inFINity February 2023

FIN

DB Schools Hold Student Leaders' Assembly

ByMr.YvesEinonnYturralde(DBMabalacat)

DonBoscoTechnicalInstituteofTarlacon Monday,February27,hostedanassembly forallstudentleadersfromdifferentDon Boscoschools.

Afterthe4-yearhiatus,theannualStudent LeadershipAssemblyhasbeenbrought backanditwasparticipatedbythe followingschools:DonBoscoAcademy–Bacolor,DonBoscoCanlubang,DonBosco Academy Mabalacat,DonBoscoTechnical InstituteMakati,andDonBoscoTechnical InstituteTarlac.

Theassemblystartedwithatalkthat heightenedthecommunicationand engagementamongallBosconians.

Rightafter,theyweregivenashortbreakto prepareforthenextpartoftheassembly, theAmazingRace.

Withalltherunningandshouting,thegame endedsmoothlyandwasfollowedbya seriesoftalks,whereeachsetting emphasizedtheassignedSHIELD (Spirituality,Heroism,Integrity,Excellence, Leadership,Discipline)topic

TheeventconcludedwithaHolyMass, followedbyagroupphotoopanda presentationofthesame-dayeditvideo Astudentleaderisalwaysreadytoconquer biggerresponsibilities,andtoday,these Bosconiansprovedthattheycanreally becomeonewhenneeded.

LastFebruary04,2023,confreresfromDBSan Jose,DBTarlac,andDBPampangagathered asacommunityoftheNorthDistricttostrengthen support,solidarity,andsynodalityasan expressionoftheSalesianfraternallife.

Whentheprovincial,Fr.GerryMartin,SDB, concludedhiscanonicalvisitationinDBTarlac andbeganthesameinDBPampanga,thethree communitiesoftheNorthdistricthadalunch get-together Theconfreresrelishedthetable fellowshipcharacterizedbyKapampangan culinaryrepertoireandcomplementedbyshared stories,festivelaughter,andgoodcompany.

inFINity

isamonthlypublicationproducedby theCommissiononSocialCommunication ofthePhilippines--NorthProvince(FIN)

Itcomesouteverylastdayofthemonthasan honortoSt JohnBosco,thetitularpatronof theFINProvince.

Tocontribute,pleasesendusanemailvia cscom@one-bosco.org

donboscofin

Toaccessthepreviousissues

donboscofin

Copyright©2023byFINCSCom

Allrightsreserved Nopartofthismagazine maybereproducedwithoutexpresspermission fromthepublisher.

Thesumptuousmealwascappedbycoffeeand icecreaminDBPampangawherethethree communitiesrecreatedtheSynodalWalkportrayed bytheSDBsandFMAsofPampangalastJanuary31, 2023-thefeastofoursaintlyfatherandfounder, DonBosco

Gatheringslikethis,whicharemarkedbywarmth, conviviality,andjoy,arearegularoccurrenceinthe Northdistrict Theseencountersprovedtobe opportuneavenuesforthefraternalexpressionof support,solidarity,andsynodalitywhichtheChurch, theCongregation,andthecommunitiesdirelyneed today.

EDITORIAL TEAM

OwnerSalesianSocietyofSt.JohnBosco Editor-in-ChiefFr DonnieDuchinDuya,SDB

LayoutFr DonnieDuchinDuya,SDB

CopyEditorFr JesusRichieSantos,SDB

CirculationMs Ma NicoleEspanillo

Tosubscribe,pleasecontact FINCommissiononSocialCommunication (CSCom)

3/FDonBoscoProvincialOffice, DonBoscoCompound,C.RocesAve. cor.A.ArnaizAve., MakatiCity,thePhilippines Tel(02)8893-8227loc 114

Annualsubscription(12issues)

Helpussupportthisministry

MetrobankPasongTamoBranch SalesianSocietyofSt.JohnBosco

Account#018-7-01853866-7

MESSAGE OF THE RECTOR MAJOR Don Ángel Fernández Artime, SDB

DearfriendsandreadersoftheSalesian BulletinofDonBosco,

InharmonyandcommunionwithDonBosco himself,Iamwritingbothtothosewho alreadyfeelathomewithhischarismand alsotothosewhowanttogettoknowSt. JohnBoscoandlearnmoreaboutwhatis doneinJesus’Nameinthestyleofthisgreat “FatherandTeacherofYouth.”

