St. John Bosco Today • December 2015–February 2016 by St. John Bosco Today

BayaniJuan sa Bayan ni Juan

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 Associate Editor Fr. Joel Camaya, SDB Copy Editor Cl. Donnie Duchin-Duya, SDB Coordinators Fr. Randy Figuracion, SDB FIS; Sr. Mariel Demata, FMA & FMA Past Pupils; Sr. Sophia Akiko Oshita, SCG; Brenda Ramirez ASC; Dr. Victor B. Endriga DBAPNF; Maria Junifer Maliglig ADMA; Evangeline Dolliente FADS Art Director Early Macabales Graphics & Design Studio DBPI-Multimedia Section Circulation Commission on Social Communication

C O N T E N T S

ST. JOHN BOSCO TODAY |THE SALESIAN FAMILY MAGAZINE | PHILIPPINES | DECEMBER 2015-FEBRUARY 2016 | VOLUME 45 • NUMBER 3

Cover Stor

Don Bo sco is A liv Well in the Phil e and ippines

FEATURES

REGULARS

MESSAGE OF THE RECTOR MAJOR

Strenna 2016 With Jesus, Let Us Venture in the Spirit Together!

EDITOR’S NOTE

At the Service of the Church

NEWS 30 FIN-FIS • Rhythm of Love

• Salesiana Films bagged 8 Major Awards • DB200 Mall Exhibit Goes South

COVER: "BAYANIJUAN"

BY JOHN MICHAEL CORTEZ , GRAND PRIZE WINNER OF THE DON BOSCO BICENTENNIAL ART CONTEST

9 The Association of Salesian Cooperators Making the Youth Feel at Home 12 ADMA and the Three Loves of Don Bosco Giving Honor to Jesus in the Church through Mary 14 Familia Asociacion Damas in the Philippines Giving Hope to Poor Families 16 The Salesians of Don Bosco (FIS) Don Bosco, Giving Hope to Needy

SPECIAL FEATURE

19 Cetera Tolle, the Musicale Behind the Scene 22 Grateful Salesians, Golden Hearts 25 Silver Jubilarians of Priestly Ordination Silver Jubilarians of Religious Profession 27 Fr. Jose ≈Pepe∆ Reinoso, SDB Better in Gold, Better than Gold 28

Like Don Bosco, with the Young for the Young We See and Feel Don Bosco is Here Present

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

Send your comments and suggestions to salesianbulletinphilippines@gmail.com All rights reserved © 2015 by Don Bosco Press, Inc. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without permission from the publisher.

MESSAGE OF THE

STRENNA 2016

RECTOR MAJOR

With Jesus, Let Us Venture in the Spirit Together! THE RECTOR MAJOR GIVES US A GLIMPSE OF THE STRENNA 2016

ife is where we ﬁnd ourselves at the crossroads. We are all familiar with this experience, confronted as we are by a variety of paths and options. And it is precisely along the path of life that the Spirit operates and, in all freedom, knocks on the door of every human heart. In one way or another we all have the experience of being travellers, and there are days when we have travelled long distances. This experience of journeying sheds light on what it means to engage in an adventure with the Spirit. Why? What does it mean to venture in the Spirit? ■ In the ﬁrst place, it is an INTERIOR journey. ■ But, an interior journey is not only an exercise of entering into our inmost self, however good such an exercise may be. For us who are believers, it is a journey of SPIRITUALITY, a spirituality that is cultivated and expressed in ways we shall speak of later. Jesus himself lived an authentic “adventure” of openness to the Spirit. He always sought the Will of the Father who in His Spirit inspired, accompanied, moved and guided Him. Don Bosco himself lived his entire life, open to the Spirit, because it was his desire to respond to what God asked of him, with regard to himself and for the sake of his boys. The path he followed at Chieri and his continual searching were a truly adventurous journey, as he allowed himself to be guided by the Spirit. This journey led him down the years to that harmony and personal unity that were far removed from any kind of fragmentation. It was the same thing with the Lord Jesus together with Mary of Nazareth - they lived an adventure of the Spirit that meant trusting in God without knowing the point of arrival

- and with Don Bosco, whose yes to the Spirit was a real life adventure with incredible challenges. And this is the invitation we receive each day to go deeper along the path of the Spirit, allowing ourselves to be accompanied, led and surprised by Him. It is a path that holds a lot of adventure: in it there are no certainties, but the point of arrival is fascinating. How do we express and manifest this path of interiority and spirituality that enables us to let the Spirit accompany our lives? ■ It is expressed in a profound experience of faith. ■ In cultivating the community dimension of this same faith. ■ By growing in mercy and in the fraternal dimension of our life. Finally, we would like to ask you to allow us to make this voyage of discovery together. Let us walk this journey together! Let us learn together, let us experience together because this will do a lot of good to all of us. And, in this “all” we include the Salesian Family in all its various manifestations for whom this Strenna is primarily intended. We also think of the many thousands and thousands of young people who in various countries, cultures and Salesian presences are the animators of other young people, accompanying them on this adventurous journey, accompanied along the way by Him, the Spirit of God, who, as we said, surprises, stimulates, provokes, inspires, fascinates and accompanies.

Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime, SDB Rector Major

BICENTENARY OF THE BIRTH OF DON BOSCO 1815-2015

EDITOR’S EDITOR’SNOTE NOTE

At the Service of the Church FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

t. John Bosco was both abreast and ahead of his time. While dealing with the challenges being faced by both the Church and Society, his ways were simply considered unconventional. He was thinking and doing things out of the box yet remaining in touched with contemporary issues. He gained the respect of both the civil and the ecclesiastical authorities because he became a witness of someone who was simply working for the common good especially on the plight of the youth of his time. Both the Church and the government saw that the things he was doing for the youth would eventually beneﬁt them: forming young people to be good Christians and honest citizens. Every branch of the Salesian Family heed the same calling which Don Bosco answered: to be at the service of the Kingdom of God while inspiring and guiding young people in serving God and country. This December 2015-February 2016 Issue will allow readers to discover and appreciate the many good things that the different branches of the Salesian Family are doing in our country. If indeed humility is truth, then sharing with you how the members of the Salesian Family continue to make St. John Bosco alive through the many ministries they do is indeed an act of humility. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a bushel basket. It is placed on a lampstand for everyone to beneﬁt. This issue is just about that: putting the light of Christ that every member of the Salesian Family carries whenever he/she shares in the mission of Christ entrusted to Don Bosco. As we continue to thank the Lord for the gift of St. John Bosco to us and to the whole Church, we give praise to Him for all our Salesian priests celebrating their Silver and Golden anniversaries of Salesian Profession and/ or Salesian Priesthood. We congratulate Fr. Dennis Paez and all the staff and cast of “Cetera Tolle” for a very successful Don Bosco Musicale at the Meralco Theater last August 24-30, 2015. We also thank all the people who have given their time, talent, money, and services to make this musicale as a special tribute to St. John Bosco. May this coming year 2016 be for us another year full of fervor and enthusiasm in serving the Church in Don Bosco’s way. VIVA DON BOSCO!

4 DECEMBER 2015-FEBRUARY 2016 SAINT JOHN BOSCO TODAY

Fr. Bernard P. Nolasco, SDB

COVER STORY

DON BOSCO isAlive and Well in the Philippines

BECOMING ‘DON BOSCOS OF TOMORROW’ TODAY BY

FR. CAESAR DIZON, SDB

Imitating Don Boscoʼs capacity for hard work, ﬂexibility and initiative, his sons, the Salesians of Don Bosco, are meeting the challenge head-on, and in so doing, prove that Don Bosco is, indeed, alive and well in the Philippines.

C O V E R S T O R Y

DON BOSCO DON BOSCO LIVES ON ON LIVES

n the movie, “Mission to Love”, Don Bosco spoke these words to some of his boys, “I want our family to be more stable and united. And above all, I want it to stay united...even when I’m gone.“ One of the boys, replied, “You will never die, Don Bosco.” And Don Bosco responded, “I will never die if you become the Don Boscos of tomorrow.” And that was what happened. These boys who grew up at the Oratory became Salesians—to become the Don Boscos of tomorrow. And others followed and became the Don Boscos in their own time and place. In the Philippines, the Salesians of Don Bosco came in 1951 and chose to stay for good. And through them Don Bosco also arrived on our shores. It is interesting to note that in the Philippines, Filipinos are more familiar with the name Don Bosco than with St. John Bosco. And consequently, the Salesians are known as Don Bosco Priests and Brothers.

