FEATURE
eSalesian
Assistance amidst
the Pandemic
By Mr. Diego Leandro Contreras
Y
outh centers, schools, chapels – young people had been literally everywhere before the onslaught of COVID-19. Unfortunately, the usual activities that connected the Salesians and youth have been compromised due to the restrictions on social gatherings. In response to this, there were groups of Salesian priests, clerics, and brothers who initiated various online programs, including VocTok: Usapang Bokasyon at Buhay-buhay, D’Word, SWalk, and Koyang TV. These programs have been their means to be present online, hence the term “e-Salesian Assistance.” Last September 8, 2020, on the Feast of the Nativity of Mary, the Vocation Team of the Salesians of Don Bosco - Philippine North Province (SDB-FIN) launched the first episode of VocTok: Usapang Bokasyon at Buhay-buhay or simply dubbed as “VocTok.” VocTok is an online vocation talk show aimed at featuring the stories of various guests from different vocations and professions. In its first season in 2020, comprising a total of 16 episodes, the show was able to feature Salesians, doctors, nuns, couples, a writer,
seminarians, ex-seminarians, a teacher, and a celebrity. On top of featuring the stories of amazing persons, VocTok envisions to challenge its viewers, especially the young people, to be salts and light of the world in whatever vocation they are being called for. Hosted by the Vocation Director of SDB-FIN Fr. Jayson B. David, SDB, this program continues to air every Saturday at 6:00 PM via the Facebook Page of Salesian Vocation – FIN. For some, it has been a Saturday habit to watch D’Word right after watching VocTok. D’Word is also an online livestream program that specifically aims to expose God’s word and relate it to the life of young people. This online broadcast is mainly hosted by Cl. Paul Aldrin Dungca, SDB, Cl. Jojo Valenzuela, SDB, Sr. Janis Mia Aguirre, FMA, Ferl Angelene Larrosa, and John Paul Almerez and aims to prepare the young people for the Sunday Eucharist and provide a safe and light place for the discussion of life and spirituality. Since their first airing last September 2020, D’Word continues to livestream through their Facebook Page every Saturday from 8:30 to 9:30 PM. St. John Bosco Today | January-March 2021
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