ByDivineProvidence,ithappensthatjustan hourago,IattendedthefuneralofPope EmeritusBenedictXVI.Oneyearafter beginninghisserviceasPontiff,hewrotethe magnificentencyclicalDeusCaritasEst Init, thereisthisstatementthatseemstometo betheveryessenceofthemagnificent fragranceofChristianthought:“Being Christianisnottheresultofanethicalchoice oraloftyidea,buttheencounterwithan

event,aperson,whichgiveslifeanewhorizon andadecisivedirection.”Certainly,thatPersonis JesusChrist.

BenedictXVIelaboratesfurtheronthisthought withotherstatementslikethese:

JesusChrististhePersonifiedTruthwho attractstheworldtohimself.

ThelightthatshinesoutfromJesusisthe splendorofthetruth Everyothertruthisa fragmentoftheTruththatheisandrefersto him.

JesusisthePoleStarofhumanfreedom: withouthim,itlosesitssenseofdirection,for, withouttheknowledgeofthetruth,freedom degenerates,becomesisolated,andis reducedtosterilearbitration. Withhim,freedomisrediscovered;itis recognizedtohavebeencreatedforourgood andisexpressedincharitableactionsand behavior.

Today, there is a great need to listen, to dialogue freely and candidly, to have personal encounters which are free of judgment and condemnation, as well as a great need for silence and presence in God.

Therefore,Jesusgivesmenandwomen totalfamiliaritywiththetruthand continuouslyinvitesthemtoliveinit. Andnothingsucceedsaswellaslove forthetruthinimpellingthehuman mindtowardsunexploredhorizons JesusChrist,whoisthefullnessofthe truth,drawstohimselftheheartofeach person,enlargesit,andfillsitwithjoy.

Inafewsolid,profoundsentences,thereis anentireChristianteachingthatisfarfrom being“moralism,”i.e.,coldandrigidrules devoidoflife TheChristianlifeis,aboveall, atrueencounterwithGod.

ThatiswhyIhavestatedinthetitleofthis essaythat,inmyopinion,adeeply-held conviction,thereismuchmore“thirstfor God”thanweimagineorseemstoexist.

Certainly,Idonotintendtoalterthe statisticsfoundinsociologicalstudiesor createafictitiousscenario.Ido,however, wanttomakeitclearthatintheface-tofaceencounterwiththereallifeofsomany people–fathers,mothers,families, adolescents,andyoungadults–whatone veryoftenfindsisalifethatisnoteasyand mustbetendedtodaily

Humanrelationshipsinwhichloveisboth desiredandnecessarymustbecultivated ineverylittlegesture,everylittledetail,and everyaction.Facetofacelikethat,thereis agreatneedtolisten,todialoguefreely andcandidly,tohavepersonalencounters freeofjudgmentandcondemnation,as wellasagreatneedforsilenceand presenceinGod.

Isaythiswithgreatconviction.Rightherein Valdocco,whereIamnow,Iamsurprised andfilledwithjoywhenagroupofyoung peopletakestheinitiativetoinviteothers foranhourofpresence,silence,andprayer beforeJesusintheBlessedSacrament,ie, foranhourofEucharisticadorationanda

hundred–somanyofthemyoung–respondto theappointment.

AtSacroCuoreinRome,wewouldmeeton Thursdaynights,andyoungpeople,young marrieds–somewiththeirbabies–andother coupleswouldalsobepresentbecausetheyfelt thattheirlivesneededthisencounterwitha Personwhogivesmeaningtoourlives.