SCHOOLS,TRAINING CENTERS, ORATORIES AND PARISHES

Don Bosco’s work in the Philippines started with schools. The Salesians took over the St. John Bosco Academy in Tarlac (1951). It had been founded by an American chaplain. Don Bosco Technical Institute in Victorias, Negros Occidental (1951) was established with the ﬁnancial and moral support of Don Miguel Ossorio of the Victorias Milling Co. Through the years, other schools and TVET centers were established. There are now about eleven schools and fourteen TVET centers offering elementary, post-secondary and tertiary education. Technical education and training remain Don Bosco’s niche in the Philippines. Parish work did not take long in coming. Already in 1951 the Salesians took over the Parish of San Ildefonso in Makati. The area was then called “Culi-Culi”, an infamous red light district. The attempt of Fr. John Ma. Rizzato, the parish

SAINT JOHN BOSCO TODAY DECEMBER 2015-FEBRUARY 2016

priest to clean up the district almost cost him his life. The area has long since shed its ill reputation. In 1957 Lourdes Parish in Cebu city was canonically erected with Fr. Clifford as ﬁrst parish priest. Today there are about twelve Salesian Parishes. Among them are recognized shrines. The Mary Help of Christians Parish in Better Living, Parañaque is a National Shrine, while Lourdes Parish in Cebu is a Diocesan Shrine. The church of Mary Help of Christians in Don Bosco Canlubang is a Diocesan Shrine, but not a parish. The schools that were established did not remain only educational institutions. They opened their doors to the young people of the area for recreational, religious and formative activities. This apostolate was called an “oratory” or youth center. Some oratories were open on a daily basis; others, on weekends. Today the majority of the oratories are parish-based. A re-invention of the youth center is under way.

MISSIONARY WORK

In 1875, the ﬁrst Salesian missionary expedition departed for South America. By the time that Don Bosco died in 1888, eleven missionary expeditions had been commissioned and there were almost 150 Salesian missionaries in South America. By then the work of the Salesians had already expanded to Argentina (1875), Uruguay (1876), and Brazil (1882). Aware that mission work is in their blood, the Salesians in the Philippines have sent confreres to work in mission territories to plant the Church there in the same way that Don Bosco sent Salesians to South America. The ﬁrst steps were to Thailand and then to Africa and the Middle East. Later, invitations to establish a Salesian presence in other mission territories were accepted (Papua New Guinea and Pakistan). There was already a Salesian presence in East Timor but the work was later entrusted to the Salesians of the Philippines. Today the possibility of a Salesian presence in Malaysia is being seriously considered.

The schools that were established did not remain only educational institutions. They opened their doors to the young people of the area for recreational, religious and formative activities. This apostolate was called an “oratory” or youth center. Also individual Filipino Salesians write to the Rector Major to volunteer for mission work in whatever place they are needed. And so we ﬁnd them in Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, China, and Mongolia. Our latest contribution to the Missio Ad Gentes are Fr. Noel Sumagui (Sri Lanka) and Br. Rodil Lladones (Middle East). Fr. Noel wrote: “A Salesian priest once giving a talk to a group of young people said: ‘People who know how to say thank you are people who know how to give.’ I have received much in life from God—45 years of life, 25 years of Salesian life, 15 years of priesthood, a great family, wonderful friends, and confreres. And I really am very thankful to God for all of these. And what better way to say thank you than to say, Lord, here I am. Send me.” Br. Rodil has this to say: “I volunteered for the mission because I do believe that every Christian, every Salesian, by virtue of his baptism and his profession is a missionary. Furthermore, to share and be generous in one way or another is a trademark of the FIN province to the congregation.”

WORK FOR IMMIGRANTS

When Don Bosco sent his Salesians to South America, their ﬁrst work in fact was to minister to the Italian immigrants who did not receive any pastoral care. Missionary work among the natives began only later. Today, too, Filipino confreres are being been sent to minister to their kababayans working abroad. Fr. Emil Santos and Fr. Bong Osial are ministering to the Pinoys in Milan, while Fr. Rafael Galve is working side by side with Fr. John Benna to minister to Pinoys in Turin. Fr. Peter Porio is in Taiwan. OFWs

in Dubai and Japan are now waiting for Filipino Salesian chaplains to carry out pastoral ministry among them.

WORK FOR MIGRANT YOUTH

Don Bosco wrote: “Now it happened that late one rainy evening in May [1847] a lad of fifteen showed up soaked to the skin. He asked for bread and shelter. My mother took him into the kitchen and put him near the fire; while he warmed himself and dried his clothes, she fed him a bowl of soup and some bread. As he ate, I asked him whether he had gone to school, whether he had family, and what kind of work he did.” “I’m a poor orphan,” he answered me. “I’ve come from the Sesia valley to look for work. I had three francs with me, but I spent them all before I could earn anything. Now I have nothing left and no one to turn to.” This boy came to be the first migrant youth to whom Don Bosco gave board and lodging. And he was followed by other boys as well. From this developed the hospice at the Oratory of Valdocco. In the Philippines, the Salesians also take care of migrant youth who come to the city to obtain the training that will make them employable. With the help of foreign funding, Don Bosco Tondo has set up two separate facilities for male and female migrant youth. They study at the TVET center there. Don Bosco Tondo is proud of the fact that it has produced the first Salesian (now a Postnovice) from the migrant youth. Don Bosco Technical Institute (Makati) is taking care of migrant youth who have come to be known as the “Ampons”

BICENTENARY OF THE BIRTH OF DON BOSCO 1815-2015

C O V E R S T O R Y

DON BOSCO BOSCO DON LIVES LIVES ON ON

(male) and the “Ampans” (female). They take up TVET courses there. Br. Elmer Rodriguez began this work. St. John Bosco Parish (Makati) has the “Pugad” that also takes care of migrant youth. Fr. Remo Bati began this work when he was parish priest. These migrant youth study in different schools. “Pugad” has also given to the congregation a Salesian (now a Postnovice). Don Bosco Technical College (Mandaluyong) has the “Pinardi” to house migrant youth. Don Bosco Legazpi (Albay) does not have the facilities to house the migrant youth who come to study at the TVET center. It did the next best thing. It partnered with families in the area to provide these migrant youth with board and lodging.

WORK FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Upon the advice of Fr. Cafasso, Don Bosco took further studies at the Convitto Ecclesiastico. Besides study, Fr. Cafasso engaged Don Bosco in the priestly ministry of the city jail. Reflecting on that experience, he later wrote: “I saw large numbers of young lads aged from 12 to 18, fine healthy youngsters, alert of mind, but seeing them idle there, infested with lice, lacking food for body and soul, horrified me.” Today the Salesians still minister to youth in conflict with the law. Our students of theology go every weekend to minister to the drug-dependent youths in Bicutan, while DBTC (Cebu) has an outreach program for Juvenile Youths in prison. Young people in need of special protection find a safe haven in the Boys’ Home of Maa (Davao), Liloan (Cebu), and Dumangas (Iloilo). The Bacolod Boys’ Home is an orphanage in Granada (Negros Occidental). It does not belong to the Salesians, but a Salesian has been assigned there as chaplain and Executive Director. Tuloy Sa Don Bosco was founded by Fr. Marciano “Rocky” Evangelista at the Parish of St. John Bosco in Makati in 1993. It is now housed in the Tuloy sa Don Bosco Street Children Village in Muntinlupa City. It is exclusively for the poor, abused, orphaned, and abandoned children, 9 – 17 years old. “We are not only here to fill up the stomach and put a shirt

SAINT JOHN BOSCO TODAY DECEMBER 2015-FEBRUARY 2016

In the Philippines the Salesians also take care of migrant youth who come to the city to obtain the training that will make them employable. on the back, but to develop the totality of the person so that they can face the totality of circumstances and realities in the world,” says Fr. Rocky.

WORK FOR A DISPLACED FAMILIES

Southville 7, Calauan, Laguna. Around 8,000 urban poor families affected by Ondoy and those who used to live along the Pasig River were relocated here by the government starting 2010. When the Salesians ﬁrst came to Calauan in May 2010, there was no water, no electricity, and the people had no work. Because of this, Fr. Boy Pablo says, “Depression was and continues to be the number one problem, causing virulence and sexual aberrations. Nawalan sila ng self-identity and sense of belongingness. Na-Ondoy na nga sila, may trauma pa sila. Tapos dito sila dinala.” The dream of the Salesians is to develop Southville 7 into a sustainable and empowered community with adequate shelter, clean water, sanitation, and education. To realize this dream they have partnered with the Diocese of San Pablo, Caritas, LGU, ABS-CBN Foundation, Kapit-Bisig sa Ilog Pasig, SMC Foundation, Aboitiz Transport System, Bahrain, DMCI Homes, Ayala Group of Companies, Habitat for Humanity, Manila Water, Rockwell Land and other CSR stakes and construction companies. Don Bosco in his lifetime never encountered this kind of challenge, perhaps because it is a problem that comes only in modern times. But imitating Don Bosco’s capacity for hard work, ﬂexibility and initiative, his sons, the Salesians of Don Bosco, are meeting the challenge head-on, and in so doing, prove that Don Bosco is, indeed, alive and well in the Philippines.

F E A T U R E

The Salesians of DON BOSCO (FIS) DON BOSCO’S HELPING HAND

DON BOSCO, GIVING HOPE TO THE NEEDY BY FR. RANDY FIGURACION, SDB

yphoon Yolanda (internationally known as Haiyan) was one of the most powerful storms ever recorded with maximum wind speed of more than 300 km/h. In just a course of twenty-four hours, it cut a swath of destruction across the central part of the Philippines leaving thousands dead and destroying the homes and the livelihoods of those who were spared. Eastern Visayas was the hardest hit. The ﬁrst of six landfalls hit Guiuan in the Province of Eastern Samar on November 23, 2013. There was also devastating damage due to a storm surge along the southern coast of Eastern Samar and the coastal towns of the Leyte Gulf in the Provinces of Eastern and Western Samar and Leyte.

