good. Since the time of Don Bosco, Salesian youth camps continue to offer to the young the chance to be empowered in realizing that they can already rise to the

challenges that life offers them. May 1-4, 2014 found bosconian leaders from the different Salesians schools, youth centers, and parishes gathering together at Bluroze Farm and Wildlife Park, Lipa, Batangas for the first province-level summer youth leaders camp: CHAMPOREE. This word comes from two words: Champion and Jamboree. The word jamboree already speaks for itself as far as camping is concerned. Now, why Champion? When this camping was undergoing its initial conceptualization and planning, Fr. Gaudencio ‘GC’ Carandang, the head of the CYM was inspired to take Fr. Armand Robleza’s CODE OF CHAMPIONS as the core module of this camp. Following the great example of St. John Bosco, the champion of youth, this camping aims at letting every bosconian youth be inspired by the father, teacher, and friend of the youth as they hope to be champions to people they encounter in their daily lives, especially to their fellow youth. This article does not intend to decode Fr. Armand’s Code of Champions. But suffice it to mention here that being a champion is not the same as being a winner. In every triumph of a winner, there is always a corresponding defeat of a loser; and achievement is the thing that is gained and received. On the contrary, in every champion, there is always an inspiration developed in another person; and the achievement of a champion is something that is shared. Winners make themselves. Champions are made by others. With the help of Fr. Dante Valero, Fr. Noel Sumagui, Fr. Umijun Binueza, together with the youth facilitators from the different Salesian schools, parishes and youth centers, and the Postulants and Post-novices, CHAMPOREE was able to offer to all the four hundred campers a variety of inputs and interactive activities that allowed them to

be champions to each other. The camp’s teams were named after the blessed youths of the Church (Savio, Tarcisius, Namuncura,Vicuna, Calungsod, Gorretti, Kesy, and Luwanga) and were composed of members from the different Salesian settings. There were no competitions against the different teams. The objective of all the activities by teams were not to fight against each other as which team is the best but to inspire each other and be champions to each one. There were moments for guided personal and group reflections, evaluations, and sharing so that all the inputs and activities were properly assimilated and integrated in one’s real life situation. Bosconian leaders from DBTI Tarlac, DBA Pampanga, DBTC Mandaluyong, DBC Canlubang, Caritas DB School Sta. Rosa, Savio Parish, San Ildefonso Parish, MHC Mayapa Parish, SJB Parish Sta. Rosa, DB Batulao, DB Calauan were able to enjoy each other’s company for four days: praying, learning, eating, singing, dancing, playing, resting, and making friends among themselves. They spent four days decoding the Code of Champions under all weather conditions, amidst all the challenging activities that required one’s total cooperation and dedication. In all the camp’s activities, the campers tried their very best to be the champion they can be: Cultivating character, Having a heart, Aiming for a mission, Maintaining a balance, Prioritizing the Spirit, and Staying on the course. CHAMPOREE ended two days before the feast of St. Dominic Savio (May 6), the champion of every bosconian. As the campers were challenged to share to others the good things they have learned from this fourday camp, they know that they have the example of this saint at fifteen to inspire them to live the code of the champions as BOSCONIAN CHAMPS.

Taga DON BOSCO po, CHAMPION po!

JUNE-AUGUST 2014 ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY

ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY JUNE-AUGUST 2014

JUNE-AUGUST 2014 ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY

ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY JUNE-AUGUST 2014

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FR. BERNARD P. NOLASCO, SDB

Since the time of Don Bosco, Salesian youth camps continue to offer to the young the chance to be empowered in realizing that they can already rise to the challenges that life offers them.