WhatIhavecitedhereinoneortwoexamples, Ihaveexperiencedinverymanyplacesand countries Forthisreason,Iaminvitingusinthis essaytodoexactlywhatDonBoscowoulddo.He didnothesitateforamomenttoofferhisboys theexperienceofencounteringJesus.ThatGod whoisPresence,whoisGod-with-us,aswehave justcelebratedatChristmas,continuestobethe sameOnewhocalls,whoinvites,whogives peaceineachpersonalencounter,ineach momentofrestinhim.ItisstillJesuswhowants tomeetallofus,andmanyothers,today Could webeashamedandafraidtowalkthispath?Isit possiblethatmanyofusdonotdaretoinvite otherstoexperiencewhatweliveandwhathas beensofreelygivenandofferedtous?Isitnot thecasethatsincepeoplesaythatthisisnot fashionable,orisold-fashionedandobsolete, thatwebelievethesenegativemessagesand lackthecouragetogivewitnessthatsomeofus, orperhapsmanyofus,continuetoenjoyeach personalencounterwithhimwhoistheLordof Life?

PopeEmeritusBenedict,whohasleftus,was convincedthathislifeandhisfaithwereprecisely forthegrandpurposeofencounteringhisLord. ThisishowPopeFrancissaidfarewelltohim,with thesefinalwordsofhishomily:“Benedict,faithful friendoftheBridegroom,mayyourjoybe completeasyouhearhisvoice,nowandforever!” Friends,letuscontinuepromotingthese encounterswithhimwhoisLife,whogivesus profoundlife–sincethereismore“thirstforGod” thanwhatisspokenof,thanwhatpeoplewould haveusbelieve

Salesiandelegatesandyouthleadersfrom thedifferentsettingsoftheprovincemeton February18,2023,attheAudiovisualRoomof St.JohnBoscoParishinMakatiCityforthe firstOratories’Congressentitled“When Kaya?NowNa!”.OrganizedbytheOratories sectoroftheCommissiononYouthMinistry, thewhole-dayeventsawtheattendanceof 54onsiterepresentatives,aswellasonline attendeesfromtheLegazpi&Nagahouses.

AfterawelcomingmessagefromSCYM delegateFr.JaysonDavid,SDB,onthe mandateofsettingstoestablishtheir respectiveoratories,ParishesdelegateFr. ArmandRobleza,SDB,gavethemorningtalk “NowNa!”onthesimilarityofenvironments fortheyoungpeoplebetweenDonBosco’s timeandthepresent,therebyestablishinga commonunderstandingoftherenewed Salesianyouthcenterandimpressingon theirurgencyforthetimes.

Withthebodyhavingbeenbrokeninto discussiongroups,acollectivesynthesisof observationsabouttheexistingSalesian oratorieswaspresented.

Delegatesarethankfulforthesafespace andanimatedactivitiestheoratories provide,whilealsoyearningforclear Salesiandirectionandanorganizedand systematicformationprogramfortheyoung people.

Asaresponsetothis,Mr.JerrichoReynaldo, ExecutiveDirectoroftheSalesianYouth LeadersAcademy,presentedtheYouth MinistryFrameworkandAcademyprograms atworkintheparishes,whichheofferedto thenon-parishsettingsastoolstorenew theirrespectiveoratories

AttheendoftheCongress,thebodyvoted andagreedtoadoptacrosstheFINyouth centerstheParishesprogramofformation organizedundertheSalesianYouthLeaders Academy.Thisdecisionwillbeforwardedto thesettingrectorsfortheirfinalnod

Theprogramoftheeventwasorganizedby thedirectorsoftheSalesianYouthLeaders AcademyoftheParishesYouthMinistry, endingwithaEucharisticcelebrationforthe 7thSundayinOrdinaryTimeledbyOratories delegateFr AntonioMolavin,SDB

ByMr.JerrichoReynaldo

ThePastoralVisitofHisExcellencyBishop Buenaventura'Ben'Famadico,DD,washeldin ourParishonthe4thofFebruary,2023.Our parishionersgaveawarmwelcometoBishop BenandMsgr.AlexAmanteupontheirarrival. Msgr Amanteisthepastoraldirectorofthe DioceseofSanPablo.

BishopBenheldadialoguewithourParish PriestFr.DanielDadule,Jr.,andtheother Salesianpriests,ParishPastoralCouncil,Parish FinanceCouncil,ParishOfficeStaff,Parish MinistryCoordinators,andtheYouth

Inthisforum,BishopBenaskedthefaithful abouttheirvisionandasp Partoftheactivityisofferin toafellowlaywhoserved theirserviceattheParish.