Photo: Transitional houses built by DB Liloan trainees

BICENTENARY OF THE BIRTH OF DON BOSCO 1815-2015

F E A T U R E

DON BOSCO’S HELPING HAND

The damage to both public and private resources and assets resulting to infrastructure setbacks has been estimated at PHP 571.1 billion (equivalent to $12.9 billion) according to the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA). The overall resources needed for recovery and reconstruction have been estimated at P360.8 billion (estimated to $ 8.2 billion). The typhoon, indeed, has severely affected Region VIII which comprises 6 Provinces, 7 cities, 137 municipalities and 4, 387 barangays. As a whole an estimated one million homes were destroyed and 4 million people were left homeless with close to 2.5 million of those displaced needing food assistance. More than 5 million of those affected were children leaving 1.5 million children at risk of acute malnutrition, according to the UN World Food Program. Yet the monstrous casualty goes beyond the structural damage. According to World Health Organization and estimated 800,000 typhoon survivors have suffered mental health effects that at tenth of those victims need continuing medication and support, including those suffering from post-traumatic disorder, depression and anxiety. The mental health condition of survivors has become an unseen legacy of Yolanda slowly destroying those who survived. In a postYolanda Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey commission by The Asia Foundation, as early as December 2013 survivors in the affected regions were already lamenting the lack of psychosocial help available. The Salesians in the Philippine South Province in cooperation with the Salesian Family have been actively involved in the immediate response to Typhoon Yolanda, providing a wide range of assistance in cash and kind. It designated Fr. Eugene Maglasang, SDB to coordinate the post-Yolanda rehabilitation and Recovery Projects offering a short-term and long-term assistance to bring back the social condition of the people, at least pre-typhoon level and a higher level of disaster resiliency. After assessing the situation, the emergency team Don Bosco DIRECT (Disaster Intervention and Emergency Response Coordinating Team) was activated to facilitate the transfer of the aid collected by the congregation and other international organizations to the affected areas. The ﬁrst phase of the program was implemented immediately from December 2013 to March 2014 providing survivors with basic needs and relief goods. Food packs

SAINT JOHN BOSCO TODAY 10 DECEMBER 2015-FEBRUARY 2016

The Salesians in the Philippine South Province in cooperation with the Salesian Family have been actively involved in the immediate response to Typhoon Yolanda, providing a wide range of assistance in cash and kind. were distributed and non-food items such as toiletries and kitchen utensils were given to devastated communities in the days immediately following the storm. Salesian Communities became Centers to collect, prepare and pack relief goods with the help of students, staff, teachers and volunteers. More than 40,000 families have received food assistance, clothing, water and medicines in Leyte, Northern Cebu, Samar and Aklan. Once the emergency response was in place, the recovery and rehabilitation process was initiated. In terms of livelihood intervention, 20 nursery sheds have been donated to the Municipalities of Albuera, Merida and Isabel in Eastern Samar. This intervention has been relegated to cooperatives run by the Farmer’s Association of each of the three

Photos (clockwise from the top): Fishing livelihood in Bantayan Island; Transitional houses in Eastern Samar; School Turn-over in San Jose Elem School; School Turn-over in Kanangga, Leyte

municipalities. Another 20 artiﬁcial reefs have been donated to the municipality of Isabel. This intervention is being managed by the Fisher Folk’s Associations. In terms of reconstruction and rehabilitation, 2,712 families were given material assistance to repair their roofs and walls and have been able to return to their homes. 700 families were given temporary shelters. 11 new schools have been constructed and turned over to their respective communities eight of which are in Leyte, two in Cebu and one in Bantayan Island. Typhoon Yolanda was a unique experience. Its memory left deep scars in many survivors. The way to complete rehabilitation is still long. The work continues to be challenging. But moving on is the way to healing and recovery. The Salesian Family is committed to be a signiﬁcant part in improving the quality of life of the people in Southern Philippines especially the young. Despite the herculean task at hand, it does not waver because it has the optimism of St. John Bosco in giving hope to the most in need.

BICENTENARY OF THE BIRTH OF DON BOSCO 1815-2015

F E A T U R E

YOUTH’S GUARDIANS

The Association

Cooperators (ASC MAKING THE YOUTH FEEL AT HOME AND FULL OF HOPE BY BY ADELITA ADELITA CUARESMA CUARESMA

he Salesian Cooperators, being the third branch of the Salesian Family, try to live Don Bosco’s vision and make Don Bosco alive through their personal and group apostolate. In honor of St. John Bosco, a total of about 200 birthday celebrants from developing communities in Paranaque were given the opportunity to celebrate their birthdays with their parish friends from September 2014 to Aug 2015. The monthly observance of birthdays spearheaded by the Youth Council of ASC Paranaque Center in collaboration with the Parish Youth Council made the young feel special. The simple celebrations were held every 4th Sunday within the fellowship that is held regularly for the youth who have participated in the Parish Youth Council’s Sunday School Catechesis and in the Youth Mass. Some cooperators live their vocation by bringing Christ in their workplace. They help organize masses in the office on First Fridays and other occasions. They encourage and accompany their officemates to the Sacrament of Confession. They organize retreats and outreach programs in the office. They promote devotion to Mary Help of Christians (MHC) by inviting officemates to be Mass sponsors in a nearby Salesian parish every 24th of the month. Salesian cooperators, like Don Bosco, are also MHC promoters. In fact, five members of the Marian Commission of the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians are cooperators from Paranaque and they work with Fr. Remo Bati in propagating the devotion to MHC throughout the Philippines. Other cooperators serve in the parish communities as catechists. They teach religion in public schools and catechesis in their chapels/parishes on Sundays. Like Don Bosco, they teach with their hearts, thus, they get the attention and trust of the young people. Just as Mama Margaret prepared Don Bosco and his brothers for the sacraments, cooperator-catechists

SAINT JOHN BOSCO TODAY 12 DECEMBER 2015-FEBRUARY 2016

also give formation to the young and their parents for the sacraments of Baptism, First Communion and Conﬁrmation. Some cooperators serve in the Church as Bible facilitators, Lectors/Commentators, Special Ministers of the Holy Eucharist, ushers and choir members. Some are members of Church organizations such as Legion of Mary, Apostleship of Prayer, Adoration Nocturna, Catholic Women’s League and Mother Butler’s Guild. Some cooperators from Paranaque are actively involved in the operations of the MHC Credit Cooperative which is serving the families from developing communities in the parish. The cooperators of Makati Center are actively involved in the migrant youth program of DBTI TVET Center. They serve as family to these young people who are away from their families. It is really a great joy for the cooperators of Makati to see how these poor migrant youth are molded spiritually, emotionally, intellectually and morally. The love and concern that they received inspired some of these young people to become Salesian Cooperators. Some of them successfully completed the ASC Formation Program for ASC observers and were able to make their Promise during the 8th EAO Regional Congress in Acacia Hotel last April 2014. The Salesian Cooperators of Mayapa Center, on the other hand, visit the migrant workers at their boarding houses. They introduce Don Bosco to them and share what he did for the migrant workers in Turin during his time. They let them feel at home with them. Cooperators encourage them to go to mass and receive the sacraments; inviting them to attend the youth recollection during Advent and Lent. Cooperators also assist the MHC Parish Youth Ministry in their activities by preparing food for the participants and sometimes facilitating their activities. The cooperators of Tondo Center assist the Don Bosco Youth Center during retreats for the TVET students and their

n of Salesian

Just as Mama Margaret prepared Don Bosco and his brothers for the sacraments, cooperator-catechists also give formation to the young and their parents for the sacraments of Baptism, First Communion and Conﬁrmation. parents. They also give good night talks to the young who gather at the Youth Center to pray the rosary every 6 o’clock in the evening. The Cooperators also partner with other non-Salesian organizations that have projects for the young. They have a joint book donation project with the Rotary Club of Makati. The cooperators who are catechists get in touch with the principals of the public schools where they teach Religion to be beneﬁciaries of this noble project. In this way, they also contribute to the intellectual well-being of the student. Several centers have participated in this project and the books have reached the young as far as La Union and Laguna. Last June, the cooperators from Pampanga Center brought school supplies to 100 pupils of the Canidha Primary School. This is their way of showing their love to the young. One cooperator from Paranaque has developed and implemented a formation program for the high school students of Golden Achievers Academy, a non-sectarian school in Better Living Subdivision, Paranaque City.

The ASC Paranaque Center runs an Alternative Learning System Accreditation & Equivalency Program (ALS A & E) which is conducted in coordination with the Department of Education. A core group of cooperators led by Joni Quizon, ALS Program Director, was trained by DepEd in the implementation of this informal education program for the secondary level. Started in 2012, the cooperators encouraged the out-of-school youth in the parish to continue learning and earn their high school diploma and eventually, on their own, attend skills training courses or pursue a college degree. Don Bosco is indeed alive through the members of the Salesian Family who remain faithful to their promise to be bearers of God’s love to the young. The cooperators will not stop dreaming and doing the Salesian charism for the love of the young with the help of Don Bosco and Mary Help of Christians.