Catechists take upon themselves the Church’s sacred duty to communicate, instruct and foster life in the full mystery of Christ while preserving the Christian heritage as the Church’s greatest legacy. continued from page 12

through a public school teeming with students. The question “who would take care of the students in the public school?” gave her a strong desire to do something for them. It was as if Jesus was calling her to take care of them! Furthermore, she observed in her parish that most catechists were past their 60’s and can hardly walk. She felt that God was leading her to infuse new blood and new energy to the catechetical ministry. She knew it would be difficult. The pay was not much. But she made the decision to be part of these silent breed of heroes in the Church who are sometimes treated as second rate teachers, yet are important link to the chain of faith. Glenda is just one of the many dedicated catechists in the country and in the world. Because of them, the Church’s thrust of New Evangelization is being carried out day after day in the most unexpected places. The National Catechetical Directory for the Philippines (NCDP, 2007) gives us an overview of the whole catechetical scene when it says: “the sheer number of Filipinos who need to be given basic catechesis, coupled with the continued high population growth, confirms PCP II’s judgment that catechesis is the most basic area of renewal in the Philippines and should receive first priority.” For catechesis to be really given “first priority,” we need to fully understand the great importance and the urgent need of transmitting the faith. At the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Pope Francis baptized 32 babies during the Holy Mass held at the Sistine Chapel. In his message to the parents he stressed: “Above all, I want to tell you this: you are the persons who hand on the faith, the transmitters; you have the duty to pass on the faith to these babies. It is the most beautiful inheritance that you can give them: the faith!”

This is what catechesis is all about. Catechists take upon themselves the Church’s sacred duty to communicate, instruct and foster life in the full mystery of Christ while preserving the Christian heritage as the Church’s greatest legacy. In other words, they are the face of the Church in the classrooms that keeps the fire of faith burning. Cardinal Tagle, in his message during the Philippine Conference for New Evangelization in October last year said: “Paano na lang ang Simbahan kung wala ang katekista.” Indeed, it is their task to spread the word of Jesus and make Him known. They paved the way for young people to encounter Christ and make their hearts open to receive graces particularly in the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. They do not just teach religion but they journey with their students in the faith. Their greatest challenge as catechists is to become authentic witnesses of Jesus. Hence, they need to be supported and trained to be effective communicators of the faith. This has to be translated concretely in the parish and dioceses where they serve. This will also require financial arrangement that will sustain further recruitment and formation of

course is intended for the aspirants to the Salesian life, it has been made available also to extern students. It dreams of becoming an institution which can provide catechists who are professionally competent, apostolic Christian educators and confident communicators of faith in the Don Bosco Schools in Southern Philippines as well as in the Archdiocese of Cebu. Glenda is one of its extern students. She is now in her thrid year. The pastoral exhortation of Archbishop Socrates Villegas, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, on this Year of the Laity is compelling. He challenges our people to be “saints and heroes” in our country beset with enormous pastoral challenges. I believe education to the faith is the answer. It is only Jesus who can change our hearts and transform our country. Unless we invest on faithformation and empower our catechists, we will be just a generation away from the extinction of our faith. The task ahead may be great. But Glenda is undaunted. She continues to juggle her many tasks; and with her motherly smile she declares: “Being a catechist is a life-changing experience. The youth need us. Most of them

Unless we invest on faith-formation and empower our catechists, we will be just a generation away from the extinction of our faith. competent catechists. Otherwise, this will simply remain on paper or part of a beautiful dream. Don Bosco Formation Center in Lawaan, Talisay City makes an attempt to contribute to this ecclesial effort by offering the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Religious Education and Pastoral Communication. Though the

experienced being lost or unloved. They need us to accompany them to God who can truly fill up their emptiness. Come and be a catechist! Take part in this great privilege of forming the minds and hearts of children and youth. Help pass on the riches of our Catholic faith!”