Thevisitconcludedwitha HolyMass Inhishomily,h weshouldbetruechildre

Wheneverwedogood,we andsalt,"atruelivingexa AnimageofMaryHelpof presentedtohimasatok vi it

Hisvisitisnotonlybeneficialtousasmembers ofthefaithful,itisalsoasignofgracethat reflectsthecareourChurchhasforusas individuals.

Hisvisitgreatlyblessesus Itwastruly inspiringtohaveourbelovedBishopvisitthe Parishandlendhisspiritualguidance.His presencewasfilledwithgraceandlove,and thewholeParishfeltsuitablyinvigoratedin theirfaith.

Hiswordsofsupportandcomfortwerea remindertous,thefaithful,thatthrough steadfastfaith,compassion,andprayer,we canovercomeallofthechallengesahead.

TheBasicEducationDepartment(BED)ofthe DonBoscoEducationalCenters(DBEC) reconvenedforalearningsessionlast February21,2023,attheRoozenHallofSt.

JohnBoscoParishinMakati,followingthe initiativeoftheDBEC-BEDtofortifythe marketingandcommunicationsstrategy ofourDonBoscoschools.

ThisinitiativewaslaunchedlastSeptember1, 2022 Amarketingconsultantwastappedto helptheschoolleadershipto(1)Understand thesituationinlightofthechallenges broughtaboutbythepandemicand(2)

Identifypossiblesolutionstohelpachievethe followingbusinessobjectives.

TheProjectObjectiveistoestablishaclear brandidentityandadistinctbrandstrategy forDBEC-BED,particularlyforthefiveschools, DBCCanlubang,DBTIMakati,DBABacolor, DBAMabalacat,andDBTITarlac.

Theconsultantwastogatherinformation frompotentialandcurrentcustomerstoform adeepunderstandingoftheirneedsand purchasemotivationswithrespecttobasic education.

Dataweregatheredfromdifferentfocus groupdiscussions(FGDs)representing

1.)formerparents;2)parentswithchildren ofgradeschoolage; 3)graduating Bosconians;and4.)parentsofincoming preschoolchildren.OtherthanFGDs,several in-depthinterviewswereconductedwith importantstakeholdersfromtheparticipating schools,alongwiththoroughdocumentsand socialmedia/websiteevaluationandanalysis.

Thedata-gatheringperiodlastedforthree months

Inthesaidlearningsession,themarketing consultantpresentedimportantlearnings fromthegathereddataandidentifiedtasks concerningmarketing/communicationsand administration/operation.

Thenextstepsarethedevelopmentofthe BrandIdentityandBrandPositioning Statementsandthedraftingoftheindividual participatingschool’sMarketingand CommunicationStrategies,whichwillbe carriedoutthroughaworkshopsometimein April2023.

Empowerment,washeldattheFloresHall ofDonBoscoTechnicalCollege Mandaluyong.AnimatedbytheVocation team,itwasattendedby135 participants,includingSalesianpriests, brothers,prenovices,aspirants,theFMA sisters,andlaymissionpartners.

Therewerethreeinvitedresource speakersfortheevent.Dr.Jayeel Cornelio,asociologist,author,andeditor whohaswonmultipleawardsforhis research,spokeabouttheYoungwhoare lookingforGodtheirownway.

ThesecondspeakerwasMs.LesleyAnne Rosal,aprofessorandseasonedyouth minister,andretreatmaster

Hertalkfocusedontheimportanceof CreatingSafeSpacesinvocational accompaniment,emphasizingtheneedto buildtrust,fosterauthenticrelationships,and promoteacultureofrespectandinclusion.

ThethirdresourcespeakerwasFr Miguel AngelGarciaMorcuende,SDB,aleading expertinCatholicschoolmanagementand thecurrentCouncilorforYouthMinistry.His talkcenteredonvocationanimation, exploringstrategiesforengagingyoung people.

Aftertheirpresentations,therewasabriefopen forumwhereattendeescouldaskquestionsand sharetheirexperiences.