BICENTENARY OF THE BIRTH OF DON BOSCO 1815-2015

F E A T U R E

LOVE FOR JESUS AND MARY

ADMA and the Thr

GIVING HONOR TO JESUS IN THE CHURC

here are many ways to keep a loved one’s memory alive long after he or she has gone. Some put up foundations in honor of the deceased beloved while others construct buildings and/or other structures with the name of the departed person on it. For a spiritual family such as our Salesian Family, we keep our founding father St. John Bosco alive today by continuing his works for the salvation of souls especially for poor young people. Each branch of the Salesian Family has a unique way of doing this. For the Association of Mary help of Christians (ADMA) we do this by embracing and sharing the three loves of Don Bosco—the Eucharistic Jesus, the Blessed Mother and the Pope.

SAINT JOHN BOSCO TODAY 14 DECEMBER 2015-FEBRUARY 2016

Our group’s very nature and purpose is “to place special emphasis on devotion to the Eucharist and to Mary Help of Christians in every form, both public and private.” (Art. 2 of the ADMA Regulations) Love for Jesus—as advised by Don Bosco himself to the members during the early years of the erection of the association, is also whenever one’s schedule permits, participating and receiving Jesus in the Eucharistic celebration and venerating Him in the Blessed Sacrament as often as possible. At present, not only do our members adhere to this way of life, but some local chapters of the association are also actively participating in their parish activities honoring and

Loves of Don Bosco

ree

CH THROUGH MARY

BY MA. CHYNA

Our groupʼs very nature and purpose is “to place special emphasis on devotion to the Eucharist and to Mary Help of Christians in every form, both public and private.” adoring Jesus during the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament as part of ﬁrst Friday celebrations. Love for Mary Help of Christians—Every ADMA member has a personal commitment of living and spreading devotion to Mary in accordance with Don Bosco’s spirit. Each one keeps renewing, strengthening and living common devotional practices such as the monthly commemoration of the feast of Mary Help of Christians, praying and meditating on the mysteries of the rosary, making pilgrimages to Marian shrines, processions, etc. (Art. 4 of the ADMA Regulations) Love for the Pope—following Don Bosco’s obedience to the Pope, ADMA recently heeded the call of Pope Francis to focus on families as the Domestic Church. In the recently concluded 7th International Congress of Mary Help of

LYN JIMENEZ & RHEENA MAY LIM

Christians in Turin, Italy (6–9 August 2015), the motto was: Hic domus mea, inde Gloria mea - dalla casa di Maria alle nostre case (This is my house from where my glory shines forth - from the house of Mary to our homes). The congress aimed to show the maternal presence of Mary and to live the beauty of being in a family. In the said event, ADMA-Philippines was represented by 15 members and by our SDB animator. It was a very good number compared to previous congresses where only a few were able to participate. A great blessing for our group was the participation of one whole family of ADMA members from San Juan Nepomuceno Parish, Pasay City. Below is a short sharing by Chyna, the eldest child of Arnel and Merlie Jimenez: “When we arrived at Pala Ruffini (the congress venue) I was in complete awe. I never expected that a lot of people would be coming from all over the world! And although people came from different places and practiced different cultures, our devotion to Mother Mary united us all. It was truly heartwarming. The second day started with Mass and was presided by the Archbishop of Turin, Msgr. Cesare Nosiglia.What made it more meaningful was when our family was asked to bring the offerings. Of course we said yes! As we walked to the altar, mixed emotions caved in. I was trembling with nervousness and yet I was smiling with joy at the same time. It was a feeling I won’t forget, a precious memory that I will always treasure. And then there’s the Shalom Community. Those young people were formerly youth-at-risk but were taken in, taught and cared for by Sr. Rosalina Ravasio and her community…just like what Don Bosco did for the young people of his time. They are now able to stand past their negative life experiences. They made the congress extra fun, lively and more youthful with a lot of singing and dancing. As my senior companions said, “ang lakas maka-bata”. The experiences we had during the congress have brought a lot of good memories, learnings and blessings to our family. I am now more confident that though life may sometimes bring a lot of surprises, things will still be brighter for our family because we have a Mother who is looking after us in heaven.” Such confidence! It’s as if Don Bosco is still with us today…telling us to have devotion to Mary and we will see what miracles are.

BICENTENARY OF THE BIRTH OF DON BOSCO 1815-2015

F E A T U R E

MISSION OF LOVE

Familia Asocia Salesianas in the

GIVING HOPE TO POOR FAMILIES

hat is meant to be, is meant to be even amidst challenges. On November 4, 1994, two Asociacion Damas Salesianas (ADS), Ms Pilar Tirado and Ms Marisela de Branger, arrived in the Philippines from their Mother House in Caracas,Venezuela, upon the advice of their founder, Fr. Miguel Gonzalez, SDB, and upon the invitation of Fr. Lazaro Revilla, former Provincial of the Philippine Province and at that time was the Rector of the Seminaryo ng Don Bosco. In the next couple of days, they met those whom Fr. Revilla invited to be pioneering members of ADS in the Philippines and gave them basic orientation about the group. They left Manila for Cebu on November 10 to organize the Lourdes Center with Fr. Daniel Elemia SDB as the Spiritual Counselor, and a Salesian cooperator to help the group. Glenda Antonio is the current president of the Lourdes Center. Going back to Manila on November 16, they organized the Mama Margarita Center in Paranaque with Rosalinda P. Pabalan as the ﬁrst local and National President. Fr. Broderick Pabillo was appointed the local Spiritual Counselor with

SAINT JOHN BOSCO TODAY 16 DECEMBER 2015-FEBRUARY 2016

Fr. Lazaro Revilla as the National Spiritual Counselor. Genevieve P. Hilado is the present Mama Margarita Center President and also the present ADS National President. On March 23, 1996, the Don Bosco Center was born in BF Homes Paranaque with Celia Duldulao as President and Fr Francis Gustilo as the Spiritual Counselor. The present president is Ma. Perpetua Macainag. Based on the directive of the International Board, Evangelina de Guzman, the National President then introduced the Familia ADS as the umbrella organization to cover the following member organizations: Asociacion Damas Salesianas for adult women, the Caballeros de Don Bosco for adult men, the Generacion de Relevo for the youth, and the Benefactoras Solidarias for the benefactors group. To live the ADS’ mission of Evangelization through the human promotion seeking for the entire formation of the person, the Familia ADS – Mama Margarita Center launched in May 2008 its Mission of Love – Paghuhubog Pag-asa Mission. We evangelize by means of human promotion. Our mission aims at: the holistic growth of children in selected

acion Damas

Philippines

BY ROSE PABALAN & JEAN DOLLIENTE

who have demonstrated the values we are promoting, like: (1) commitment to attend and participate actively in all the mission sessions; (2) providing good example and inﬂuence to other children; (3) enthusiasm to know and love God and serve others; and (4) “Masigasig” award for mothers who dare to apply/use the livelihood skills learned. At Christmas time, they received Christmas gifts from our generous benefactors and sponsors. Below are feedback we received from children and mothers beneﬁciaries of the Paghuhubog Pag-asa Program.

JUDITH-MOTHER OF THREE

We, the Damas members, learned from the children and mothers we minister to, that in their great difﬁculties, their faith and full trust in God remained strong. developing community, inspiring them to mature as useful citizens of God and of the country with social responsibility. Our mission also aims at forming mothers to be empowered and proactive member of society particular in their roles in the family and community and in the Church. For the children, our program includes values formation, catechism, prayer, creative arts/play, literacy and health education and proper nourishment. For the mothers, our program includes adult catechesis, value formation, livelihood training, health education, parenting skills and spiritual formation. Recognition (certiﬁcates and awards) are given at the end of every mission year to children and mothers

“Para sa akin, mas lalo tumitibay ang aking pananampalataya sa Diyos, mas nakilala ko Siya, mas naintindihan ko ang aking pananampalataya, nagbabago ako sa hindi magandang ugali,mas madali ko nang magpatawad, mahalin at tumulong sa aking kapwa at parati na akong nagsisimba tuwing Linggo. Natutunan ko po talaga sa maipaglaban ko si Kristo sa aking buhay. Sa aking mga anak, nakita ko ang pagbabago, natuto magdasal bago kumain, tumutulong sa gawain sa bahay, madaling sumunod, nagdadasal bago matulog at mas naging mas responsable sa mga kapatid. Ang ibang bata na kasali sa misyon, napuna ko na natuto din magsimba tuwing Linggo, natuto makisalamuha sa ibang bata, at naiiwasan ang pakikipag-away at magsalita ng masama. Sa amin naman pong community, nagsisikap po ang mga mothers na sumali; madami sila natutunan sa pananampalataya, nagtutulungan sa gawain pang-community at mas naging maunawain at mapagpasensiya sa mga asawa. Dumadami ang sumali sa Bible sharing at sa dumami din ang nagsisimba. Sa sunog na narasan naming sa MCM, napagnilayan ng mga miembro ng community na ito ay isang pagpukaw at tawag ng Diyos, para sa kanila inaari din nila na isang biyaya ng Diyos ang nangyari para mas lalo sila magtiwala na ang Diyos ay laging nandyan at buhay at handang tumulong sa nangangailangan. Ang Damas Mission ay isang biyaya o regalo ng Diyos sa aming lahat. Kung mabibigyan po kami ng pagkakataon na madala uli ang misyon sa amin ay magpapasalamat ako sa Diyos.