JUNE-AUGUST 2014 ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY

F E A T U R E | Youth serving youth

PEER

MINISTRy MINISTRy in the school

“F

ly from bad companions as from the bite of a poisonous snake. If you keep good companions, I can assure you that you will one day rejoice with the blessed in Heaven; whereas if you keep with those who are bad, you will become bad yourself, and you will be in danger of losing your soul.” – St. John Bosco These words of our father and teacher of youth must resound in the halls of our schools especially in these modern times and modern culture that young people are being lured continuously by bad mass media to individualistic and relativistic moral standards that does not value the timeless teachings of our Catholic faith. Some would even

ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY JUNE-AUGUST 2014

BY ROLANDO C. DELOS REYES II, MA ED. RGC

start maligning these teachings as something medieval and irrelevant today – but nothing can be further from the truth. Morality that is based on natural and divine laws is eternal and unchangeable, even if the culture of society changes. Because our culture makes it more difficult for Catholics to live according to Christ’s teachings, particularly among young people who have an incessant desire for belongingness, schools must continue reviving and revitalizing its apostolate for young people by young people – the peer ministry. This should not just be another pastoral club that draws strength from the liturgy and devotions to Jesus, Mary and the saints, but should be a dynamic group that draws young people to reflect on their daily behaviour choices and inspire them to live an undivided holy life.

PHOTO CREDIT: RAYMOND MAMARIL; FR. BERNARD P. NOLASCO, SDB

Peer ministry must draw each young person out of his or her loneliness and selfish desires into becoming a minister of charity to one another, and to the greater number of young people. services or exposure to charitable institutions, to even spiritual activities like Eucharistic adoration or praying the rosary for specific intentions. These activities must be done together as a group, taking good care that everyone is given the opportunity to participate and to even lead in planning and conducting them. The focus is not on the activity itself, but in the Christ-centered fellowship that develops among young people as they do this activity.

BEING WITH SOMEONE IN JESUS More important than enjoying these group activities is the inner knowledge of every member of

Peer ministry is an apostolate that must appeal to young people and attract them to rethink about their principles in life and go against the tide of modernism, living authentic Christian lives. DOING SOMETHING GOOD TOGETHER Don Bosco often reminded his students “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.” This is because boredom incites addictive behaviour that does not contribute to one’s wellbeing. Peer ministry should think of activities that they could do as a group and would bring about the holistic development of man – from physical activities like team sports, mountain climbing, or hiking, to intellectual activities like mind games or quiz bees, to social activities like interaction with other young people (particularly those of the opposite sex), community

the peer ministry that he or she is not alone. Loneliness among young people attracts them to experiment on the fleeting things presented to them by the modern culture. Peer ministry must draw each young person out of his or her loneliness and selfish desires into becoming a minister of charity to one another, and to the greater number of young people. Whether in good times or in bad times, peer ministers must be ready to just be there – as Don Bosco would always provide a loving presence among his students. But the peer minister must also be aware of his or her own

needs and to bring these to the loving presence of Jesus and Mary, and to the fellowship of peer ministry.

DRaWING INSPIRaTION FROM THE FRIENDS OF GOD Since bad media does not provide good examples of young people, it is important for peer ministers to connect themselves with the life stories of peers set apart by the Catholic Church as exemplary in the practice of heroic virtues – the saints. Often brushed off by modernism as irrelevant, the lives of the saints present a timeless way of approaching temptations, challenges in life, responding to expectations of people and culture in lieu of living an authentic Christian life. Practically speaking, providing reading materials, watching (or conducting) stage plays or movies, discussing the life of Dominic Savio, Laura Vicuna, Zeferino Namuncura or other youthful saints would serve as inspiration for peer ministers to live the virtues like purity, humility, mercy, justice, and undivided trust in the Lord “He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.” – Proverbs 13:20 The famous adage “Tell me who your friends are, and I would tell you who you are” is particularly evident among young people. Peer ministry is an apostolate that must appeal to young people and attract them to rethink about their principles in life and go against the tide of modernism, living authentic Christian lives. It brings about the reality that we are called by God to live in a community, in the fellowship of other believers that practice the true faith. The communion of saints, both in heaven and on earth, can be experienced by the young through peer ministry.