Fr.JaysonDavidthensharedthreekeyaspects ofthevocationalprocess:proclamation, proposal,anddiscernment.

Healsoprovidedanoverviewofthecurrentstate ofvocationintheProvince,highlightingthe

challengesandopportunitiesthatlie ahead.

AshortnotefromtheProvincialSuperior,Fr GerryMartin,servedastheconclusionof theevent.Theparticipantsthenshared theirstirringsandreflectionsover sumptuousmerienda.

AyalaLandInc.(ALI)CresendoEstate,the locationoftheDonBosco(DB)Tarlac

CresendoCampus,isacontemporarymixedusedevelopmentof290hectareswhichwill includea32-hectareIndustrialParkanda47hectarecommercialdistrict.

TheestablishmentofDBTarlacCresendo Campus'Technical-VocationalEducationand Training(TVET)Centeraimstomaximizethis potentialforbusinessesinthisenclavethat willneedaworkforcewithahighlevelofskills todriveeconomicgrowth.

ItwillalsoofferSeniorHighSchool(SHS) educationinthefirstfewyears,targetinga startdatein2024.

WiththeassistanceofJASVBuilders,headed byArchitectJoelAndrewVirayastheProject Manager,DBTarlachascontractedthe servicesofRRRicafortConstructions,owned andoperatedbyMr RaffyRicafortasthe generalcontractor

BothAr VirayandMr Ricafortarepastpupils ofDonBoscoTarlac,belongingtotheclassof 1984and1987,respectively

ByMr.RyanGonzales&Ms.LaniTindongan

Theconstructionofficiallybeganlast December13,2022,andisexpectedto finishwithin320days.DonBoscoTarlac alsoreceivedthefirsttrancheofcash donationsfromAyalaLandInc.(ALI) amountingtoP60million,60%oftheir pledge,asseedmoneyfortheSenior HighSchoolBuildingconstruction.

ALIalsopledgedP20MillionfortheTVET Centerprojectedtoopenin2025. Planningsessionsarebeingconduc toensureasmoothtransitionbetwe themaincampusandtheupcoming DBTarlacCresendoCampus.

TheSHSLayMissionPartnershadthe whole-dayplanninglastDecember 2022atthegeneralcontractor’s buildingneartheDBTarlacCresend site.WeeklymeetingsbetweenDB TarlacledbyFr.JerrySantos,Don BoscoFoundation,JASV,andALIare beingconductedforregularupdatin

OnFebruary20,2023,awhole-dayplanning sessionwillbededicatedtofinalizingthesite developmentplanforthe6-ha.campustogether withthestakeholders,andinvitedkeypersonslike Fr.DindoVitug,SDBofOneTVET,andFr.Edwin Ulanday,SDB,currentProvincialEconomer, representativeofDBFoundation,andincoming RectorofDBTarlac

AsTarlacanditssurroundingprovinces emergeastheindustrialpowerhouses ofLuzon,DonBoscoCresendois envisionedtoplayanessentialroleinits development.Itispositionedtobecome abreedinggroundforfuturepublic servantsandcommunityleadersthat willcontributetotheriseofCentral Luzon.

Practical Trainees' Encounter

SixPracticalTraineesfromvarioussettings ofFINProvincejoinedtheir3-dayFormative Encounterwiththetheme“Inter-Generational Dialogue,”heldonFebruary9-11,2023,at TagaytayHighlandsWoodridge.

Theparticipantswhojoinedtheeventare Cl PauloCalderon,SDB(DBTIMakati),Cl Jerick Magsino,SDB(DBTITarlac),Bro.DanielDrew Matias,SDB(DBPrenovitiate),Cl.Alfons Panganiban,SDB(DBCalauan),Cl.Antonio JosefRodriguez,SDB(DBTCMandaluyong) andBro RomnickTabaquero,SDB(DBC Canlubang).

TheSeminarobjectivesweretoprovidethe PracticalTraineeswiththefollowingformative experiences:ashortrespitefromtheirapostolic workbywayof“sharpeningthesaw,”some formativeinputsnecessaryandadequatefor theirpersonalgrowthandapostolictasks,and aspacetoenjoyeachother’scompanyand sharetheirvocationaljourney.