BICENTENARY OF THE BIRTH OF DON BOSCO 1815-2015

F E A T U R E

MISSION OF LOVE

Nadadama ko ang pagmamahal ng Diyos sa kanilang salita at gawa. Nadadama ko na gusto niya akong mapabuti at mahinahon na pinapaliwanag kung bakit dapat gawin o sundin o huwag gawin. Masigla at masaya sa pakikisalamuha at pakikipag-usap sa akin. Inilalapit nila kami sa Diyos. Mapagmahal po ang mga teachers ng Damas at magagaling sila at matiyaga sa amin.”

LEVEL 3| AGES 10-14 CHILDREN

“Sa Catechism, natutunan po namin ang higit na pagkilala, pagmamahal at paglilingkod sa Diyos, buhay, aral at ehemplo ng mga sinaunang tao nalalahad sa Biblia, kahalagahan ng Banal na Misa at ang dapat naming gawin sa loob nito, paglilingkod sa kapwa, pagsisimba. Sa Values, natutunan naming po ang magagandang ugali tulad ng pagtulong sa kapwa, paggalang, pagpakukumbaba, masunurin, huwag magsisinungaling, kasipagan at mga mabuting asal. Natuto kaming maging malikhain sa pagdrawing, gumawa ng magandang larawan na mailalagay sa cards o poster sa bawat kapistahan tulad ng Pasko, New Year, Valentine’s Day, birthday greetings at pagpapasalamat. Kami po ay nagbabago unti-unti, mas sumusunod sa Utos ng Diyos, mas gumagalang at nakakatulong sa magulang, mas nakilala at minamahal ko ang Diyos, mas masipag mag-aral at tumaas ang grade ko sa iskul, parati nang nagsisimba at naiiwasan pakikipagaway. Sa mga Damas teachers, nadadama namin na mahal kami at gusto kaming mapabuti, mahinahon at may pagmamalasakit na pinapaliwanag bakit tama o mali ang isang sitwasyon o kung bakit dapat gawin at sundin ang magandang asal/kaugalian, masigla at masaya sa pakikisalamuha at pakikipagusap sa amin at nadadama namin ang pagmamahal ng Diyos sa kanilang mga salita at gawa. Sana po ipagpatuloy ninyo ang pagtuturo sa mga batang kailangan ng inyong pagmamahal. Maraming salamat po sa lahat-lahat na pagtuturo ninyo. Alam po naming mahirap itong ginagawa niyo pero andiyan kayo imbes magpahinga sa inyong tahanan.” The Don Bosco Center’s work is among the youth and the marginalized informal dwellers in Clinic, Ipil and Sampaloc Sites. It offers the youth and mothers livelihood projects. DBC journeyed with the youth to become God loving, self-conﬁdent through spiritual formation (Bible sharing, recollection, catechesis on the love of God), leadership programs, hosting and emceeing seminars, theater

SAINT JOHN BOSCO TODAY 18 DECEMBER 2015-FEBRUARY 2016

Sana po ipagpatuloy ninyo ang pagtuturo sa mga batang kailangan ng inyong pagmamahal. Maraming salamat po sa lahatlahat na pagtuturo ninyo. Alam po naming mahirap itong ginagawa niyo pero andiyan kayo imbes magpahinga sa inyong tahanan.

play production seminar, creative writing, beadworks, dishwashing soap making, reﬂexology, feeding of the malnourished children and putting up a credit program for those interested to put up small scale businesses. Two of the youth from the mission areas graduated cum laude because of the trainings, encouragements and support given by this center. We, the Damas members learned from the children and mothers we minister to, that in their great difﬁculties, their faith and full trust in God remained strong. We are very grateful to our past and current Spiritual Counselors namely: Reverend Fathers Lazaro Revilla, Francis Gustilo, Daniel Elemia, Jose Reinoso, Jaime Carmona, Joriz Calsa, Remo Bati, Bro. Eduardo Villordon and Most Reverend Bishop Broderick Pabillo. With God’s grace and support from our benefactors/ supporters, family members, volunteers, the Salesian Family and the Damas Salesianas from ADS Mother House, we will continue our mission in sowing hope in the minds and hearts of the needy/disadvantaged children, youth and women in our midst and be active collaborators to make St. John Bosco’s spirit and charism alive and relevant in our country and time!

SPECIALFEATURE

Like DON BOSCO, BOSCO,

CAMPOBOSCO 2015

with the Young,

for theYOUNG theYOUNG

WE SEE AND FEEL DON BOSCO IS HERE PRESENT BY FR. JOEBETH VIVO, SDB

“S

BY______________________________ i vede, si sente, Don Bosco qui è presente.” (We see, we feel, Don Bosco is here present.) 5,000

Salesian young people from 54 nations were shouting lively that chant during the countdown at midnight for the celebration of the 200th birthday of our father and founder, St. John Bosco. Despite the continuous rains, the young people at Colle Don Bosco gathered in front of the Basilica at 11:00pm in order to sing, dance, chant and greet Don Bosco a “Happy Birthday”. Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major, led everyone in the praying of the “Ave Maria” reminding everyone that it would start something new for the young people of the Salesian Youth Movement. It was the highlight of the whole SYM Campobosco experience that took place from August 10-16 with the theme, “Like Don Bosco - With the young - For the young.” At the start, it was held at the sports arena in Parco Rufﬁni, Turin and ended at Colle in Asti, the place where St. John Bosco was born.

BICENTENARY OF THE BIRTH OF DON BOSCO 1815-2015

SPECIALFEATURE

CAMPOBOSCO 2015

The delegates from the Philippine North Province led by Fr. Joebeth Vivo SDB came from the different Don Bosco settings. They were the following: Fr. Sonny Arevalo SDB (Tuloy Alabang), Fr. Abel de Ocampo SDB (DBTI Tarlac), Fr. Jonil Lalap SDB (SIP), Jay Tauyan (DBTI Makati), Bien Mendoza (DBTI Makati), Juan Paolo Melendez (DBA Pampanga), Cherry Camille Depano (DB Tondo), Rodolfo Von Romero (DBTI Tarlac), Justin Platon (DBC Canlubang), Angelo Gabriel Malig (DBC Canlubang) and Ate Jo Grafil (pilgrimage Coordinator). Being the conclusion of a yearlong celebration of Don Bosco’s 200th birthday, the Grand Mass on August 16 at Colle was presided by no less than the Rector Major himself and was concelebrated by many Salesian priests and participated by many members of the Salesian Family and a great number of young people. Everyone took advantage of the historic moment to make our father and founder beam with joy in heaven. Surely, SYM Campobosco has sent all the delegates back home filled with God’s grace and profound experience of Salesian joy and optimism. It gave rise to many priceless reflections that would set directions in their life. Here are some of the insights of the participants: “There is nothing impossible with God. Five years ago, when the relic of Don Bosco visited the Philippines, I uttered a promise and prayer that I would visit him in Italy. I just prayed and opened my heart to God’s outpouring grace and love, cooperated with it and let God surprise me. I love surprises. And God, indeed, surprised me with a blessing to be with the SYM FIN North delegation. It was my first time to go outside the country. More than anything else, going to Don Bosco’s 200th birthday celebration is indeed a dream come true for me. Thank you Don Bosco for being my inspiration towards holiness; and Mary, Help of Christians, for always interceding for me. If there’s one wish that I can do, let me live the dream for you.” Cherry Camille Depano (DBYC Tondo) “In this trip, I have deepened my faith in God. I changed the way I look at prayers: prayers are the best way to talk to Jesus, our Lord. Sobrang saya nung trip hindi lang dahil sa mga magagandang nakita namin, kundi dahil naramdaman namin ang Diyos personally and as a companion all throughout our pilgrimage. This would not happen if not for Don Bosco who