JUNE-AUGUST 2014 ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY

F E A T U R E | Being Sowers of the Good News

PROCLAIMING

JESUS A to the BY

SR. ANN LYN MAGNO, FMA

MARGINALIZED

yOUTH

ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY JUNE-AUGUST 2014

s soon as they arrive in school, they place their things in their lockers then proceed immediately to the chapel. Such is the daily morning routine of the young women in Mary Our Help Technical Institute for Women (Cebu), Inc. (MOHTIW). Visiting Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is an important part of the day. Don Bosco’s assurance that, “If you want many graces, visit Jesus many times in the chapel” is becoming a growing conviction. However, the scenario in June and July, the first months of classes, is far from previously mentioned.

Popular religiosity and devotion once properly explained could be great bridges to a loving relationship with God. It is therefore a challenge for us Catholic educators to help our young people mature in how they understand their faith. PHOTO CREDIT: FR. BERNARD P. NOLASCO, SDB

95-97% of our technicalvocational students who come from public schools have not received a systematic and solid catechesis. Culturally, Cebuanos are religious people as seen in their great devotion to the Sto. Niño, with almost four million devotees joining the procession every year. With such a huge crowd, it is overwhelming to see and hear them fervently pray. However, in the daily grind, it is not always the case. As with our students, they seemed to be a thirst for catechesis such that they are all wide eyed and all ears during Religious Education classes and look forward to spiritual experiences. The fact that Christianity in the Philippines started in Cebu is not a guarantee that they are evangelized.

A group of students once boast of their family’s great love and devotion to the Sto. Niño that they would complete the novena Masses in preparation for the feast. Yet when asked, “Is the Sto. Niño and Jesus one and the same person?” they convincingly answered with a big, “No” and explained that Sto. Niño is the Holy Child and Jesus is the Savior. When it was made clear to them that Sto. Niño and Jesus is one and the same person, they shook their head in disbelief and are awed by their newfound knowledge. Popular religiosity and devotion once properly explained could be great bridges to a loving relationship with God. It is therefore a challenge for us Catholic educators to help our young people mature in how they understand their faith. “Catechesis is nothing other than the process of transmitting the Gospel, as the Christian community receives it, understands it, celebrates it, lives it and communicates it in many ways.” (GDC #105) In MOH-TIW (Cebu), Inc., catechesis is part of our young women’s daily experience: morning and afternoon prayer,s good day talks, systematic Religious Education

classes, novenas, praying of the rosary and other religious experiences like recollection, retreat, reception of the sacraments especially the Holy Eucharist and Reconciliation. In the FMA settings, “Live and love Jesus and Mary with joy!” has become not only a mere greeting but a reminder to anchor one’s life on Jesus and Mary. Young people are generally music lovers, thus, we evangelize through music, songs, and dances. These are important elements in our catechetical ministry. With these, our young women are able to relate and express their sentiments and convictions about the faith. Youth groups help them see themselves in relation with self, others and God.Thus, weekly sessions with their group are positive ways of encountering God and developing a deeper relationship with Him. Along with the catechesis for the youth is the catechesis for parents whom we gather once a month. Thus, hand in hand with the parents we bring our young people to a personal encounter with Jesus. We also offer our young people opportunities to serve and care for both the environment and persons as these are opportunities to concretely express their love for God. Any society finds its hope in young people. We are privileged to be given the opportunity to journey with them. Our young women are like rich soil waiting to be cultivated. It is just a matter of sowing good seeds in their hearts. With holy perseverance, we proclaim the Good News to them that can touch their hearts, strengthen their faith, and lead them to be witnesses of the Word through their daily Christian lives.

JUNE-AUGUST 2014 ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY

FEATURE|

DBTC @60 on high gear

a DIaMOND in

BY FR. NIORET GERONIMO JR., SDB

AND CL.