Onthefirstday,Fr ReneLagayagaveinput andaforumaboutunderstandingBaby Boomers.Heemphasizedthedifference betweenthegenerationofBabyBoomersto othersandwhataretheeffectivewaysof dealingwiththem.

experience,particularlyintheirapostolate. Ontheafternoonofthesameday,the participantswenttotheSt.JohnBoscoParish atSta.RosaandmetFr.GerardoMartinSDB, ProvincialSuperiorofFIN.Fr.Gerryhelda conferenceanddialoguewiththePractical Trainees TheyhadtheirdinneratNuvali,Sta Rosaafterward.

ThesecondspeakerwasMr.JudeLiao.Hegave inputaboutUnderstandingGenZ Heshared insightsonpossiblypreparingoneselfin managingGenZ.

Therewasanopendiscussiononthe experienceofPracticalTraineesontheir apostolate.

Theseminarwasindeedanenriching experienceandwoulddefinitelyplayavital roleinbringingoutthebestintheYoung Salesiansastheycontinuetobesignsand bearersofGod’slovefortheyouth.

TheencounterwasorganizedbyFr.Rusty Dizon,SDB,PracticalTraineesIn-chargewith theFINCommissionofFormation.

TheCommissiononFamily(COF)spearheads theKapihanatMHCandcollaborateswiththe variousMinistriesandorganizationsfromother Commissionsaspartofitsthrusttohelp furtherpromotesynodalityinourParish

IntheFebruary19collaborationwiththe CommissiononServicestoHumanPromotions (COSHP),thelatterinfusedfreecooking demonstrationsintotheprogram

AliceReyes(representing LivelihoodMinistry) showedhowtopreparesimplemeals.

ThisideawascarriedoutbytheKnightsof Columbus(KCcouncil8256)asitdrives awarenessforitsongoing “Basahinko, Ikwentomo” LiteracyandComprehension Programfortheyouth

Parishionersareencouragedtodropbythe gymonSundaysat9AMforthepa-kape andkumustahanandcouldexpect additionalprogramslikethiscooking demonstrationthatwillbeconductedby othergroupsinourParishcommunity,and mayevenincludetheBarangayoreventhe LocalGovernment.

DB College Launches Hydrophonics Farming

DonBoscoCollegeinCanlubang,Laguna, Philippines,installedagreenhousetogrow vegetables,particularlylettuces,withtheuse ofahydroponicssystem.

Hydroponicsisamethodusedtogrowplants inwatercontainingnutrients.Thisprojectwas fundedbyDBTechASEANthroughDonBosco OneTVET,encouragingandsupportingGreen TVETinourDonBoscoTrainingCenters.

Theimpactofthisprojectisforstudentsto experiencethebenefitsofgrowingtheirown vegetablesattheirownhomesinvariousways andlearnthepossibilityofearningfromit

Dr.PrimitivoSantos,whowaspreviously connectedwiththeInstituteofPlantBreedingUniversityofthePhilippinesLosBaños(IPBUPLB),gaveanorientationinputlastJanuary26 onhydroponicstoourTVETstudents,discussing thebenefitsandadvantagesofusingthis system.

DB Makati Welcomes

DB Tarlac for Acad-Tech Benchmarking

TheElementaryandJuniorHighSchool DepartmentsofDonBoscoTechnical Institute--Makatiservedashostsoftheir fellowfacultyandpersonnelofDonBosco TarlaclastFebruary23,2023.

Thisbenchmarkingactivityreaffirmsthe commitmentofDonBoscoMakatito sharingitsbestacademicandtechnical educationpracticeswithitspartnerschools whileatthesametimelearningfromtheir ownexperiencesaswellunderthe EducationalSystemofourFatherand Patron,SaintJohnBosco.

Aspirants Undergo Mental Health Awareness Seminar

NEW ASSIGNMENTS

Intherectors'meetingheldlastFebruary7,Fr GerryMartincommunicatedtheappointments ofFr.RamilMaranan,SDB,astheSalesianYouthMovement-FINDelegateandFr.JuvelanPaul Samia,SDB,asDeputyChancellorforPastoralAffairsoftheDonBoscoEducationalCenters (DBEC).