SAINT JOHN BOSCO TODAY 20 DECEMBER 2015-FEBRUARY 2016

allowed me as his son to be part of the celebration of his 200th birthday in his home at Colle. What a privilege to be Don Bosco’s son.” Justin Platon (DBC Canlubang) “It was a spiritual journey, a pilgrimage, a celebration that I never saw coming at this early stage in my life that gives meaning to compassion, forgiveness and love. Truly, the week was getting to know more Don Bosco; more than just a founder, he really became a father and a good teacher to me. As we shared and celebrated the bicentenary of his birth with the youth of the Salesian Movement all over the world, I witnessed the hard rains that never stopped pouring all throughout the night of the countdown. But what impressed me more was the desire of the youth to dance, shout, interact with each other and celebrate God’s gift to the young, Don Bosco. Together with the ﬁreworks they were praising God in joyful service to become holy.You cannot but live every minute of it with grace and gratitude.” Bien Mendoza (DBTI Makati) “In our trip to Italy specially to Turin I came to know Don Bosco more deeply. Hindi lang pala siya kilalang tao, dahil kilala talaga siya ng lahat sa mas malalim na paraan. We were given the chance to see Basilicas and different Churches. Hindi lang sila basta Church kasi ramdam ko na sila ay sacred at nakakapagdasal ako ng taimtim. Yung mga normal prayer lang hindi lang siya basta recited na prayer, dahil naramdaman ko na ang prayer talaga ang best way para makapiling natin si God. Ang pinaka natutunan ko huwag tayo mawawalan ng pag-asa, nandyan lagi si God, pwede natin siya

great abundant joy being consecrated by God as a gift to you.’ In the bicentenary Mass in Colle Don Bosco, Fr. Artime and Pope Francis commissioned us to become bearers of Christ’s love. Like Don Bosco,With The Young, For The Young.” Rodolfo Vivencio Romero (DBTI Tarlac) “To see the relics of many saints in a span of two weeks was truly overwhelming. The experience was both a privilege and a blessing. As one of our companions put it: ‘We are literally breathing the odor of sanctity.’We’ve gone to churches, oratories, and huge basilicas and have venerated bones, uncorrupted remains, and various objects associated with these saints. But all these are nothing compared to the experience that I had with the ‘living relics,’ if I may say, of St. John Bosco and St. Mary Domenica Mazzarello. I specifically am referring to their successors, Fr. Angel Artime Fernandez, SDB and Mother Yvonne Reungoat, FMA. They stayed with us in Campo Bosco the whole time. Their Salesian animating presence was much felt, indeed. It was as if Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello were physically present in the camp. And it is this presence that I would wish to acquire and imitate our father and founder, Don Bosco. As a Salesian priest, I would strive really to be a ‘living relic’ of him. I would try my level best to be like him. I’ll do my best to be a living Don Bosco, not only seen physically in the apostolate but experienced and much felt, as well.” Fr. Abel R. De Ocampo, Jr., SDB (DBTI Tarlac) makausap through our prayers in different places kahit nga nasa isang sulok ka ay maririnig ka niya. Mas malalim pa natutunan ko tungkol kay God at napalalim nito ang aking relationship sa kanya. Salamat kay Don Bosco.” Gabe Malig (DBC Canlubang) “The experience was truly a blessing that I would never forget in my entire life.The days in Turin and Colle were like the most important days of my life as a Bosconian and as a Salesian Educator for those were the times that I truly felt Don Bosco’s presence. Thank you very much Don Bosco for the many blessings in life. In return for all the blessings that you have given me all through my life as your son, in my own humble and little ways I would promise to be LIKE, WITH and for YOU forever. I love you, Don Bosco.” Juan Paulo Melendez (DBA Pampanga) “I feel totally blessed for I got the chance to ’meet’ Don Bosco, get to know more about him and feel his love and devotion to young people like me through the people I met, the activities I participated in, and the places we visited. As a Bosconian in Tarlac, it is gratifying to meet other Bosconians, not only from the Philippines, but also from Italy, Spain and other nations. Posing with the Rector Major was like taking a “selfie” with Don Bosco himself. The morning gathering in Parco Ruffini filled me with joy, excitement and optimism as I looked forward to the day’s events. I take it as a challenge to adopt this positive attitude in my daily life. I would recall often what Don Bosco said to Dominic Savio, ‘If you wish to become holy and a saint, preserve cheerfulness in your heart and receive

“Campobosco is one of the big waves in a vast ocean of God’s love. There we shouted our Salesian battle cry. But after the events, I had a the experience of visiting Cottolengo’s hospice, Assisi, Norcia, Padova, Vatican and the basilicas of different dioceses in Italy. Visiting these places resonates the diversiﬁed gifts of the Holy Spirit in the Church. I might think that the Salesians form the biggest wave in the vast ocean. But looking at it in a bigger perspective, Campobosco is just one of the waves in the vast ocean. There could be more waves larger than us. The best battle cry we could have now is humility in serving the poor.” Fr. Sonny Arevalo SDB (Tuloy sa DB, Alabang) Nothing could beat the actual experience of SYM Campobosco. It was an experience of fun, unity, joy, reﬂection, pilgrimage and prayer. A great “bonus” was added to the experience of Salesian joy and prayer when right after the Mass, Pope Francis surprised those present with his greeting and message (recorded at Pope apps). He encouraged everyone to live daily the joy of the Gospel in order to inspire hope in the world. What a privilege to witness the end of Campobosco in that way. As we were going home, we could not but recall vividly in our minds that famous chant, “Si vede, si sente, Don Bosco qui è presente.” Don Bosco is truly alive; he is God’s gift to the young. His spirit will truly be felt today and even in the future if everyone would truly accept the challenge to be like him, with the young and for the young.

BICENTENARY OF THE BIRTH OF DON BOSCO 1815-2015

SPECIALFEATURE

The Musicale There was this conviction that Mama Mary willed this play. This was her project. She was in-charge. BY

FR. DENNIS PAEZ, SDB

heatre is no different from ﬁlm where the making can be as dramatic and comic. Here are behind the scenes stories that may be more inspiring than the play itself.

A.THE SCRIPT

Both the script writer and the artistic producer were determined that in the play the youth would take center stage as agents of salvation rather than its object. Enﬂamed by the Rector Major’s remark on the young being the “burning bush from which God speaks to us”, the production’s creativity sparked fresh, original and very artistic ideas that were limitless and virtually unstoppable. But little did they know that even in the actual shows the script continued to evolve, this time from the mouths of the cast themselves. The staff wanted to put a brake to it but then again it is the show of the young. It is about them, by them and for them. Their ad libs where really what brought the house down. Keenly conscious that theatre is an educating and evangelizing experience and not an end, there were talks and processes for the cast of trainees and street children in almost all the rehearsals. They were asked what they could

SAINT JOHN BOSCO TODAY 22 DECEMBER 2015-FEBRUARY 2016

identify with in the story line, the cast shared: being falsely accused; being marginalized and ostracized by poverty; falling into vices and the wrong crowd; having done desperate acts for survival; being abused, neglected, abandoned by family, suicidal and more. These experiences explained why the cast slipped easily into their roles, why they immediately gelled with one another without the usual jealousy and competition inherent in show biz, why they looked out for each other with compassion. A girl’s parents could not watch because they could not afford the trip; that boy was planning to absent himself from practice because he needed to earn the fee for his NC2 exams; one was distraught because a sibling was in jail, and another was just so grateful that the practices were keeping him from wrong doing. One cast member so aptly summarized the reason, “Itong play ay ako.” Sharing their struggles, empathizing with the vulnerabilities of others and acting out their lives, they discovered their own inner resiliency. A career in the movies may not be in the stars for these kids but it is hoped that the formation process has helped them become empowered players in the theatre of life. Kiko: ‘Hindi pala kailangan maghanap ng pagmamahal kung saan. Andirito lang pala.’

B.THE SONGS

A musicale is supposedly made up of songs and singing. Acting can be trained, costumes can be made, and backdrops can be designed. Genuinely good singing cannot be had by any of the above…so they thought. The cast being volunteers, talents could be gleaned from precious few choices …so they thought. Soon they discovered that a genuine singing voice can be faked - thanks to prerecording, and that the adrenalin of performing in public, and the songs, “Isang Panaginip” and “Mas Makabuluhan” could accomplish the unexpected. The melody and the lyrics of the songs struck a chord in the hearts of the cast, putting a salve in their gaping wounds, giving meaning to their on-going struggles. Perhaps it made the audience listen with their hearts too and forgive what their ears heard. Again these young people were singing their song - “Magtiwala ka pa rin, kahit may luha sa mata.”

C. THE STAFF

The core staff was composed of two seminarians, two newly professed clerics, and two with perpetual vows, comprising one Salesian brother and one priest, virtually representing all the stages in the Salesian formation. After every rehearsal,

though tired and hungry, they would gather not to look into the mistakes, or find solutions to difficulties. Instead they shared what was enriching, and not a few times they would find themselves touched by the experience of the day, honored to be in the front seats listening to the “burning bush” servants grateful to be serving the master through His poor and abandoned children. Consequently it was so natural for the staff members to just fill-in for each other, to effortlessly synchronize, to spontaneously encourage one another, to identify and let go of what was petty and relish what was unforgettable. It gave the staff the courage to take up tasks they have had no experience about whatsoever and still have fun. Instead, the difficulty was having to break up the meeting in order to eat or rest, but then the sharing would continue again. Asked what phrase would long resound after all the flood lights have been put off and the curtains have definitely closed, for both cast and staff, the answer will always be – Fr. Carlos: ‘Cetera Tolle – kunin Mo na ang lahat, lahat, lahat.’