JOHN QUINCY

CABALLO, SDB

Synergy at 60:Grateful of the Past, Engaging the Present, Strengthening the Future with Excellence

years ago, three Salesians led by Fr. Atillio Boscariol arrived on March 14, 1954 at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral upon the invitation of the concerned citizens of Cebu to start Don Bosco Boys Town - the city’s work for street kids. Previous to this, Fr. Boscariol with Bro. Agustin Lopez and Bro. Luis Iriarte were guests of the Redemptorists at the Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Soon they moved to a building annexed to the cathedral, which was meant to house 30 boys. As days rolled by, the initial 4 boys gradually increased in number. Fr. Boscariol‘s conditions for accepting boys was simple: there was always a place for boys as long as they were homeless, destitute and wayward. It was never an easy task for the Salesians to take care of these boys. The street kids were seemingly dumb, very suspicious, and insincere. Many in fact were escaping from the center. Nevertheless, the Salesians continued

to serve these poor boys with so much hope and perseverance. On March 5, 1955, Boys Town transferred to its new location in Punta Princesa along Buhisan River, in a 4 ½ hectare land donated by the late Don Ramon Aboitiz. Boys Town soon had its own school and was called Don Bosco Technical High School that was soon opened for day-students too. A dormitory was established to accommodate students who were coming from other cities and municipalities, and even from other nearby islands. Through the years, this Salesian presence evolved and developed. From a simple home for street urchins, it has become a complex Salesian school offering Basic Education, Engineering Courses, and Technical-Vocational

theme of DBTC’s Diamond Jubilee inasmuch as we give tribute to those who have built the foundation of this institution; and we look forward with so much hope and enthusiasm in

Fr. Boscariol‘s conditions for accepting boys was simple: there was always a place for boys as long as they were homeless, destitute and wayward. Courses for the marginalized youth. “Synergy at 60: Grateful of the Past, Engaging the Present, Strengthening the Future with Excellence” is the chosen

ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY JUNE-AUGUST 2014

providing superior quality technical education to the youth of today and tomorrow. The Educative-Pastoral Community

Over and above all these past achievements and future plans, what makes DBTC strong and relevant through the years is the spirit of St. John Bosco and the rich Salesian traditions. PHOTOSCOURTESY COURTESYOF OFFR. FR.NIORET NIORETGERONIMO GERONIMOJR., JR.,SDB SDB; ;CL. CL.JOHN JOHNQUINCY QUINCYCABALLO, CABALLO,SDB SDB PHOTOS

of DBTC aims to make this institution more relevant through its PAASCU Accreditation at all levels, K-12 Standardization, a new common manual of operations, and the strengthening the DBTC partnership with the industries as far as the technical programs, developments and services are concerned. Over and above all these past achievements and future plans, what makes DBTC strong and relevant through the years is the spirit of St. John Bosco and the rich Salesian traditions. The devotions to the Holy

Eucharist, to the Blessed Mother, and to the Church are the core devotions DBTC continues to instill in the hearts of bosconians from where they will build their influence in the Church and in the society. DBTC stands by St. John Bosco’s principle: that every Salesian school must educate by evangelizing and must evangelize by educating. With honor and pride, DBTC has already contributed generously to our Mother Church sixty Salesian and non-Salesian priests and brothers. Among them are two bishops: Msgr. Precioso Cantillas, SDB of the Diocese Maasin, Souther

Leyte and Msgr. Patricio Buzon, SDB of the Diocese of Kabangkalan, Negros Occidental. DBTC is also proud of her distinguished alumni who are living up to their bosconian values in their respective fields in our society. As DBTC celebrates her diamond jubilee, the whole EPC is on high gear in facing present and future challenges with no fear as she stands on solid Salesian grounds, all for the glory of God and the salvation of souls. The history is gleaned from the book “Salesians in the Philippines – Establishment and Development from Delegation to Province (19511963)” by Fr. Nestor C. Impelido SDB.