FELICITATIONS

IntherecenttheologicalcomprehensiveexamsheldlastFebruary24attheDonBoscoSchoolof Theology,ouryoungconfreresfromtheSeminaryongDonBosco--Cls PaulAldrinDungca, NathanielPetate,andDanielGonzales--allpassedtheexaminationswithflyingcolors.

Cls PaulandDanielachievedsummacumlaude,whileCl Nathanfinishedcumlaude

Fr.RamilMaranan,SDB SYMDelegate

Fr.JuvelanPaulSamia,SDB DeputyChancellorforPastoralAffairs DonBoscoEducationalCenters

Slowly but Steady

Slowbutsteady…

ItwasSt.JohnBosco’sbirthdaythen,16thof August2017,whenwestartedourpresence hereinMalaysiaasSalesianmissionaries.

Now,onSt.JohnBosco’sfeastday,31stof January2023,ourSalesianapostolatehere hasgrownaftermorethanfiveyears.Iam sorry,notinleapsandbounds…asIhave wishedittobe Butslowlyyetsteadily as Godprobablywantedittobe. Haveyouheardofthephrase“slowbut steady”? That’swhatfillsmymindandmy heartnowasIthinkoftheDonBosco Malaysiadreamunfoldingintoreality.

Fromourarrivalherein2017uptonow, January2023,thegrowthofthepresence andapostolateoftheSalesiansinMalaysia hasbeen“slowbutsteady.”

Especiallywiththerecentvisitofourdear Provincial,Fr.GerryMartin,hereinSarawak, Malaysia,fromJanuary15to21,thingshave movedtothenextlevelfortheSalesian missioninthispartoftheworld.

Historicaldevelopmentshavehappened.

First,theKuchingArchdiocese,underthe shepherdingofArchbishopSimonPoh,has entrustedtotheSalesiansthe administrationandministeringofoneofthe parishesinthecityofKuching,theHoly TrinityParish,andourRectorMajor,Fr.Angel FernandezArtime,SDB,hasheartily acceptedit.

Verysoon,Fr.EugeneMaglasang,SDB,will beinstalledastheparishpriestofthat Church.

Secondly,theongoingserviceofthe SalesiansintheKuchingArchdiocesan YouthCommission,theyouthofficeofthe KuchingArchdiocese,hasbeenreinforced Fr.RamonBorja,SDB,remainsasthe Commission’schairperson.

Thirdly,theinitialstepstosetupa“boarding home”apostolaterunbytheSalesiansfor theyouthoftheArchdiocese,especially thosefromprovincesandthose marginalized,havebeenundertaken.And allthesethreearenowwell-definedina MemorandumofAgreementsignedbyboth theArchbishopandFr Provincial

Lastbutsurelynottheleastisthemeet-up betweenFr.ProvincialandBishopRichard Ng,thebishopoftheDioceseofMiri, Sarawak,Malaysia.ThesaidBishophas expressedhiscordialinvitationforthe Salesianstobepresentandofserviceinthe MiriDiocese.

AsIwritethisupdate,onthisveryspecial date,the31stofJanuary,thefeastofour fatherandfounder,St.JohnBosco,afterFr. EugeneandIcelebratedthisfeastwitha HolyMasswithparishionersandwitha homelydinnerfollowedbytheprayingof theholyrosaryasSDBconfreres,Ithank Godforallthathasbeenandallthatshall be.

IthankMaryandStJohnBosco…andallthe peoplewhohavebeeninstrumentalinthe growthofthepastoralpresenceofthe Salesiansinthispartoftheworld.

MaywhatGodhasbegunthroughStJohn BoscoinItalyintheeighteenhundredsdeepen andspreadhereinSarawak,inMalaysia,inthe livesofmoreandmoreyouth

AndIamsogladandgrateful,humbledand honored,tobepartofthis…theunfoldingofthe “slowbutsteady”DonBoscoMalaysiadream intoreality.