D.THE SPONSOR

No matter how much they planned, prepared and forestalled, there were always a thousand more cares that just kept

BICENTENARY OF THE BIRTH OF DON BOSCO 1815-2015

SPECIALFEATURE

popping like tadpoles after a storm. But just when they were about to be overwhelmed, a solution would present itself. Early into the production it dawned on everybody that a power was monitoring, managing and providing for the play. When a doctor adamantly insisted that the main character should take five days off because of a viral infection or infect the rest of the cast, they kind of kidnapped him and prayed the rosary. When the main actress got a bad sprain and was in terrible pain, they prayed the rosary. In both cases it only took a few hours for them to be as good as new. So when several of the kids had to be hospitalized they were more than confident that their biggest sponsor would make things right. There were other big and small miracles: Meralco was unaffordable - they gave it for half the price; the weekday shows were only at 7PM, posing a difficulty for the farther settings, - they did the unprecedented of adjusting the showing hours to 4PM ; the rental for lapel mikes for nine shows would cost a fortune - it was given gratis; rehearsing in Meralco was an unaffordable added expense - they labeled it only a visit so it was free (a visit of six hours!): daily transportation to the theatre was beyond the budget - Victory Liner provided a van to mitigate the cost; the cast was eternally hungry - sponsors arranged the extra food. Then there were the unpaid volunteers, some complete strangers, who stepped forward to train the singing, to do the workshops, to contribute skills, to design the technicals, to arrange for and deliver the food, to take care of the sick, and many more tadpole details. It was clear to the production who was the real producer of the play. The first and only technical dress rehearsal was also the first showing. The set still had to be built, the backdrops still had to be raised and qued, the lights were still to be designed, the cast would be using lapels for the first time, the general rehearsal had to be done. The Meralco people thought it was madness to do all these in a matter of hours. It was also the 24th of the month. There was this conviction that Mama Mary willed this play. This was her project. She was in-charge. No matter how tired and hungry, in every trip back from the performances the rosary was prayed. All the rehearsals and shows began and ended with the “Hail Mary.” The pep talks and recollections were peppered with

SAINT JOHN BOSCO TODAY 24 DECEMBER 2015-FEBRUARY 2016

Sharing their struggles, empathizing with the vulnerabilities of others and acting out their lives, they discovered their own inner resiliency. thoughts and stories about her. The performance began with a Holy Mass in her honor on the stage of Meralco and it ended in the same way on the last day. The practices started on the Feast of the Visitation and the very ﬁrst time the cast set foot on Meralco was the Feast of Her Queenship. There was always a candle burning in front of her statue at the back stage. This play was about her motherly concern for the children she loved the most, the poor and abandoned. And the privileged participation of the cast and the staff was their tribute of love and gratitude to her - Nanay: ‘Walang takasan sa paghihirap dahil ito pala ang magdadala sa atin sa puso ni Hesus at ni Maria. Naiintidihan ko na.’

CONCLUSION

The script, the songs, the staff and the sponsor are the “secret” 4S’s of the play. Secret because they are the little known facts that went into the making of “Cetera Tolle.” These behind the scenes were ﬁlled with laughter and tears and were no less inspiring than the performance itself, if not even more. It was really here where the youthful cast and the Salesians experienced a glimmer of salvation, through the intervention of the Blessed Mother.

SPECIALFEATURE

GOLDEN JUBILARIANS

As GOLD becomes all the more precious when purified in the furnace, so do people turn into something as precious as gold” when they are tested in ﬁre through the passing of many years. The Salesian PhilippineNorth Province gloriﬁes the Almighty God for the gift of three confreres ˛Fr. Danny, Fr. Larry, and Fr. Vic who celebrate their Golden Jubilee of religious profession. Here are their stories and some personal insights into Salesian religious life.

BY BR.

JUVELAN PAUL N. SAMIA, SDB

FR. DANILO TORRES, SDB says that it was “by accident” that he entered the Salesian seminary. As a young boy, he wanted to become a priest and enter the diocesan minor seminary in Guadalupe, Makati. His parents, Leon Torres and Purificacion Vite Torres, approved and supported his desire, but because the cost of seminary formation was too expensive, “entering” was rather difficult for him to do. God had a beautiful plan for him, instead. His father contacted his boss at work, Don Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, to ask for help in this regard. Don Zobel, who happened to be a personal friend of the Servant of God Fr. Charles Braga, SDB, then rector of Don Bosco Technical Institute, Makati, agreed to sponsor the expenses of his seminary formation on the condition that he would stay with the Salesians. He was thus brought to the Salesians through the mysterious workings of Divine Providence! He entered Don Bosco Victorias as a first year high school student in 1960, transferred to Don Bosco, Bacolor, Pampanga in 1963, and graduated high school in 1964. Immediately after, he entered the novitiate under the direction of Fr. Jose Luis Carreño, SDB, and made his first profession to the Salesian life on July 16, 1965 together with Fathers Hilario Tamonan,Vicente Cervania, Jaime Carmona, Emil Santos, and others who left the Congregation afterward. As Fr. Danny began to know the Salesians, their way of life appeared very attractive to him. He admired the closeness that the Salesians showed to the youth, especially the poor. He also saw how the Salesians gave attention to the youth, and was fascinated at how the youth return this gesture with their own

token of attentiveness and affection. As a Salesian priest, he tried to cultivate in himself the trait of “fatherliness”—kind, welcoming, and quietly working hard. He says that now, after 50 years of Salesian life, he is coming to a fuller and more mature appreciation of the beauty of the Holy Eucharist.

BICENTENARY OF THE BIRTH OF DON BOSCO 1815-2015

In 1960,

FR. HILARIO TAMONAN, SDB

needed to choose the school for his high school education. Very much impressed by the work of their volunteer school catechist in Iloilo Laboratory School, he thought to himself, “why not help in the spreading of the Catholic faith.” His ﬁrst cousin Freddie, a student in Don Bosco Victorias, gave him an impressive prospectus of the school and suggested him to try the aspirantate. Even though, at that time, he had no clear idea of who Don Bosco was, he says that “he made the decision to come and stay, and be a Salesian until the end.” Fr. Larry is a Salesian known for his commitment to his duties, whatever they may be. He fulﬁlls them to the best of his abilities and without creating fanfare and attracting attention to himself. He says, “I like to walk the path that God showed me and be to open to it for the rest of my life.” As Fr. Larry celebrates his Golden Jubilee, he becomes more convinced that indeed “God has a special plan in mind for each one of us.”

FR. VICENTE CERVANIA, SDB started to feel the desire to become a priest when he was six years old, as a kinder student at Sto. Niño Parochial School, Pandacan, Manila. He entered Don Bosco Mandaluyong in 1960 as a first year high school student. When he was in 4th year, the rector, Fr. Pier Angelo Quaranta, SDB, gave a vocation talk to all the students. After which, Fr. Quaranta invited those who are interested to become Salesians to come for regular follow up meetings. In the beginning, their group numbered to about twenty but became less and less with the passage of time. Finally, only three of them entered the juniorate: Raul Salcedo, Edgardo Arellano, and himself. Fr.Vic shares that the turning point in his discernment process happened during the retreat of the graduating batch preached by Fr. George Schwarz, SDB who told them and challenged them, “If you love father and mother more than me, you are not worthy of me,” quoting the Holy Gospel. Reflecting on his Salesian vocation, Fr.Vic realized, “I am not celebrating my fidelity to the Lord. I am celebrating the Lord’s fidelity to me all these years!” Fr.Vic had his share of struggles in his religious life, and perhaps the recent and life changing one was his bout with his heart condition. Here’s his account of what had happened: “On October 30, 2007, at age 59, I underwent quadruple heart bypass surgery. The operation was a very delicate one; and, a few days before, I experienced a tremendous fear that this procedure might end in failure. I called for the hospital chaplain to help allay my fears. My whole body was trembling. The chaplain, Father Jesus, came to my room; he listened to me. Then he held my hands with

SAINT JOHN BOSCO TODAY 26 DECEMBER 2015-FEBRUARY 2016

the assurance, “When you became a religious and priest, you entrusted your whole self to the best of hands, didn’t you? Renew now your entrustment to the Lord; place everything into his hands.” I was inspired to compose a little prayer which I repeated often during those trying moments: “Abba, Father, your will be done! Jesus, Son of the living God, heal me! Holy Spirit, strengthen me! Mama Mary, stay by my side!”

FR. GREGORIO BICOMONG, SDB 4 August 1990

FR. ELIGIO CRUZ, SDB 31 January 1990

FR. RAFAEL DELA CRUZ, JR., SDB 4 August 1990

FR. JOSE FAVIE FALDAS, SDB 31 January 1990

Silver

Jubilarians

of PRIESTLY ORDINATION (25 years) FR. RAFAEL GALVE, SDB 31 January 1990

FR. RAMON ZARATE, SDB 8 December 1990

FR. FELINO GUECO, JR., SDB 31 January 1990

FR. AMBROSE PEREIRA, SDB 24 March 1990

FR. DENNIS CHARLES MANLANGIT, SDB 31 January 1990

FR. ROMEO AGUSTIN MICIANO, SDB 8 December 1990

FR. MARTIN MACASAET, SDB 8 December 1990

FR. ARNOLD SANICO, SDB 4 August 1990

FR. RUFO ZARATE, SDB 8 December 1990

SilverJubilarians

of RELIGIOUS PROFESSION (25 years)

FR. PEDRO BAQUERO, JR., SDB 1 April 1990

FR. REDENTOR COLOMA, SDB 1 April 1990

FR. FRANCISCO HERNANDEZ, SDB 22 April 1990 BICENTENARY OF

FR. NOEL SUMAGUI, SDB

1 April 1990 THE BIRTH OF DON BOSCO 1815-2015

SPECIALFEATURE

FIDELITY

Fr. Jose" Pepe" Pepe

“His persistent question, challenge, and warning to me have been this: Is your life a prayer and your prayer from life? Mature in your perception of reality and in your faith in the unseen.”