TODAY JUNE-AUGUST 2014 ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY

F E A T U R E I Don Bosco in our midst

FIN’S NEW PROVINCIaL:

FR. aNTHONy PaUL

BICOMONG, SDB BY CL.

DONNIE DUCHIN DUYA, SDB

n the rector’s office of Don Bosco Technical Institute in Makati, one cannot but notice the coffee table book featuring Michael Jordan. No doubt, the office is owned by someone who is himself a basketball fanatic, Fr. Anthony Paul Bicomong, SDB, DBTI’s rector for almost six years now, and the 10th Provincial Superior of the Salesian Philippine Province (FIN) since it was made a Province in 1963. But if one thinks that basketball is only his thing, think again. To get a glimpse of who Fr. Paul is, here are a few personal testimonies from people who have lived and worked with him.

Fr. ariel Macatangay, SDB, Fr. Paul’s long time companion since their elementary days, recalls that Fr. Paul was “more easy-go-lucky and thought more about sports; he became a diligent and serious student as a high school aspirant.” Through and through a Salesian, he did not just excel in music and sports, but also in studies. He has been teaching general and special ethics to Philosophy majors in Don Bosco College in Canlubang. “In the seminary, he was responsible in any job given to him. He was known for his punctuality and exact fulfilment of his duties,” adds Fr. Ariel. Ms. Mel Hernandez, longtime registrar of Don Bosco College affirms this, “He arranged with us his teaching schedule upon getting the news that he will assume the responsibility as Rector of DBTI

Makati. Indeed, Fr. Paul is responsible in the things entrusted to him.”

Ms. Imelda Benitez, local coordinator of the Salesian Cooperators of Makati Center, notes that Fr. Paul is “a serious believer of the big spiritual family envisioned by St. John Bosco. He always emphasizes this during monthly meeting of Salesian Cooperators.” She was also impressed how Fr. Paul managed to be present in their monthly gathering and how he would even stay to finish all activities. She understands how hectic the life of Salesian priests is; she understands that an SDB local delegate of Salesian Cooperators usually stays for some time, celebrates the Mass or give some words and leaves. “Pero siya commitment niya talaga to be with us ‘pag third Sunday,” Ms. Imelda quips.

Fr. Gregorio Bicomong Jr. SDB, in his characteristic humor, he quipped that Fr. Paul has publicly acknowledged how his elder brother inspired him to enter the seminary. However Fr. Greg revealed how his younger brother also encouraged him to remain in the seminary, especially when he thought of leaving when the Salesian brothers’ seminary in Makati was about to be closed. LOOKING FORWaRD The next six years will be an exciting treat for FIN, just like a basketball game. But surely, a tad more than that. As one Salesian Family, let us offer our prayers for our new Fr. Provincial. Let us give him all our respect, trust, and unwavering support in leading all of us to be faithful to the Lord Jesus in Don Bosco’s way.

Fr. Paul is “a serious believer of the big spiritual family envisioned by St. John Bosco”. 24

ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY JUNE-AUGUST 2014

A message of gratitude | F E A T U R E

THE yOUNG PEOPLE CHaLLENGE US

TO BE

HOLy!

BY BR.

JOMAR CASTILLO, SDB

Salamat po,

FR. ELI CRUZ, SDB

he Rector Major, Fr. Pascual Chavez, made a very bold statement in his first letter to the Salesians dated August 14, 2002. He challenged the congregation saying: “My dear Salesians, be saints!” As sons and daughters of God, we have actually received this great gift and task when we were baptized. More importantly, as Salesians, this is the best thing we can offer to the young whom we have promised to give our last breath—our holiness.

PHOTO CREDIT: CREDIT: COMMISSION COMMISSION ON ON SOCIAL SOCIALCOMMUNICATION-FIN COMMUNICATION-FIN PHOTO

Taking from the challenge of the Rector Major, Fr. Eli, in his speech as the new FIN Provincial Superior on July 5, 2008, reminded the confreres of the province to put into heart and action the challenge of the Rector Major. Addressing the youth in various fora, Fr. Eli gave a tall order to the young people to help us Salesians to live up to our profession by saying: “Dear young people, challenge us to be holy.” It was a very powerful statement for me. As a young Salesian, this gave me a clearer view on how Fr. Eli, as a Salesian, considers the power of the young people. Fr. Eli believes that young people are full of life and potentials, of energy and creativity, of dreams and aspirations. Throughout his term as provincial, he has constantly reminded them to live holy lives. His passion in writing has given birth to several books on presenting youthful models of holiness.

He has always continued to challenge the young to be holy whenever he was invited to speak to them. As provincial, he guided the FIN Province in discerning how to answer the call of the Church towards New Evangelization and to address the challenges of the Congregation in facing the mission’s New Frontiers. Discerning together as a province, he opened a new Salesian presence in Calauan, Laguna in 2010. He convened the province for a Congress on New Evangelization in 2013. He accepted the task of hosting the EAO Salesian Brothers Formation House in the East Asia Oceania Region (now a canonically established community) in 2013. He also tasked some confreres to make comprehensive research and studies on the Salesian presences in youth centers and parishes; studying the situations of the youth at risk or the youth in conflict with the law, etc.

With the yoke that needed to be carried in order to animate the province even as he deals with his own health conditions, he has offered all these for the province and the young people. His happy disposition in serving the province while at the same time dealing with his illness has been an image of Don Bosco who was ready to give everything he can give, even his last breath, for his poor boys. Let us thank Fr. Eli for animating the province in the best possible way he could with the grace of God. We thank him for doing his best to unite the province in being faithful to the legacy of St. John Bosco. We thank him in believing in all of us, members the Salesian Family, in being able to face the new challenges of today as we all strive to be true to our Salesian vocation as signs and bearers of God’s love to the young.

Salamat, Fr. Eli !!!

Fr. Eli believes that young people are full of life and potentials, of energy and creativity, of dreams and aspirations. JUNE-AUGUST 2014 ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY

FIN-FIS NEWS a BEaTIFUL EaSTER GIFT TO THE CHURCH:

7 NEW PRIESTS! Parañaque—The Salesian congregation received a beautiful Easter gift thru the ordination of seven young men to the order of priesthood, last April 21, the ﬁrst day of Easter Octave—in a jampacked National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Paranaque City. Fr. Erasto Dizon, SDB (FIN) Fr. Joji Inocentes, III, SDB (FIN) Fr. Jake Lopez, SDB (FIN) Fr. JM Mangubat, SDB (FIN) Fr. Nelson Munar, SDB (FIN) Fr. Arnold Pattyona, SDB (VIE-MNG) Fr. Paul Michael Suarez, SDB (FIN) Attended by more than 1,000 individuals composed largely of the members of the Salesian family, young people from various Don Bosco settings in the FIN, and regular parishioners, our seven newly ordained priests prove once more how God shows His magnanimous love for the work of our confreres in the Philippine North Province and Mongolia by hailing ministers to take care of His young people. Among the newly ordained, Fr. Arnold Pattyona, born in Indonesia, is set to ﬂy to Mongolia to begin his missionary work there. His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Manila was the ordaining prelate.

SaLESIaN CLERICS’ PERPETUaL PROFESSION

Paranaque, May 1, 2014—Donnie Duchin Duya (FIN), Joseph Pham Van Truong (IND), Martino Nguyen Quoc Huy (VIE),Ambrusius Widiyantoro (MON), Julio da Silva Mota (ITM), Noble Lal (FIS),Yulius Dadang Supriyanto (ITM), Matias Mendonca Marcal de Jesus Pinto (ITM)

ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY JUNE-AUGUST 2014

In his beautiful homily, Cardinal Rosales reminded the new priests—and all the people present in the Mass—to go back to their own Galilee that they may meet the Risen Lord! Close to a hundred priests came to concelebrate and greet the newly ordained to the ministry of priesthood. On behalf of the newly ordained Salesian priests, Fr. Jake Lopez asked for the faithful’s prayers and support reminiscent of the value of emptiness, that the Lord may truly ﬁll each one with grace.