n 1965, when the historic three-year Second Vatican Council was closed, Fr. Jose ‘Pepe’ Reinoso was ordained a priest on the 17th of December. In this era that ushered the Cold War between capitalist and communist countries, student protests and labor unrests, political assassinations and dictatorships, feminism and the gay rights movement, upheavals also happened in the code, the conduct, and the clergy of the Church. The 60’s saw the dissent of a throng of clergy from the priesthood. In this context, the resoluteness of Fr. Pepe to be uncompromising in his priestly vocation for the past ﬁfty years is truly worth celebrating. He has met the demands of ‘forever’, of ‘totally, of ‘not taking back what one has given’ with amazing grace. But, yes, who is Fr. Pepe to me? To answer this question, I looked back into my prayer journals. And in one of these, I quoted Dag Hammarskjold on the ﬁrst page: “Only what is unique in a person’s experience is worth writing down as a

SAINT JOHN BOSCO TODAY 28 DECEMBER 2015-FEBRUARY 2016

guide and a warning to others.” In these prayer journals, I realized I did write about Fr. Pepe in signiﬁcant times, “as a guide and a warning” to my own journey of faith. AS WITNESS TO THE CROSS “We have heard of the kidnapping and death of the brother of Fr. Pepe Reinoso, an expat in Caracas,Venezuela. We do not pretend to know the depths of sorrow he and the whole family are experiencing. But as we condole with them, we also learn from the good example of our confrere. In one way or the other, the world has lost that sense of the Cross as the center of our personal stories and human history. But the suffering of a confrere puts the crucial issue on the table, where no one could ignore or wish away: we embrace Christ cruciﬁed. This is the heart of our discipleship.” AS FORMATOR AND LEADER “He is revered as a father, admired as a priest, and sought

e"" Reinoso, SDB

BETTER IN GOLD, BETTER THAN GOLD

as a spiritual guide. His physical weakness is for his brothers a powerful witness to the presence of God in their midst. His keen sense on the “comings-and-goings” of his confreres, physically and spiritually, has been a determining factor in the ﬁdelity of his confreres to their duties. His consistency and ﬁrmness in exacting religious discipline and his credible witnessing to what he demands make obedience to rules more compelling.” “His persistent question, challenge, and warning to me have been this: Is your life a prayer and your prayer from life? Mature in your perception of reality and in your faith in the unseen.” AS ANIMATOR OF THE SALESIAN FAMILY “Our preacher for the retreat with the Salesian Family is an authentic Salesian. His witness as a religious man is unquestionable. He is a deeply spiritual priest. His attachment to Christ is conspicuous.” Who is Fr. Pepe? Writing about him on the 50th anniversary of his priesthood is humbling. So many people have seen the

BY ELI CRUZ, SDB

facets of Fr. Pepe’s life from so many angles, in so many lights, with so many expressions. Ask not only the Salesians, but the Salesian Family. Fr. Pepe has so much appreciation for the dignity and role especially of the lay members of the Salesian Family. He spent all these years the best of his energy and enthusiasm for their formation. He loved them, and they in turn would not fail to give their felicitations especially on his birthdays. They can say more about him. In 1965, the tuneful musical film ‘The Sound of Music’ premiered and became one of the top-grossing films of the era. A song from the original Broadway which was included in the film only as a soundtrack questions: ‘How Can Love Survive?’ As I look at Fr. Jose ‘Pepe’ Reinoso, celebrating his 50th year of priesthood (and 60th year as a professed Salesian of Don Bosco), I see a Salesian priest of remarkable proportion, better in gold and better than gold, answering: “A dream that will need / All The Love You Can Give / Every day of your life / For as long as you live.”

BICENTENARY OF THE BIRTH OF DON BOSCO 1815-2015

F I N - F I S N E W S

RHYTHM OF LOVE Makati City—On the occasion of the bicentenary of the birth of Don Bosco, the youth of St. John Bosco Parish, Makati City staged a musical play entitled “Rhythm of Love” to give honor and glory to God for the gift of St. John Bosco to the youth. The play was presented last August for several evenings to the different youth of the Vicariate and to all the parishioners as well. All the different groups of the parish youth ministry contributed to make this play a success. May Don Bosco who look at us from heaven bless and guide us as we strive to be faithful to his charism and mission for the young. With him we would like to affirm our battle cry: “We at St. John Bosco Parish: Happy, HOLY!” VIVA DON BOSCO!— Fr. Ding Cortez, SDB

SALESIANA FILMS

BAGGED BAGGED 8 8 MAJOR MAJOR AWARDS AWARDS IN IN THE THE 2ND 2ND INDING-INDIE INDING-INDIE FILM FILM FESTIVAL FESTIVAL Makati Makati City City –– The The Multi Multimedia media Secti Section on of of Don Don Bosco Bosco Press, Press, Inc. Inc. received received eight eight nominati nominations ons and and bagged bagged eight eight major major awards awards in in The The 2nd 2nd Inding-Indie Inding-Indie Short Short Film Film Festi Festival val last last September September 27, 27, 2015 2015 held held at at Quezon Quezon City City Hall. Hall. Here Here are are the the Eight Eight Awards: Awards: Best Best Short Short Film Film –– Pati Patintero ntero Best Screenplay – Pati Best Screenplay – Patintero ntero (Patrick (Patrick Castañeda) Castañeda) Best Best Editi Editing ng –– Pati Patintero ntero Best Best Actress Actress –– Pati Patintero ntero (Ms. (Ms. Rose Rose Tobias) Tobias) Best Best Musical Musical Score Score –– Takip-Mata Takip-Mata Best Best Actor Actor –– Takip Takip Mata Mata (Mr. (Mr. Edgardo Edgardo Jocson) Jocson) 2nd 2nd People’s People’s Choice Choice award award –– Takip-Mata Takip-Mata 3rd 3rd People’s People’s Choice Choice Award Award –– Luto-Lutuan Luto-Lutuan Here Here are are the the Eight Eight Nominati Nominations: ons: Best Best Director Director –– Redentor Redentor Bernardino Bernardino (Takip-Mata) (Takip-Mata) Best Best Director Director –– Peejay Peejay Baluyot Baluyot and and Early Early Macabales Macabales (Pati (Patintero) ntero) Best Best Cinematography Cinematography -- Raymond Raymond Mamaril Mamaril (Takip-Mata) (Takip-Mata) Best Best Editi Editing ng –– Redentor Redentor Bernardino Bernardino (Takip-Mata) (Takip-Mata) Best Best Actress Actress –– Joy Joy Marie Marie Calotes Calotes (Tumbang (Tumbang Preso) Preso) Best Best Actress Actress –– Katrina Katrina Gonzales Gonzales (Pati (Patintero) ntero) Best Best Supporti Supporting ng Actor Actor –– Ullyses Ullyses Datu Datu (Luto-Lutuan) (Luto-Lutuan) Best Best Supporti Supporting ng Actor Actor –– Julius Julius David David (Pati (Patintero) ntero) CONGRATULATIONS!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!

SAINT JOHN BOSCO TODAY 30 DECEMBER 2015-FEBRUARY 2016

DB200

MALL EXHIBIT GOES SOUTH Cebu, Philippines, September 22, 2015 —The Ayala Malls welcomed the Patron of Youth by opening its door to the #DB200 Exhibit entitled “St. John Bosco: God’s Gift to the Young.” The country-wide exhibit aims at sharing basic information about this extraordinary man whom the Church has hailed as the Father and Teacher of Youth. The Southern phase of the exhibit formally opened on September 22, 2015 with the blessing and ribbon cutting at Paseo Solana, Level 1, Ayala – Cebu. The exhibit ends on September 26. This initiative is part of the celebration of the 200th birthday anniversary of St. John Bosco who was born on August 16, 2015 in Turin, Italy. Through the efforts of Fr. Bernard Nolasco, SDB who initiated the partnership with Ayala Malls, the Salesian-FIS team composed of Fr. Randy Figuracion, Fr. Joriz Calsa and Fr. Medelino Borgueta made the exhibit happened. St. John Bosco is remembered as a priest who dedicated his life to the servie of abandoned young people. Driven by first-hand experience of the effects of poverty and lack of opportunity on these lads, he was determined to change their condition. He founded the Salesians whose goal was to continue responding to the needs of the young making of them “good Christians and honest citizens.” In partnership with Philippine Airlines, the exhibit was brought to Ayala Mall – Abreeza, Davao City on October 1-7, 2015 and in Ayala Mall – Centrio, Cagayan de Oro City on October 10-16, 2015. In Luzon, the exhibit will be viewed in Marquee Mall, Angeles City (Jan. 5 to 11, 2016), Harbour Point, Subic (Jan. 13 to 19, 2016), Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City (Jan. 25 to 31, 2016), and The District, Imus Cavite (Feb. 8 to 14, 2016). —Fr. Randy A. Figuracion, SDB

BICENTENARY OF THE BIRTH OF DON BOSCO 1815-2015