SEMPER SEMPERSUI SUINOVICES NOVICES

FIRST FIRSTRELIGIOUS RELIGIOUSPROFESSION PROFESSION

LAWA-AN, MAY 6, 2014—(front row, L-R) Cl. Genson Banguis, Cl. John Mark Paez, Br. James Gomez, Br. Raﬀy Besonia, Cl. John Han, Cl. Manuel Entrigo, (back row, L-R) Cl. Nataniel Petate, Cl. Paul Dungca, Cl. Andrei Estoche, Cl. Maeko Diaz, Cl. Anthony Adollada, Cl. Gerald Cabucos

Lay BROTHER JOMaR CaSTILLO, SDB PERPETUaL PROFESSION FIN, Canlubang—May 10, 2014, on the eve of the Good Shepherd Sunday and the 51st World Day of Prayer for Vocations, the FIN province received a gift from the Lord through Br. Jose Maria V. Castillo, SDB, a Salesian Brother, making his Perpetual Profession at the Diocesan Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, the very house of worship where he used to serve Mass as an adolescent, and later on, as a high school student when the Seminary complex opened its gates to high school students in 1998. His Excellency Bishop Patricio Buzon, SDB, DD, Bishop of the Diocese of Kabankalan, and about a hundred Salesians were present. Among them were about 30 Salesian Brothers from the FIN, FIS and other provinces within the EAO region. Some FMAs and ASCs also witnessed the event. His family, troves of young people from his places of apostolate, his former teachers, classmates, and students also came. Fr. Eligio Cruz, SDB, provincial superior of the FIN province, presided the Mass and received the vows of Br. Jomar. In his homily, Fr. Eli took the opportunity to present to the faithful the Salesian Brother vocation by highlighting its unique vocation

NEWLy ORDaINED DEaCONS

and mission. Likewise, he challenged Br. Jomar to be always with God who is the source of the love that he shares as he dedicates himself forever for the poor young people. Br Jomar chose the theme “…a new heart” from Ezekiel 36:26, inspired by the initiative of God giving his people an interiority that is susceptible to, and animated, by God’s intention. This is his prayer as he continues he journey in this loving encounter with the Lord who calls. In his speech, he thanked the many people who have been part of his journey as a Salesian and asked those present to continue praying for him to be a faithful and holy Salesian Brother. Br. Jomar hails from Canlubang where he studied in the schools of the FMA and SDB for primary and secondary studies, respectively. He joined the seminary after his high school and ﬁnished his tertiary degree while undergoing his prenovitiate formation. He belonged to the ﬁrst batch of Salesian Brothers to undergo the biennium program for Salesian Brothers in Parañaque. After his perpetual profession, Br. Jomar will be assigned at the Don Bosco Postnovitiate in Canlubang as a member of the formation team.

GONE TO THE

FATHER BR. RAMON DELA CRUZ JANUARY 10, 1940 + MARCH 1, 2014

FR. CHRISTOPHER KENNEDY Parañaque, March 29, 2014—(From left to right) Rev. Ambrosio Lucas Da Silva, Rev. Jacinto Tadeo Gusmao, Rev. Silverius Andang Kencana Aji(First 3 from ITM), Rev. Michael Angelo Hernandez(FIN), Rev. Generoso Llenos(FIS), Rev. Mario Gaspar Dos Santos(VIE)

SEPTEMBER 6, 1946 + MARCH 13, 2014

JUNE-AUGUST 2014 ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY

ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY JUNE-AUGUST 2014